Retractable Terrace Louvers With Single-Drive Motion Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing terrace coverings with slat devices have high production costs and are difficult to install, operate, and service due to complex mechanics.
Innovation Solution
A terrace covering system with a simplified mechanical design using a single movement drive for both translational and rotational movements of louvers, featuring an endless transmission loop and interconnected louvers for simultaneous movement, reducing mechanical complexity and installation time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple movement drives (one for translation and one for rotation) are used for the louvers, then the functionality is complete, but the device complexity and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the translational and rotational movement functions into a single movement drive system. The drive mechanism includes a drive shaft that simultaneously performs both translation and rotation of the louvers through an integrated transmission system, eliminating the need for separate drives for each movement type.
Solution Approach 2:
The single movement drive is designed to perform multiple functions: it translates the louvers along the longitudinal axis and rotates them around their longitudinal axis. The transmission system uses gear mechanisms that enable one drive unit to control both degrees of freedom of the louver assembly.
2Ease of operation
If multiple movement drives are used for translation and rotation, then complete movement control is achieved, but production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two separate movement control systems (translation drive and rotation drive) into one integrated movement drive. This reduces the number of components, assembly steps, and manufacturing operations, thereby lowering production costs while maintaining full movement control capability.
3Manufacturing precision
If separate transmission systems for translation and rotation are implemented, then precise control is achieved, but installation and servicing become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission system is designed as an integrated unit that handles both translational and rotational movements. This consolidation reduces the number of separate components that need to be installed, aligned, and serviced, making the overall system easier to install and maintain while preserving precise movement control through the coordinated action of the unified transmission mechanism.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a terrace covering for covering at least a part of a terrace, the terrace covering comprising: a frame having two outer longitudinal beams defining a covering surface; and a plurality of louvres arranged between the two outer longitudinal beams, and configured for being moved translationally between a closed position, in which the louvers of the plurality of louvers are divided evenly spaced over the covering surface, and an open position, in which the louvers of the plurality of louvers are packed at an end of the outer longitudinal beams, and for being moved rotationally between a horizontal orientation and a vertical upright orientation, wherein the terrace covering comprises only one movement drive for the plurality of louvers operatively connected to at least one of the plurality of louvers, and configured for both translational moving the plurality of louvers between the closed position and the open position, and for rotational moving the louvers between the vertical upright orientation and the horizontal orientation.