Universal Flange for Roller Shaft Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing flange systems for roller shutters and similar protection installations require multiple adapters for different configurations, leading to complexity and potential loss of parts during assembly.

Innovation Solution

A flange design that can accommodate both a motor and an adapter piece, allowing for standardized parts and simplified assembly in various configurations, with features like a receiving orifice for the adapter piece and assembly means for a winch, enabling easy and tool-free assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple adapters are used for different configurations, then the flange system can accommodate various shaft configurations, but the device complexity and number of parts increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration compatibilityVSAvoidnumber of adapters
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The flange is designed with a universal receiving structure that can accommodate both motor units and adapter pieces through the same mounting interface. The receiving portion includes a standardized opening and mounting features that work with both types of attachments, eliminating the need for configuration-specific flange variants.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the functions of multiple specialized flanges into a single multi-functional flange design. By integrating both motor mounting capabilities and adapter piece receptacles into one flange body, the system reduces the total number of different flange types needed while maintaining all required configuration options.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple adapters and adaptation parts are used, then different shaft configurations can be supported, but the assembly process becomes more time-consuming and parts can be lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshaft configuration supportVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter piece is designed with pre-integrated mounting features and alignment elements that prepare the connection geometry in advance. The receiving portion of the flange includes pre-formed mounting openings and positioning structures that guide the adapter piece into correct alignment, eliminating the need for complex assembly sequences or intermediate adjustment steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The assembly mechanism incorporates self-aligning features where the adapter piece automatically positions itself relative to the flange during installation. The geometric constraints and fitted connections enable the components to find their correct relative positions without external alignment tools or multiple adjustment operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Manufacturing precision

If specialized adaptation parts are used for each configuration, then precise shaft positioning can be achieved, but the quantity of different parts increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshaft positioning accuracyVSAvoidnumber of different parts
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The flange and adapter piece incorporate localized precision features at specific connection points rather than requiring overall specialized designs. The receiving portion includes precisely engineered mounting openings and positioning elements only where needed for accurate shaft positioning, while other areas of the components maintain standardized,通用 features.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

A single standardized adapter piece design serves multiple configuration purposes through its universal interface with the flange. The adapter piece maintains precise positioning capabilities while being able to accommodate different shaft types and configurations through its versatile connection geometry, eliminating the need for multiple specialized adapter variants.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4019735A1Flange for holding a shaft of a protection installation, in particular of a roller blind, holding device comprising such a flange, associated subassembly for mounting and protection installation
Publication Date: 2022.06.29 ZURFLUH FELLER SA
  • EP4019735A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4019735A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4019735A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

This flange (100) for holding a shaft (40) of a protection installation (2), in particular a roller shutter, comprises a body (104), which extends in a flange plane (P100) and in which a receiving orifice (110) is provided. For more practical assembly, the receiving port (110) is configured to both: - receive an adapter piece (160), configured to support a tip (180) mounted on one end (44) of the shaft (40), so as to guide the shaft (40) in rotation relative to the flange (100) around its winding axis (X40), - in the absence of an adapter piece (160), receive a motor, mounted on another end of the shaft (40), the motor being configured to drive the shaft in rotation relative to the flange (100) around the winding axis (X40).