Universal Tube Link for Roller Shutters with Adjustable Slots
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity of producing tube links for roller shutters is increased due to the variety of winding tube types with different opening spacings, requiring multiple models and complicating manufacturing, which hampers productivity and industrialization.
Innovation Solution
A tube link with adaptable features, including adjustable connecting pieces and an elastic bearing, allows for secure attachment to various types of winding tubes with different center distances between openings, simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing the number of necessary models.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple models of tube links are produced to accommodate different winding tube types with varying opening spacings, then adaptability to different tube types is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The tube link is designed with a universal structure that can accommodate multiple types of winding tubes with different opening spacings. The bottom wall includes multiple slots at different positions, allowing a single tube link model to be adapted to various tube configurations by selecting appropriate slots for hooking engagement, thereby eliminating the need for multiple specialized models.
Solution Approach 2:
The tube link incorporates adjustable and movable elements, specifically the selectable slots in the bottom wall that can engage with different opening positions on the tube. This dynamic configuration allows the same tube link to adapt its geometry to match different tube types, providing versatility without requiring multiple fixed designs.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple models of tube links are produced for different winding tube types, then compatibility with various tubes is improved, but manufacturing productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
By designing a single universal tube link model with multiple slot positions, the manufacturing process is simplified to produce only one base model. This eliminates the need for separate production lines and tooling for multiple models, thereby improving manufacturing productivity while maintaining compatibility with various tube types through selective slot engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the functionality of multiple specialized tube link models into a single unified design. The bottom wall integrates multiple slots that collectively provide the adaptability previously requiring separate models, consolidating production into one model type and enhancing manufacturing efficiency.
3Ease of manufacture
If a standardized tube link design is used for different tube types, then manufacturing is simplified, but adaptability to different opening spacings may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The standardized tube link design incorporates multiple slots positioned at different locations on the bottom wall. This universal structure maintains manufacturing simplicity while providing adaptability to different opening spacings, as the appropriate slots can be selected during assembly to match the specific tube configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The bottom wall is segmented into multiple discrete slots at different positions. This segmentation allows the standardized tube link to adapt to various opening spacings by engaging different slot combinations, maintaining both manufacturing simplicity and adaptability.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables easy, quick, and tool-free attachment to different types of winding tubes, enhancing productivity by standardizing the tube link design and accommodating various tube types, thereby simplifying the manufacturing process and reducing the need for multiple models.
Implementation Method 1
a means of elastic bearing against the tube, provided under its bottom wall at the link/tube interface capable of compensating for the differences in wall thickness of the tubes of different types
Data Source
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AI summary
tube link (3) comprising a bottom wall (10) adapted to be applied against the tube (1), and means for attaching to at least two openings of the tube; the bottom wall (10) of the link is traversed by a base light (11), and at least two other lights (12, 13) located at different distances from the base light and corresponding to the distances of two successive openings of tubes of at least two different types, and the link (3) comprises assembly means (E) for fixing a connecting piece (16) adapted to the tube to be fitted and comprising two hooking lugs (18, 19) passing respectively through the base light (11) and another light (12) corresponding to two openings of the tube, so that the same type of tube link can be used for tubes of different types by assembly with an appropriate connecting piece.