Architectural structure coverings

Abstract

In one aspect, an architectural structure covering includes a covering material, a headrail, a motor positioned in the headrail, and a lift station positioned in the headrail. The lift station is operable to raise and lower the covering material. The architectural structure covering also includes a battery system positioned in the headrail between the motor and the lift station, wherein the battery system includes a battery housing that defines a drive channel. Additionally, the architectural structure covering includes a plurality of batteries positioned in the battery housing and a drive shaft extending from the motor to the lift station through the drive channel, wherein the drive shaft is configured to operate the lift station based on an operation of the motor.

Description

PATENTAttorney Docket No.: HUD-218ARCHITECTURAL STRUCTURE COVERINGSCROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] The present application is based upon and claims the right of priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 697.038, filed September 20, 2024, the disclosure of which is hereby incorporated by reference herein in its entirety for all purposes.BACKGROUND

[0002] Architectural structure coverings can be operated using different mechanisms. In one example, the architectural structure covering is motorized. A power storage device, such as a battery, can supply power to a motor of the architectural structure covering. The motor can be operated to move a covering of the architectural structure covering between different positions.BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0003] A further understanding of the nature and advantages of various embodiments may be realized by reference to the following figures. In the appended figures, similar components or features may have the same reference label. Further, various components of the same type may be distinguished by following the reference label by a dash and a second label that distinguishes among the similar components. If only the first reference label is used in the specification, the description is applicable to any one of the similar components having the same first reference label irrespective of the second reference label.

[0004] FIG. 1 depicts a front view of an example architectural structure covering system in a closed position, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0005] FIG. 2A depicts a front view of example interior components of an architectural structure covering assembly, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0006] FIG. 2B depicts a top view of example interior components of the architectural structure covering assembly of FIG. 2A, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0007] FIG. 3 A depicts an isometric view of an example battery system, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0008] FIG. 3B depicts a partial exploded view of the example battery system of FIG. 3 A, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0009] FIG. 4 depicts an exploded view of an example battery housing and internal components, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0010] FIG. 5 depicts a cross-sectional view of the architectural structure covering of FIG. 1 along Section A-A, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0011] FIG. 6 depicts a cross-sectional view of the architectural structure covering of FIG. 5 with swollen batteries, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0012] FIG. 7A depicts a top isometric and exploded view of the housing components and circuit board, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0013] FIG. 7B depicts a bottom isometric and exploded view of the housing components and circuit board of FIG. 7A, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0014] FIG. 8A depicts a top isometric view of the internal electrical components of a battery system, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0015] FIG. 8B depicts a bottom isometric view of the internal electrical components of FIG.8 A, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0016] FIG. 9A depicts a top isometric view of the example endcaps, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0017] FIG. 9B depicts a bottom isometric view of the example endcaps of FIG. 9A, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0018] FIG. 10 depicts an exploded view of an example battery system, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0019] FIG. 11 A depicts a top isometric view of an example motor assembly, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0020] FIG. 1 IB depicts an exploded view of the example motor assembly of FIG. 11 A, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0021] FIG. 12 depicts a top isometric view of an example motor base, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0022] FIG. 13 A depicts a top isometric view of an example motor base, circuit board, and light control element, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0023] FIG. 13B depicts a top isometric view of the example motor base, circuit board, and light control element of FIG. 13 A, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0024] FIG. 13C depicts a side isometric view of the example motor base, circuit board, and light control element of FIG. 13 A, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0025] FIG. 14A depicts a top isometric view of an example motor assembly, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0026] FIG. 14B depicts a bottom isometric view of the example motor assembly of FIG. 14A, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0027] FIG. 15 depicts a side view of an example motor assembly and headrail, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0028] FIG. 16A depicts a bottom isometric view of an example covering endcap and motor assembly, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0029] FIG. 16B depicts a top isometric view of the example covering endcap and motor assembly of FIG. 16A, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.

[0030] FIG. 17 depicts a block diagram of an example controller, according to an embodiment of the disclosure.DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0031] Examples herein are directed to, among other things, systems and techniques relating to architectural structure coverings, but particular examples are described that include a motorized window covering system. The motorized window covering system can be placed within a structure, such as, but not limited to, an apartment, a house, a building, or the like. The motorized window covering can be positioned adjacent to a window. For example, the motorized window covering can be positioned adjacent to a window to block some or all of an external light fromentering the structure, as well as to providing privacy for occupants of the structure. The motorized window covering can include a motor, power supply, and a cover. The power supply can supply electrical power to the motor. The motor can operate the lift stations to move the cover, for example, between a closed position where the cover allows external light to enter the structure, and an open position where the cover is extended and blocks external light from entering the structure.

[0032] In some examples, the power supply may include using one or more batteries, such as rechargeable batteries, positioned in a headrail of the architectural structure covering. Doing so can avoid the need for external mounting of the power source and can result in an improved aesthetic of the architectural structure covering. The internal inclusion of the power source can also positively affect mounting depth of the architectural structure covering (e.g., because no power supply needs to be installed behind the architectural structure covering). However, positioning the batteries inside the headrail can introduce challenges due to the existing internal components of the headrail. For example, positioning the batteries along the ends of the headrail can require a rearrangement of the internal components of the headrail that can lead to the headrail having an increased to accommodate such a rearrangement. Meanwhile, positioning the batteries towards a central portion of the headrail may impair the function of the internal components of the headrail. This can include re-arranging the drive shafts extending from the motor that already occupy the central portion of the headrail, which can decrease the efficiency of the rotational power transfer from the motor to the lift stations that lift the cover.

[0033] Additionally, conventional systems may include a control element that is coupled to the endcap. This conventional control element can engage an activation switch to cause a light source to activate such that light emits from that light source. However, coupling the control element to the endcap can result in tolerance stacking issues due to the number of components operably connecting the activation switch, the light source, and the control element (e.g., the endcap, the headrail, fabrics, various pins, or the like). Specifically, the accumulation of dimensional variances for each of these components (e.g., as a result of inconsistent manufacturing processes) may result in the conventional control element being misaligned with the activation switch and / or the light source such that operation of the control element would notproperly engage the activation switch and / or align with the light source. As such, control elements to propagate light may not be effective due to these tolerance stacking issues.

[0034] Further, conventional systems used adhesive pads to couple the motor assembly to the headrail. Additionally, these adhesive pads were used to provide vibration absorption between the motor assembly and the headrail to minimize the transfer of vibrations from the motor assembly to the headrail. However, after enough cycles of use, the adhesive pads would be worn down such that the adhesive pads would no longer provide vibration absorption. Additionally, during assembly, the adhesive pads can be decoupled (e.g., scraped off) as the motor assembly is pushed inside the headrail, resulting in certain portions of the motor assembly not having the desired vibration absorption or adhesive. As such, conventional adhesive pads can be ineffective in providing vibration absorption between the motor assembly and the headrail.

[0035] The present disclosure provides for an architectural structure covering that addresses these issues. For example, the architectural structure covering includes a battery system positioned in a headrail that houses batteries while defining a drive channel that allows drive shafts to extend from the motor directly to the lift station. This battery system allows for batteries to be positioned in the headrail without affecting (or minimally affecting) a size of the headrails while still allowing the motor to optimally provide rotational power to the lift stations. As will be discussed further below, the battery system offers additional benefits, such as providing protection to the batteries as well as acting as a heat sink for the batteries during use. Additionally, the architectural structure covering reduces the number of components operably coupled between the light control element, and the activation switch and light source to minimize tolerance stacking issues. Further, the architectural structure cover includes a motor assembly having vibration dampeners between the headrail and the motor assembly to improve vibration absorption between the motor assembly and the headrail.

[0036] FIG. 1 depicts an architectural structure covering 100 in a closed position. As illustrated, the architectural structure covering 100 is a motorized window covering assembly, but other suitable architectural structure covering assemblies can be represented by components illustrated in FIG. 1. The architectural structure covering 100 can include a cover 102 (e g., a shade panel). The cover 102 is also referred to herein as a covering material. The cover 102 can be moved vertically (e g., by a motor), though other configurations in which the cover 102 can bemoved horizontally or in other suitable directions are possible. The cover 102 may be moved between a fully lowered or extended position (e.g., an open position) and a fully raised or retracted position (e.g., a closed position as illustrated in FIG. 1). When the cover 102 is in the closed position, the cover 102 can expose an adjacent architectural feature 104 such as a window. When the cover 102 is in the open position, the shade panel can cover the adjacent architectural feature 104. The architectural structure covering 100 can move the cover 102 to any number of intermediate positions defined between the open and closed position such that the cover 102 partially covers the adjacent architectural feature 104.

[0037] In FIG. 1, it should be appreciated that, as used herein, the term “vertical” describes the orientation or arrangement of the architectural structure covering 100 in its open position as indicated by vertical arrow 106 such as when the architectural structure covering 100 is mounted for use relative to an adjacent architectural feature 104. Similarly, the term “horizontal” generally describes a direction perpendicular to the vertical arrow 106 and extends side-to-side relative to the architectural structure covering 100, as illustrated by arrow 108. The various directional references used herein are simply utilized to provide context to the illustrated examples, and thus, should not be construed as otherwise limiting. For instance, some architectural structure covering assemblies 100 may include respective covers configured to extend and retract in the horizontal direction, for example as indicated by the arrow 108.

[0038] The cover 102 may be or otherwise include textile, a sheer fabric, a woven fabric, a non-woven fabric, and / or any other suitable material for use with the architectural structure covering 100. The cover 102 can be sized as required or desired for use with an architectural building. For example, the cover 102 can be sized to fit within a window frame 110 such that the cover 102 can move between the closed position and the open position. In various embodiments, the cover 102 can be substantially the same height and / or width as the window frame 110.

[0039] In some embodiments, the architectural structure covering 100 can include a headrail 109. The headrail 109 can be positioned to cover some or all of the cover 102 such as when the cover 102 is in the closed position. The headrail 109 can be architectural in nature. For example, the headrail 109 can be architecturally pleasing and / or match the adjacent architectural feature 104 and / or the window frame 110.

[0040] The architectural structure covering 100 can be attached to the window frame 110 and / or a wall via attachment 112. The attachment 112 can hold the architectural structure covering 100 in position while the cover 102 moves. The attachment 112 can be attached to an interior side of the window frame 110. In some embodiments, the attachment 112 can be attached to a wall above the window frame 110.

[0041] A charger 114 can attach to the architectural structure covering 100, for example, to transfer electrical power and / or or data to and / or from the architectural structure covering 100. For example, the charger 114 can attach to the architectural structure covering 100 to provide electrical power to a power supply or battery pack positioned within the architectural structure covering 100. The charger 114 can include magnets and / or a magnetic connector to connect the charger 114 to the architectural structure covering 100. In some embodiments, the magnets can align the charger 114 with a charging port of the architectural structure covering 100. The magnets can additionally or alternatively hold the charger 114 in position, for example, to charge the power supply or battery pack in the architectural structure covering 100. The charger 114 can connect to a power source (e.g., an outlet). For example, one end of the charger 114 can engage with the architectural structure covering 100 and the opposite end can plug into a wall outlet. In various embodiments, the charger 114 can include a connector 116. The connector 116 can allow the charger 114 to connect to a cable such as an extension cable.

[0042] A holder 118 can be used to hold the charger 114 and position the charger 114 for attachment to the architectural structure covering 100. The holder 118 can include an opening where a portion of the charger 114 can be positioned. For example, the holder 118 can include slots where protrusions of the charger 114 can be inserted. When the protrusions are inserted in the slots, the charger 114 can be held in the same position relative to the holder 118 to prevent the charger 114 from rotating.

[0043] In various embodiments, the holder 118 can be positioned on an extension 120. The extension 120 can allow the charger 114 to be positioned next to the architectural structure covering 100 for engagement with the architectural structure covering 100. The extension 120 can be or include an extendable pole that can be extended to position the charger next to the architectural structure covering 100 when the architectural structure covering 100 is positioned in a hard to access location. In some embodiments, the holder 118 and / or the extension 120 caninclude a threaded connection to connect the holder 1 18 to the extension 120. Although external charging is described herein above, the embodiments are not limited as such. For instance, disposable batteries may be used, whereby the charger 114 and holder 118 need not be implemented.

[0044] FIGS. 2A and 2B depict internal components of the components of the headrail architectural structure covering 100. FIG. 2A depicts a side view of the architectural structure covering 100 and FIG. 2B depicts a top view of the architectural structure covering 100. For ease of viewing, the headrail 109 has been removed in FIGS. 2A and 2B. The architectural structure covering 100 can include a first motor assembly 202a and a second motor assembly 202b electrically connected to, and receiving electrical power from, a battery system 220. The motor assemblies 202a, 202b can each include a corresponding motor that drives movement of the cover 102 (e.g., between the open position and the closed position). The battery system 220 can be a system that includes battery(ies) (e.g., rechargeable batteries or, more generally, a power storage device that can be rechargeable) and / or any other power source as needed to provide electrical power to the motor assemblies 202a, 202b.

[0045] The motor assemblies 202a, 202b can each house one or more circuit boards (e.g., printed circuit boards), however, in other embodiments, only one circuit board may be housed in one of the motor assemblies. In an example, one or more circuit boards can be included in the battery system 220. The circuit boards of each motor assembly 202a, 202b and the battery system 220 can electronically communicate with other components via a wired connection and / or a wireless connection. For example, the circuit boards can be electrically coupled with the motors of each motor assembly 202a, 202b, with one or more additional circuit boards of the motor assembly 202a, 202b and the battery system 220, or other components in electronic communication with the circuit boards. In one example, one or more of the circuit boards can correspondingly drive the motors of each motor assembly 202a, 202b to move the cover 102, and one or more of the circuit boards can be or include an encoder and / or a tracking device that can track the position of the motor in the motor assemblies 202a, 202b. As used herein, an encoder may be any device that converts angular position, linear position, or motion of a shaft or axle to an analog or digital code. The encoder can be or include a Hall effect sensor that detects rotation of a magnet coupled to an output (e.g., one or more of the drive shafts 206a, 206b) of the motorassemblies 202a, 202b and / or any type of device that detects rotations (e.g., a rotary encoder or a gravitational sensor). The encoder can be positioned on the circuit boards or any suitable position within the headrail 109. The position of the motor in the motor assemblies 202a, 202b can be correlated with the position of the cover 102 of the architectural structure covering 100. The one or more circuit boards can include a communication device, such as a transmitter, a receiver, a transceiver, and / or other interface, to facilitate exchange of data with remote devices such as a remote device and / or a user device.

[0046] In various embodiments, the circuit board(s) can be connected via a wired connection to any other suitable component of the architectural structure covering 100. For example, the circuit board(s) can be connected via wired connection using a wire connector (not shown) or any other suitable electrical or communication connection. The wire connector can be or include a flat cable (e.g., a flat flex) that are positioned between a component (e.g., the battery system 220) and the headrail 109 or any component thereof, such as one or more of the motor assemblies 202a, 202b. The wire connector can allow the use of a smaller headrail around the components. For example, the wire connector can allow a smaller headrail than there would be if a traditional round cable was used. The wire connector can include wires for transmitting a signal and / or wires for transmitting electrical power. For example, signal wires can carry information about a position of one or more of the motors in the motor assemblies 202a, 202b sensed by the encoder, whereas the power wires can supply electrical power to the encoder. In some embodiments, the wire connector can include wires arranged to prevent or reduce interference of the signals. For example, the wires transmitting the signals can be separated from the wires transmitting electrical power.

[0047] In further embodiments, the components of the architectural structure covering 100 can be positioned along an X-axis (e.g., a longitudinal direction for laterally spacing apart the components). The components can be positioned along the X-axis to maximize the size of one or more of the components that can fit within the headrail 109. For example, the components can be positioned along X-axis to maximize the size of the battery system 220 that can fit in the headrail 109. However, the components can be positioned along the X-axis to minimize distances between various components or between the architectural structure covering 100 and the architectural structure.

[0048] In various embodiments, a covering endcap 208 can be positioned at a first end of the architectural structure covering 100. The motor assemblies 202a, 202b, or any other suitable component, can be positioned next to the covering endcap 208 and electrically coupled with a charging port 210 of the covering endcap 208. In some embodiments, the charging port 210 can receive a charger 114 which can include a cassette for charging the architectural structure covering 100 (e.g., the battery system 220 thereof). Additionally, the charging port 210 can be electrically coupled with the battery system 220, the motor assembly 202a, 202b, and / or a circuit board. The circuit boards can include a motor controller that can control the motor assemblies 202a, 202b, and the battery system 220 can be positioned next to (e.g., above or below) the circuit boards. The battery system 220 can receive electrical power from the charging port 210 such as via the circuit boards or other suitable components. However, in other embodiments, the covering endcap may not include a charging port, such as where the battery system does not include rechargeable batteries.

[0049] The architectural structure covering 100 can include a first lift station 204a, a second lift station 204b, a third lift station 204c, and a fourth lift station 204d. The lift stations 204a, 204b, 204c, 204d can house lift spools that, when operated, lowers and raises lift cords coupled to the cover 102 to lower and raise the cover 102 as desired. For example, the lift stations 204a, 204b, 204c, 204d can be operably coupled to the motor assemblies 202a, 202b through a first drive shaft 206a and a second drive shaft 206b. In particular, the first drive shaft 206a can extend from a first end operably connected to the motor of the first motor assembly 202a, through the first lift station 204a, the battery system 220, and to a second end operably connected to the second lift station 204b. The second drive shaft 206b can extend from a third end operably connected to the motor of the second motor assembly 202b, through the third lift station 204c, the battery system 220, and to a fourth end operably connected to the lift spool of the fourth lift station 204d. In this manner, when motor assemblies 202a, 202b are activated, the motor assemblies 202a, 202b can correspondingly rotate the drive shafts 206a, 206b (e.g., about the X- axis) to rotate the lift spools in the lift stations 204a, 204b, 204c, 204d to raise and lower the lift cords and, therefore, the cover 102.

[0050] As noted above, positioning batteries in other example architectural structure coverings can prove challenging as the batteries can cause a rearrangement of the internal components ofthe headrail such that the headrail increases in size, decreases in efficiency, and increases the complexity of manufacturing. In particular, positioning the batteries in a central portion of the architectural structure covering can require a rearrangement or reconfiguration of the drive shafts operably coupled between the motor assemblies and the lift stations. This rearrangement can lead to the motor transferring rotational power to the lift stations less efficiently. The battery system 220 of the present disclosure addresses these issues by housing batteries while defining drive channels for the drive shafts 206a, 206b to extend through such that the drive shafts 206a, 206b can operate (e.g., rotate) within the battery system 220 without requiring rearrangement or additionally components to function.

[0051] FIGS. 3A and 3B depict the battery system 220. FIG. 3A depicts an assembled view of the battery system 220 and FIG. 3B depicts an exploded view of the battery system 220. The battery system 220 includes a battery housing 300 housing batteries and other electronic components, as described below. A first housing endcap 310a and a second housing endcap 310b may be coupled to opposite ends of the battery housing 300 along a longitudinal axis of the battery housing 300 (e.g., along the X-axis). In particular, the first housing endcap 310a can be coupled to a first end 302 of the battery housing 300 through a first fastener 312a and a second fastener 312b, and the second housing endcap 310b can be coupled to a second end 304 of the battery housing 300 through a third fastener 312c and a fourth fastener 312d. As will be discussed further below, the housing endcaps 310a, 310b can provide a number of benefits, including protection to the batteries in the battery housing 300 and support for the battery system 320 when the battery system 320 is coupled in the headrail 109.

[0052] FIG. 4 depicts an exploded view of the battery housing 300 and internal components housed by the battery housing 300. A first battery 402a and a second battery 402b can be positioned between a first cover sheet 410a and a first housing component 406a. A third battery 402c and a fourth battery 402d can be positioned between a second cover sheet 410b and a second housing component 406b.

[0053] The batteries 402a, 402b, 402c, 402d can be coupled to the corresponding housing component 406a, 406b with fastening mechanisms (e.g., a double-sided adhesive tape, a paste, or the like). For example, the first battery 402a can be coupled to the first housing component 406a through a first fastening mechanism 418a and a second fastening mechanism 418b. The secondbattery 402b can be coupled to the first housing component 406a through a third fastening mechanism 418c and a fourth fastening mechanism 418d. Adjacent ends of the batteries 402a, 402b can be coupled to the first housing component 406a through a first common fastening mechanism 418e. The third battery 402c can be coupled to the second housing component 406b through a fifth fastening mechanism 420a and a sixth fastening mechanism 420b. The third battery 402c can be coupled to the second housing component 406b through a seventh fastening mechanism 420c and an eighth fastening mechanism 420d. Adjacent ends of the batteries 402c, 402d can be coupled to the second housing component 406b through a second common fastening mechanism 420e. In other embodiments, each of the batteries can have any number of fastening mechanisms coupling the batteries to the corresponding housing components, such as one, three, four, or the like. In yet other embodiments, the battery system may include one or more individual fastening mechanism(s) for each battery but no common fastening mechanism. In yet other embodiments, there may be no fastening mechanism and the batteries may be coupled to the housing components by being housed in features defined by the housing component (e.g., through an interference fit).

[0054] A circuit board 404 can be positioned between the housing components 406a, 406b. The circuit board 404 can act as a battery management system for the architectural structure covering 100. For example, the circuit board 404 can include a controller that can control the distribution of electrical power (e.g., the charge and discharge of electrical power) of the batteries 402a, 402b, 402c, 402d. The batteries 402a, 402b can electrically couple to the circuit board 404 through first wire connectors 416 and the batteries 402c, 402d can be electrically coupled to the circuit board 404 through second wire connectors 422. As will be described further below, the tabs of the batteries 402a, 402b may electrically couple to a first contact mechanism 414a and the first wire connectors 416 may couple the first contact mechanism 414a to the circuit board 404 through the first contact mechanism 414a, the first common fastening mechanism 418e, and the first housing component 406a to electrically couple the batteries 402a, 402b to the circuit board 404. The tabs of the batteries 402c, 402d may electrically couple to a second contact mechanism 414b and the second wire connectors 422 may couple the second contact mechanism 414b to the circuit board 404 through the second contact mechanism 414b, the second common fastening mechanism 420e, and the second housing component 406b to electrically couple the batteries 402c, 402d to the circuit board 404.

[0055] The batteries 402a, 402b, 402c, 402d may include a rectangular shape. In particular, the batteries 402a, 402b, 402c, 402d may be thin, pouch-type batteries, such as lithium polymer batteries as they can have a higher energy density compared to other types of batteries, such as lithium-ion batteries, which can define a cylindrical shape. In addition to the higher energy density of these rectangular, pouch-type batteries 402a, 402b, 402c, 402d, the rectangular form of the batteries 402a, 402b, 402c, 402d can be beneficial over cylindrical batteries as the rectangular batteries 402a, 402b, 402c, 402d can have a much smaller cross-section (e.g., along the Y-Z plane) while providing a similar battery capacity (e.g., 2,200 mAh or the like) at a similar length. Accordingly, stacking the rectangular shape of the batteries 402a, 402b, 402c, 402d within the battery housing 300 can provide a smaller form factor than using batteries including other shapes, such as a cylindrical shape. However, in other embodiments, the batteries can have other geometric shapes.

[0056] The housing components 406a, 406b and the cover sheets 410a, 410b can form a battery housing 300 having a substantially rectangular shape to better accommodate the rectangular shape of the batteries 402a, 402b, 402c, 402d. These rectangular shapes allow for more efficient stacking of the batteries 402a, 402b, 402c, 402d while still allowing for the drive shafts 206a, 206b to extend therethrough, as will be discussed below. However, in other embodiments, the battery housing can have other shapes to accommodate the shape of the batteries.

[0057] FIG. 5 depicts a cross-sectional view of the architectural structure covering 100 along Section A-A (as shown in FIG. 1). Specifically, FIG. 5 depicts the battery housing 300 positioned in a headrail channel 501 defined by the headrail 109 and internal components housed by the battery housing 300. For ease of viewing, other portions of the architectural structure covering 100 are omitted, including the housing endcaps 310a, 310b of the battery system 220.

[0058] The housing components 406a, 406b can include a number of features that engages with each other to couple the housing components 406a, 406b together. For example, the first housing component 406a can include a first housing main wall 510a with a first housing side wall 512a, a first ledge 514a, a first inner wall 516a, a second inner wall 518a, and a second housing side wall 520a extending from the first housing main wall 510a. The housing side walls 512a, 520a, ledge 514a, and inner walls 516a, 518a can extend orthogonally from the firsthousing main wall 510a along a Y-axis, however, in other embodiments, the side walls, ledge, and inner walls can extend from the first housing main wall at any transverse angle, such as at an angle greater or lesser than 90°. As will be discussed further below, the side walls 512a, 520a, ledge 514a, and inner walls 516a, 518a can extend from the first housing main wall 510a a different distance corresponding to a function of the side walls 512a, 520a, ledge 514a, and inner walls 516a, 518a (e.g., based on an interaction between these features of the first housing component 406a and corresponding features of the second housing component 406b). The second housing component 406b can include similar corresponding features as the first housing component 406a. For example, the second housing component 406b can include a second housing main wall 510b, a third housing side wall 512b, a second ledge 514b, a third inner wall 516b, a fourth inner wall 518b, and a fourth housing side wall 520b similar to the corresponding features of the first housing component 406a.

[0059] The housing components 406a, 406b can be coupled to each other through the engagement between the first housing side wall 512a and first ledge 514a with the fourth housing side wall 520b, and the engagement between the third housing side wall 512b and the second ledge 514b with the third housing side wall 520a. In particular, the second housing side wall 520a can include a first wall end 524a coupled between the third housing side wall 512b and the second ledge 514b, and the fourth housing side wall 520b can include a second wall end 524b coupled between the first housing side wall 512a and the first ledge 514a. The second wall end 524b of the fourth housing side wall 520b can be received between a first projection 522a extending from the first housing side wall 512a (e.g., in a first direction along a Z-axis) and a second projection 526a extending from the first ledge 514a (e.g., in a second direction along a Z- axis opposite the first direction). In some embodiments, the second wall end 524b can include a width along the Z-axis that is larger than a distance between the projections 522a, 526a such that the second wall end 524b can be engaged by the projections 522a, 526a with an interference fit. The first wall end 524a may be similarly engaged between a third projection 522b of the third housing side wall 512b and a fourth projection 526b of the second ledge 514b. However, in other embodiments, the wall ends may have a width less or equal to a distance between the projections, such as in embodiments where the housing components are coupled to each other through other means.

[0060] The engagement between the wall ends 524a, 524b and the projections 522a, 522b, 526a, 526b can allow for the housing components 406a, 406b to be engaged with each other while minimizing relative movement between the housing components 406a, 406b along a Y-Z plane. Additionally, the relative movement of the housing components 406a, 406b in the Z-axis can be further limited by the interfacing between the surfaces of the fourth housing side wall 520b between the first ledge 514a and the first housing side wall 512a, and the second housing side wall 524a between the second ledge 514b and the third housing side wall 512b. In this manner, the housing components 406a, 406b can be coupled to each other (e.g., by pushing the wall ends 524a, 524b between the corresponding projections 522a, 522b, 526a, 526b) with minimal complexity, thus decreasing the risk of a manufacturing defect in forming the battery housing 300.

[0061] The housing components 406a, 406b can each be monolithic structures formed through an extrusion process. However, in other embodiments, the housing components can be formed through other processes, such as molding, printing, machining, or the like. In yet other embodiments, each housing components may be formed of multiple components that couple with each other to form the housing component. In some embodiments, the housing components may include additional fastening features to limit movement along the Y-Z plane, such as additional fasteners, adhesive, or the like.

[0062] The first housing component 406a and the second housing component 406b can define a first drive channel 504a and a second drive channel 504b therebetween. In particular, the first drive channel 504a can be defined between the first ledge 514a, the fourth housing side wall 520b, the inner walls 516a, 518b, and portions of the housing main walls 510a, 510b. The second drive channel 504b can be defined between the second ledge 514b, the second housing side wall 520a, the inner walls 516b, 518a, and portions of the housing main walls 510a, 510b. The first drive channel 504a can be sized to receive the first drive shaft 206a and the second drive channel 504b can be sized to receive the second drive shaft 206b. The drive channels 504a, 504b can extend along the X-axis from the first end 302 of the battery housing 300 to the second end 304 of the battery housing 300. In this manner, the drive channels 504a, 504b allows the drive shafts 206a, 206b to extend all the way through the length of the battery housing 300. Accordingly, the motor assemblies 202a, 202b can efficiently transfer rotational power to the drive shafts 206a,206b to operate the lift stations 204a, 204b, 204c, 204d without requiring the drive shafts 206a, 206b to be re-arranged into a less optimal position or configuration.

[0063] The drive channels 504a, 504b and battery compartments 502a, 502b can extend along a corresponding axis that is parallel to the longitudinal axis of the battery system 220 and headrail 109 (e.g., along the X-axis). The first drive channel 504a can extend along a first axis parallel to the X-axis and the second drive channel 504b can extend along a second axis parallel to the X-axis. The first axis and the second axis can be parallel to each other and offset along the Z-axis. The first battery compartment 502a can extend along a third axis parallel to the X-axis and the second battery compartment 502b can extend along a fourth axis parallel to the X-axis. The third and fourth axis may be offset from each other along the Y-axis. The drive channels 504a, 504b can be positioned between the battery compartments 502a, 502b such that the axes of the drive channels 504a, 504b is positioned between the axes of the battery compartments 502a, 502b. In this manner, the battery system 220 can form a stacked configuration of batteries 402a, 402b, 402c, 402d while allowing the drive shafts 206a, 206b to extend therethrough.

[0064] The drive channels 504a, 504b can include a sufficiently large width (e.g., along the Z- axis) and a height (e.g., along the Y-axis) to allow for the drive shafts 206a, 206b to pass through the drive channels 504a, 504b without the drive shafts 206a, 206b interacting with the battery housing 300. In other words, the drive channels 504a, 504b can include a first cross-sectional area along the Y-Z plane that is larger than a second cross-sectional area of the drive shafts 206a, 206b. This cross-sectional area difference can minimize any vibration caused by the drive shafts 206a, 206b onto the battery housing 300 during operation. Further, the second cross-sectional area of the drive shafts 206a, 206b can be smaller than the first cross-sectional area of the drive channels 504a, 504b to account for any potential curvature of the drive shafts 206a, 206b (e.g., curvature along the drive shafts 206a, 206b caused by manufacturing defects of the drive shafts 206a, 206b). For example, the second cross-sectional area of the drive shafts 206a, 206b can between about 20% and 40% of the first cross-sectional area of the drive channels 504a, 504b, such as between about 25% and 35%, or about 30%. Further, the dimensions of the drive channels 504a, 504b can allow for the drive shafts 206a, 206b to have an allowable bowing of between about 0.02 inches of bow and 0.04 inches of bow per 6.75 inches of length of the drive shafts 206a, 206b, such as between about 0.025 inches of bow and 0.035 inches of bow, or suchas about 0.03 inches of bow. In this manner, vibration can be minimized during use even for drive shafts 206a, 206b having a degree of curvature.

[0065] Although the housing components 406a, 406b defines the drive channels 504a, 504b to have a substantially rectangular cross-sectional shape, in other embodiments, the drive channels 504a, 504b can include other cross-sectional shapes, such as circular, triangular, or other shapes. The drive channels 504a, 504b can include a substantially similar cross-sectional area / shape as each other (e.g., within about a 20% deviation of each other, such as about a 10% deviation, such as about a 5% deviation, or being completely the same). However, in other embodiments, one of the drive channels may have different cross-sectional areas / shapes than the other drive channel. Each of the drive channels 504a, 504b can include a substantially similar cross-sectional area / shape along a length of each of the drive channels 504a, 504b. However, in other embodiments, one or more of the drive channels can have a cross-sectional area / shape that changes along the length of that drive channel. For example, one or more of the drive channels can have a larger cross-sectional area at the longitudinal ends of the drive channel (e.g., along the X-axis) that tapers to a smaller cross-sectional area in a longitudinal direction towards the center of the drive channel. In this manner, the drive shafts can be more easily guided into the drive channels when installing the battery system into the headrail.

[0066] The housing components 406a, 406b can also define a first housing fastening aperture 506a and a second housing fastening aperture 506b therebetween. In particular, the first housing fastening aperture 506a can be defined between the first housing side wall 512a and the fourth housing side wall 520b, and the second housing fastening aperture 506b can be defined between the third housing side wall 512b and the second housing side wall 520a. The first housing fastening aperture 506a can be sized and shaped to receive and engage the third fastener 312c. The second housing fastening aperture 506b can be sized and shaped to receive and engage the fourth fastener 312d. Although not shown, the first end 302 of the battery housing 300 correspondingly defines a third housing fastening aperture for the first fastener 312a and a fourth housing fastening aperture for the second fastener 312b. In this manner, as described further below, the fasteners 312a, 312b, 312c, 312d can engage with the corresponding housing fastening apertures 506a, 506b of the battery housing 300 to couple the housing endcaps 310a, 310b to the battery housing 300.

[0067] The cover sheets 410a, 410b can couple to the corresponding housing components 406a, 406b to provide protection to the batteries 402a, 402b, 402c, 402d. For example, the first cover sheet 410a can couple to the first housing component 406a by wrapping about a portion of the first housing component 406a. In particular, the first housing component 406a can include a first housing edge wall 532a and a second housing edge wall 534a extending from the first housing main wall 510a. The housing edge walls 532a, 534a can extend orthogonally from the first housing main wall 510a along a Y-axis, however, in other embodiments, the housing edge walls can extend from the first housing main wall at any transverse angle, such as at an angle greater or lesser than 90°. The first cover sheet 410a includes a first cover main wall 540a with a first cover side wall 542a and a second cover side wall 544a extending from the first cover main wall 540a. The cover side walls 542a, 544a can extend orthogonally from the first cover main wall 540a along a Y-axis, however, in other embodiments, the cover side walls can extend from the first cover main wall at any transverse angle, such as at an angle greater or lesser than 90°. The first cover sheet 410a can couple to the first housing component 406a by the first cover side wall 542a interfacing with the first housing edge wall 532a and wrapping around to the first housing main wall 510a, and the second cover side wall 544a interfacing with the second housing edge wall 534a and wrapping around to the first housing main wall 510a. The second cover sheet 410b can include similar corresponding features as the first cover sheet 410a (e.g., a second cover main wall 540b, a third cover side wall 542b, and a fourth cover side wall 544b) that similarly engages a third housing edge wall 534b and a fourth housing edge wall 532b of the second housing component 406b. In this manner, the cover sheets 410a, 410b can be coupled to the corresponding housing components 406a, 406b to provide protection to the batteries 402a, 402b, 402c, 402d positioned in the housing components 406a, 406b.

[0068] This configuration between the cover sheets 410a, 410b and the housing components 406a, 406b can additionally decrease the complexity of forming the battery system 220. Specifically, the housing components 406a, 406b can slide within the cover sheets 410a, 410b (e.g., along the X-axis) to couple the cover sheets 410a, 410b to the housing components 406a, 406b. For example, the first housing component 406a can slide between the cover side walls 542a, 544a along the X-axis to couple the first cover sheet 410a to the first housing component 406a. The second housing component 406b can slide between the cover side walls 542b, 544b along the X-axis to couple the second cover sheet 410b to the second housing component 406b.In this manner, the cover sheets 410a, 410b can couple to the housing components 406a, 406b with minimal complexity, such as without additional coupling features (e.g., fasteners, adhesives, or the like) or a lengthy installation process, thus decreasing the risk of manufacturing defects when forming the battery system 220.

[0069] The first cover sheet 410a and the first housing component 406a can define a first battery compartment 502a therebetween. The second cover sheet 410b and the second housing component 406b can define a second battery compartment 502b therebetween. The battery compartments 502a, 502b may each include a width along the Z-axis and length along the X-axis such that the batteries 402a, 402b, 402c, 402d can be respectively positioned in the battery compartments 502a, 502b along shared planes. For example, the batteries 402a, 402b can be positioned in the first battery compartment 502a along the X-Z plane in a first row along the X- axis and the batteries 402b, 402c can be positioned in the second battery compartment 502b along the X-Z plane in a second row along the X-axis. This configuration may allow each battery compartment 502a, 502b to respectively accommodate multiple batteries 402a, 402b, 402c, 402d without directly stacking the batteries on top of each other (e.g., along the Y-axis), which can cause safety and performance issues from the batteries 402a, 402b, 402c, 402d swelling over time due to repetitive use (e.g., after numerous charge and discharge cycles). In other embodiments, each of the battery compartments may be sized (e.g., along the X-Z plane) to include more or less than two batteries, such as one battery (e.g., as shown in FIG. 10), three batteries, four batteries, or the like.

[0070] The batteries 402a, 402b can be positioned in a first common X-Z plane in the first battery compartment 502a on the first housing main wall 510a that is offset from the batteries 402c, 402d along a second common X-Z plane in the second battery compartment 502b of the second housing main wall 510b. In this manner, the battery housing 300 can house a stack of batteries 402a, 402b, 402c, 402d (e.g., stacked along a Y-axis). The first common plane of the batteries 402a, 402b can be substantially parallel (e.g., within about a 20% angular deviation of each other, such as about a 10% angular deviation, such as about a 5% angular deviation, or being completely parallel) to the second common plane of the batteries 402c, 402d. However, in other examples, the first and second batteries may be positioned on a first common plane that is not parallel to a second common plane that the third and fourth batteries are positioned on.

[0071] The battery compartments 502a, 502b may include a height along the Y-axis between the batteries 402a, 402b, 402c, 402d and the cover sheets 410a, 410b. For example, a first height 546a may be defined between the batteries 402a, 402b and the first cover main wall 540a, and a second height 546b may be defined between the batteries 402c, 402d and the second cover main wall 540b. The heights 546a, 546b can accommodate the batteries 402a, 402b, 402c, 402d swelling over time. In particular, the heights 546a, 546b can allow the batteries 402a, 402b, 402c, 402d to swell and expand (e.g., along the Y-axis) over a longer period of time before the batteries 402a, 402b, 402c, 402d swell to the point of abutting against the cover sheets 410a, 410b. In some examples, the heights 546a, 546b can be sufficiently large that the batteries 402a, 402b, 402c, 402d can swell without ever interfacing with the cover sheets 410a, 410b. For example, the heights 546a, 546b can between about 0.02 inches and 0.06 inches, between about 0.03 inches and 0.05 inches, or about 0.04 inches. These heights 546a, 546b can account for battery swelling of between about 3% and 12% of a size of the batteries 402a, 402b, 402c, 402d (e.g., a cross-sectional area of the batteries 402a, 402b, 402c, 402d along the Y-Z plane), between about 4% and 11%, between about 5% and 10%, between about 6% and 9%, between about 7% and 8%, or the like.

[0072] The housing components 406a, 406b and the cover sheets 410a, 410b can include different thicknesses and materials to account for the batteries 402a, 402b, 402c, 402d swelling over time. For example, turning first to the housing components 406a, 406b, the housing main walls 510a, 510b can have a first thickness and material (e.g., aluminum, steel, plastic materials, or composite materials providing rigidity) sufficient to withstand swelling caused by the batteries 402a, 402b, 402c, 402d. As such, the batteries 402a, 402b, 402c, 402d may swell and expand in a direction away from the housing main walls 510a, 510b (e.g., along the Y-axis) while the housing main walls 510a, 510b remain substantially stable. In this manner, the batteries 402a, 402b, 402c, 402d swelling would not affect the dimensions of the drive channels 504a, 504b and, therefore, would not affect the operation of the drive shafts 206a, 206b extending through the drive channels 504a, 504b.

[0073] The interfacing between the features of the housing components 406a, 406b can provide further support to the battery housing 300. For example, the housing side walls 520a, 520b can abut against the opposing housing main walls 510a, 510b, and the inner walls 516a,518a can abut against the opposite inner walls 516b, 518b such that the size and shape of the drive channels 504a, 504b, the housing fastener apertures 506a, 506b, and the board channel 530 (as discussed further below) can be protected from forces that push the housing main walls 510a, 510b towards each other (e.g., the batteries 402a, 402b, 402c, 402d swelling). In some embodiments, the housing side walls 512a, 512b may also abut against the opposing housing main walls 510a, 510b to provide a similar support, however, in other embodiments, these outer housing side walls may not include a length that contacts the opposing housing main walls.

[0074] As shown in FIG. 5, this interface arrangement between the housing side walls 512a, 512b, 520a, 520b and opposing housing main walls 510a, 510b, and the inner walls 516a, 518a against the opposing inner walls 516b, 518b can form pseudo-I-beam structures. For example, portions of the housing main walls 510a, 510b can form the horizontal bases of the I-beam structure along the Z-axis, and the housing side walls 512a, 512b, 520a, 520b and inner walls 516a, 518a, 516b, 518b can form the vertical struts between those bases. This pseudo-I-beam structure can provide stability to the battery housing 300 (e.g., providing a strong support against forces pushing the housing main walls 510a, 510b toward each other).

[0075] The cover sheets 410a, 410b can be made of a second material (e.g., aluminum, steel, plastic materials, or composite materials providing a balance between strength, rigidity, and flexibility) and can have a second thickness (e.g., less than the first thickness of the housing components 406a, 406b) to protect the batteries 402a, 402b, 402c, 402d. At the same time, the cover sheets 410a, 410b can be a material and thickness to allow for portions of the cover sheets 410a, 410b to deform (e.g., flex, bend, or the like) if the batteries 402a, 402b, 402c, 402d swell to such a degree that the batteries 402a, 402b, 402c, 402d pushes against the cover main walls 510a, 510b.

[0076] A first gap 550 may be defined between the first cover main wall 540a and the headrail 109 to accommodate the deformation of the first cover sheet 410a when the batteries 402a, 402b swell. A second gap 552 may be defined between the second cover main wall 540b and the headrail 109 to accommodate the deformation of the second cover sheet 410b when the batteries 402c, 402d swell. In one example, a first height along the Y-axis of the headrail channel 501 can be greater than a second height of the battery housing 300 (e.g., a height between the cover main walls 540a, 540b). In this manner, the cover sheets 410a, 410b can protect the batteries 402a,402b, 402c, 402d from external forces (e.g., protecting the batteries 402a, 402b, 402c, prior to the battery system 220 being installed in the headrail 109) while also accommodating at least some battery 402a, 402b, 402c, 402d swelling (e.g., after sufficient charge and discharge cycles after the battery system 220 is installed in the headrail 109). The gaps 550, 552 may be between about 0.02 inches and 0.04 inches, between about 0.025 inches and 0.035 inches, or about 0.03 inches.

[0077] For example, FIG. 6, depicts a cross-sectional view of the headrail 109 with swollen batteries 402a, 402b, 402c, 402d positioned in a headrail channel 501 defined by the headrail 109. For ease of viewing, certain features are omitted from FIG. 6, such as the housing endcaps 310, wire connectors 430, 432, and fastening mechanisms 418a, 418b, 418c, 418d, 418e, 420a, 420b, 420c, 420d, 420e. In particular, the batteries 402a, 402b, 402c, 402d have swelled and deformed the cover sheets 410a, 410b while the housing components 406a, 406b can include sufficient rigidity that the housing components 406a, 406b do not deform. The cover main walls 540a, 540b can have a thickness to accommodate this swelling while also providing protection to the batteries 402a, 402b, 402c, 402d of between about 0.005 inches and 0.01, such as between about 0.006 inches and 0.009 inches, such as between about 0.007 inches and 0.008 inches, or about 0.0075 inches. The housing main wall 510a, 510b can have a thickness of between about 0.02 inches and 0.06 inches, such as between about 0.03 inches and 0.05 inches, or about 0.04 inches.

[0078] The second material of the cover sheets 410a, 410b can be different than the first material of the housing components 406a, 406b as the second material of the cover sheets 410a, 410b may be provided primarily for protection to the batteries 402a, 402b, 402c, 402d whereas the first material of the housing components 406a, 406b can be provided for rigidity and other purposes (e.g., heat transfer). For example, the second material of the cover sheets 410a, 410b may include a metal or polymer material that can provide protection to the batteries 402a, 402b, 402c, 402d while also being able to deform by the swollen batteries 402a, 402b, 402c, 402d at the thicknesses noted above. In one example, this first material can include stainless steel, however, other materials are envisioned. On the other hand, the second material of the housing components 406a, 406b may include a thermally conductive material that provides thermal conductivity to transfer heat away from the batteries 402a, 402b, 402c, 402d and can be rigid. Inone example, the housing components 406a, 406b can be made of aluminum, however, other material are envisioned (e.g., other thermally conductive metals, ceramics, or the like). In this manner, the housing components 406a, 406b can provide structural support to the batteries 402a, 402b, 402c, 402d while also acting as a heat sink to dissipate heat generated by the batteries 402a, 402b, 402c, 402d during use.

[0079] Turning back to FIG. 5, one or more of the fastening mechanisms 418a, 418b, 418c, 418d, 418e, 420a, 420b, 420c, 420d, 420e may also include a thermally conductive material to more efficiently transfer away heat from the batteries 402a, 402b, 402c, 402d during use. For example, the fastening mechanisms 418a, 418b, 418c, 418d, 418e, 420a, 420b, 420c, 420d, 420e may include a thermally conductive paste or grease, polymer, adhesive tape (e.g., double-sided adhesive tape), or other thermally conductive materials. In some embodiments, the thermally conductive material may not be electrically conductive. As noted above, the fastening mechanisms 418a, 418b, 418c, 418d, 418e, 420a, 420b, 420c, 420d, 420e may include a structural adhesive in addition to or as an alternative to a thermally conductive adhesive to ensure that the batteries 402a, 402b, 402c, 402d remain coupled to the housing components 406a, 406b.

[0080] The thermally conductive material of the housing components 406a, 406b and the batteries 402a, 402b, 402c, 402d noted above may be intended to increase heat transfer. For example, this thermally conductive material may be characterized by a thermal conductivity of greater than or about 0.5 W / m K, such as a thermal conductivity of greater than or about 1 W / m-K, greater than or about 2 W / m-K, greater than or about 5 W / m-K, greater than or about 10 W / m K, greater than or about 25 W / m K, or greater. In this manner, the housing components 406a, 406b and fastening mechanisms 418a, 418b, 418c, 418d, 418e, 420a, 420b, 420c, 420d, 420e can transfer heat away from the batteries 402a, 402b, 402c, 402d during use and can minimize the risk of the batteries 402a, 402b, 402c, 402d overheating.

[0081] The heat sink qualities of the battery housing 300 can be further enhanced by providing a distance between the battery housing 300 and the headrail 109 to allow for the air between the battery housing 300 and the headrail 109 to act as a cooling medium for the heat that has been transferred from the batteries 402a, 402b, 402c, 402d to the battery housing 300. In addition, the air between the battery housing 300 and the headrail 109 can act as a thermal buffer for heatfrom being transferred from outside of the headrail 109 (e g., from environmental conditions, such as sunlight heating up the headrail 109 through a window) to the battery housing 300 and batteries 402a, 402b, 402c, 402d. For example, the battery housing 300 may be distanced from the headrail 109 by the first gap 550 and second gap 552, as noted above, as well as a third gap 554 and a fourth gap 556. The gaps 554, 556 may be between about 0.03 inches and 0.09 inches, between about 0.035 inches and 0.075 inches, between about 0.04 inches and 0.08 inches, between about 0.045 inches and 0.075 inches, between about 0.05 inches and 0.07 inches, between about 0.055 inches and 0.065 inches, or about 0.06 inches. However, in other embodiments, there may be no gaps between the headrail and the battery housing.

[0082] The housing side walls 512a, 512b can additionally include fins that further enhance the heat sink qualities of the battery housing 300. For example, the first housing side wall 512a can include first fins 560a extending along the Z-axis away from the first housing side wall 512a and the third housing side wall 512b can include second fins 560b extending along the Z-axis away from the third housing side wall 512b. The fins 560a, 560b can assist in allowing the surrounding air to act as a cooling medium to cool the heat transferred from the batteries 402a, 402b, 402c, 402d to the battery housing 300. Each fin of the first fins 560a, and each fin of the second fins 560b, can be spaced from each other along the Y-axis a sufficient distance to allow for air to flow between the fins and help transfer heat away from the battery housing 300. For example, each fin of the corresponding first fins 560a, 560b can have a space between each other of about 0.025 inches and 0.045, between about 0.03 inches and 0.04 inches, or about 0.035 inches. Each fin can have a thickness of between about 0.025 inches and 0.045, between about 0.03 inches and 0.04 inches, or about 0.035 inches.

[0083] The housing components 406a, 406b can define a board channel 530 therebetween to house the circuit board 404. In particular, the board channel 530 can be defined between portions of the housing main wall 510a, 510b and the inner walls 516a, 516b, 518a, 518b. The board channel 530 can be sized and shaped to receive the circuit board 404. The board channel 530 can be positioned between the drive channels 504a, 504b and the battery compartments 502a, 502b. However, in other embodiments, the board channel can be positioned at other locations along the battery housing. The circuit board 404 can be held in place through various features defined by the inner walls 516a, 516b, 518a, 518b.

[0084] For example, FIGS. 7A and 7B depict exploded views of just the housing components 406a, 406b and circuit board 404 to better describe engagement of the circuit board 404 between the housing components 406a, 406b. As shown, each of the inner walls 516a, 516b, 518a, 518b defines one or more slots to receive slots to receive the circuit board 404. For example, the first inner wall 516a defines first slots 716a spaced from each other along a length of the first inner wall 516a, the second inner wall 518a defines second slots 718b spaced from each other along a length of the second inner wall 518a, the third inner wall 516b defines third slots 716b spaced from each other along a length of the third inner wall 516b, and the fourth inner wall 518b defines fourth slots 718b spaced from each other along a length of the fourth inner wall 518b. Each of the slots can be sized and shaped to receive a portion of the circuit board 404. For example, the circuit board 404 can include a circuit body 704 (e.g., a circuit board substrate or the like) with first protrusions 706 extending from a first side of the circuit body 704 and second protrusions 708 extending from a second side of the circuit body 704. When assembled, the first protrusions 706 can be received in corresponding slots of the first slots 716a and fourth slots 718b, and the second protrusions 708 can be received in corresponding slots of the second slots 718a and third slots 716b. In this manner, when the housing components 406a, 406b are coupled together (e.g., coupling the circuit board 404 therebetween), the circuit board 404 can be fixed in position within the board channel 530 (as shown in FIGS. 5 and 6). In some embodiments, not all slots 716a, 716b, 718a, 718b receive a protrusion 706, 708, however, in other embodiments, all slots can receive a protrusion of the circuit board. There can be any number of protrusions and slots, including more or less protrusions and slots than shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B.

[0085] The housing components 406a, 406b can each define an aperture to allow the wire connectors 430, 432 to extend through to couple the batteries 402a, 402b, 402c, 402d and contact mechanisms 414a, 414b to the circuit board 404. For example, the first housing component 406a can define a first connection aperture 720a for the first wire connectors 430 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 4) to extend through. The second housing component 406b can define a second connection aperture 720 for the second wire connectors 432 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 4) to extend through. In particular, as described further below, the first wire connectors 430 can extend from the first contact mechanism 414a through the first connection aperture 720a to couple with the circuit board 404. The second wire connectors 432 can extend from the second contact mechanism 414b through the second connection aperture 720b to couple with the circuit board 404.

[0086] FIGS. 8A and 8B depict a more detailed view of the electrical connections between the circuit board 404, and the batteries 402a, 402b, 402c, 402d and contact mechanisms 414a, 414b. For ease of viewing, certain features are omitted, such as the battery housing 300 and fastening mechanisms 418a, 418b, 418c, 418d, 418e, 420a, 420b, 420c, 420d, 420e. Each of the batteries 402a, 402b, 402c, 402d can include a negative or positive tab electrically coupled to the contact mechanisms 414a, 414b and the contact mechanisms 414a, 414b are, in turn, electrically coupled to the circuit board 404. In this manner, the batteries 402a, 402b, 402c, 402d can be electrically coupled to the circuit board 404 to provide electrical power to the architectural structure covering 100.

[0087] Each of the contact mechanisms 414a, 414b includes a contact sheet for the batteries 402a, 402b, 402c, 402d and wire connectors 430, 432 to electrically couple to. For example, the first contact mechanism 414a can include a first layer 814a and a second layer 816a having a first contact sheet 810a and a second contact sheet 812a positioned therebetween. The second contact mechanism 414b can include a third layer 814b and a fourth layer 816b having a third contact sheet 810b and a fourth contact sheet 812b positioned therebetween. The contact sheets 810a, 810b, 812a, 812b can be made of an electrically conductive material (e.g., copper, aluminum, silver, gold, polymers, or the like) to allow electricity flow from the batteries 402a, 402b, 402c, 402d into the contact sheets 810a, 810b, 812a, 812b. The layers 814a, 814b, 816a, 816b can be made of an electrically inert material (e.g., plastic, rubber, silicone, or the like) to minimize the risk that electricity from the batteries 402a, 402b, 402c, 402d flows into the battery housing 300.

[0088] The layers 814a, 814b, 816a, 816b can define windows to expose portions of the contact sheets 810a, 810b, 812a, 812b. For example, the first layer 814a can define a first window 820a and a second window 822a exposing the first contact sheet 810a, and a third window 824a exposing the second contact sheet 812a. The second layer 816a can define a fourth window 826a and a fifth window 828a exposing the first contact sheet 810a, and a sixth window 830a and a seventh window 832a exposing the second contact sheet 812a. The third layer 814b can define an eight window 820b and a ninth window 822b exposing the third contact sheet 810b, and a tenth window 824b exposing the fourth contact sheet 812b. The fourth layer 816b can define an eleventh window 826b and a twelfth window 828b exposing the third contact sheet810b, and a thirteenth window 830b and a fourteenth window 832b exposing the fourth contact sheet 812b.

[0089] The batteries 402a, 402b, 402c, 402d can be coupled to the contact sheets 810a, 810b, 812a, 812b through the layers 814a, 814b, 816a, 816b. For example, the first battery 402a can include a first tab 802a electrically coupled to the first contact sheet 810a through the fourth window 826a and a second tab 804a electrically coupled to the second contact sheet 812a through the sixth window 830a. The second battery 402b can include a third contact tab 802b electrically coupled to the second contact sheet 812a through the seventh window 832a and a fourth contact tab 804b electrically coupled to the first contact sheet 810a through the fifth window 828a. The third battery 402c can include a fifth tab 802c coupled to the third contact sheet 810b through the eleventh window 826b and a sixth tab 804c coupled to the fourth contact sheet 812b through the thirteenth window 830b. The fourth battery 402d can include a seventh tab 802d coupled to the fourth contact sheet 812b through the fourteenth window 832b. In some embodiments, the tabs 802a, 802b, 802c, 802d can be positive tabs and the tabs 804a, 804b, 804c, 804d can be negative tabs. In this manner, the batteries 402a, 402b and the batteries 402c, 402d may be respectively electrically coupled together in series. In other embodiments, the tab charges for each tab can be switched than as described. In yet other embodiments, the batteries can be coupled together in parallel.

[0090] The wire connectors 430, 432 may electrically couple the contact mechanism 414a, 414b to the circuit board 404. The first wire connectors 430 may include a first wire connector 430a, a second wire connector 430b, and a third wire connector 430c. The second wire connectors 432 includes a fourth wire connector 432a, a fifth wire connector 432b, and a sixth wire connector 432c. One end of the first wire connector 430a can electrically couple with the first contact sheet 810a through the first window 820a while the other end can electrically couple with the circuit board 404. One end of the second wire connector 430b can electrically couple with the second contact sheet 812a through the third window 824a while the other end can electrically couple with the circuit board 404. One end of the third wire connector 430c can electrically couple with the first contact sheet 810a through the second window 822a while the other end can electrically couple with the circuit board 404. One end of the fourth wire connector 432a can electrically couple with the third contact sheet 810b through the eight window 820bwhile the other end can electrically couple with the circuit board 404. One end of the fifth wire connector 432b can electrically couple with the fourth contact sheet 812b through the tenth window 824b while the other end can electrically couple with the circuit board 404. One end of the sixth wire connector 432c can electrically couple with the third contact sheet 810b through the ninth window 822b while the other end can electrically couple with the circuit board 404. In this manner, the wire connectors 430, 432 can electrically couple the contact mechanisms 414a, 414b with the circuit board 404 such that the circuit board 404 can control the charge and discharge of the batteries 402a, 402b, 402c, 402d. The wire connectors 430, 432 and tabs 802a, 802b, 802c, 802d can couple with the contact sheets 810a, 810b, 812a, 812b through soldering, welding, adhesives, or the like.

[0091] Although the batteries 402a, 402b and batteries 402c, 402d are positioned in a stacked orientation along a Y-axis, the wire connectors 430, 432 may electrically couple the contact mechanisms 414a, 414b to the circuit board 404 by extending through components along a Y- axis. For example, the wire connectors 430 may extend through a first contact aperture 818a collectively defined by the layers 814a, 816a and the first connection aperture 720a (as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B) to electrically couple the first contact mechanism 414a with the circuit board 404. The wire connectors 432 may extend through a second contact aperture 818b collectively defined by the layers 814b, 816b and the second connection aperture 720b (as shown in FIGS. 7A and 7B) to electrically couple the second contact mechanism 414b with the circuit board 404. Accordingly, the batteries 402a, 402b, 402c, 402d can be electrically coupled to the circuit board 404 while in a stacked orientation. In some embodiments that include a common fastening mechanism between the batteries 402a, 402b, 402c, 402d (e.g., the common fastening mechanisms 418e, 420e), these fastening mechanisms can define an aperture for the wire connectors 430, 432 to extend though.

[0092] FIGS. 9A and 9B depict the housing endcaps 310a, 310b. The first housing endcap 310a includes a first endcap housing 902a and the second housing endcap 310b includes a second endcap housing 902b. The housing endcaps 310a, 310b include features extending from the endcap housings 902a, 902b that facilitate the engagement between the housing endcaps 310a, 310b with the battery housing 300. For example, the first housing endcap 310a can include a first mating feature 904a and second mating features 906a extending from the first endcaphousing 902a along an X-axis. The second endcap 320b can include a third mating feature 904b and fourth mating features 906b extending from the second endcap housing 902b along an X- axis. The first mating feature 904a may be sized and shaped to be received in the first battery compartment 502a while the second mating features 906a may be sized and shaped to be received in the second battery compartment 502b to couple the first housing endcap 310a to the first end 302 of the battery housing 300 (as shown in FIG. 3B). The third mating feature 904b may be sized and shaped to be received in the first battery compartment 502a while the fourth mating features 906b may be sized and shaped to be received in the second battery compartment 502b to couple the second housing endcap 310b to the second end 304 of the battery housing 300 (as shown in FIG. 3B). The mating features 904a, 904b, 906a, 906b may couple the housing endcaps 310a, 310b to the battery housing 300 to minimize relative movement between the housing endcaps 310a, 310b and the battery housing 300 along the Y-Z plane.

[0093] The first endcap housing 902a defines a first endcap channel 910a and a second endcap channel 912a. The second endcap housing 902 defines a third endcap channel 910b and a fourth endcap channel 912b. When assembled in the battery system 220, the endcap channels 910a, 912a and the first drive channel 504a can align along the X-axis such that the first drive shaft 206a fully extends through the endcap channels 910a, 912a and the first drive channel 504a. Additionally, the endcap channels 910b, 912b and the second drive channel 504b can align along the X-axis such that the second drive shaft 206b fully extends through the endcap channels 910b, 912b and the second drive channel 504b. In this manner, the drive shafts 206a, 206b can extend through the battery system 220 (e.g., as shown in FIGS. 2A and 2B) to allow the motor assemblies 202a, 202b to operate the lift stations 204a, 204b, 204c, 204d.

[0094] The diameter of the endcap channels 910a, 910b, 912a, 912b can have a larger diameter than the drive shafts 206a, 206b to minimize the risk that the drive shafts 206a, 206b contact the housing endcaps 310a, 310b due to the drive shafts 206a, 206b having a curvature (e.g., due to manufacturing defects). . For example, a space may be defined between the drive shafts 206a, 206b in the endcap channels 910a, 910b, 912a, 912b and the housing endcaps 310a, 310b of between about 0.02 inches and 0.07 inches, between about 0.03 inches and 0.06 inches, between about 0.04 inches and 0.05 inches, or the like.

[0095] The first housing endcap 310a may include a first guide 920a and a second guide 922a extending from the first endcap body 902a along an X-axis. The first guide 920a may at least partially encircle the first endcap channel 910a. The second guide 922a may at least partially encircle the second endcap channel 910b. In other embodiments, the guides may encircle more of the endcap channels, such as more than half of the endcap channels or the entire circumference of the endcap channels. The second housing endcap 310b can include a third guide 920b and a fourth guide 922b extending from the first endcap body 902a similar to the guides 920a, 920b.

[0096] When the first housing endcap 310a is assembled to the first end 302 of the battery housing 300, the first guide 920a can be received in the first drive channel 504a and the second guide 922a can be received in the second drive channel 504b. When the second housing endcap 310b is assembled to the second end 304 of the battery housing 300, the third guide 920b can be received in the first drive channel 504a and the fourth guide 922b can be received in the second drive channel 504b. In this manner, the guides 920a, 920b, 922a, 922b and mating features 904a, 904b, 906a, 906b of the housing endcaps 310a, 310b can be coupled to the battery housing 300 to limit relative movement between the housing endcaps 310a, 310b and the battery housing 300 along the Y-Z plane. However, in other embodiments, one or more of the endcaps may have less, or no, mating features and / or guides.

[0097] The guides 920a, 920b, 922a, 922b may include a chamfered surface to assist in guiding the drive shafts 206a, 206b through the corresponding endcap channels 910a, 910b, 912a, 912b when manufacturing the architectural structure covering 100. For example, the first guide 920a includes a first chamfered surface 924a facing inwards (e.g., towards a center of the first channel 910a). The first chamfered surface 924a may include a first end with a first radius extending from the first endcap channel 910a that tapers in an outward direction (e.g., radially away from a center of the first endcap channel 910a) to a second, smaller radius at a second end opposite the first end. The second guide 920a includes a second chamfered surface 924b similar to the first chamfered surface 924a. Although not shown, the guides 922a, 922b include a similar chamfered surface corresponding to the first chamfered surface 924a. The chamfered surfaces 924a, 924b can help guide the insertion of the drive shafts 206a, 206b into the corresponding drive channels 504a, 504b when the housing endcaps 310a, 310b are installed to the batteryhousing 300. However, in other embodiments, one or more of the guides may not have a chamfered surface.

[0098] The housing endcaps 310a, 310b can include a plurality of dampeners received in the endcap bodies 902a, 902b to minimize vibration. For example, the first housing endcap 310a can define dampening apertures 930a to receive housing dampeners 932a and the second housing endcap 310b can define dampening apertures 930b to receive housing dampeners 932b. The dampeners 932a, 932b can include rubber (e.g., synthetic rubbers, such as Buna-N, Buna-S, or the like), ceramics, polymeric material, or any other suitable material that can dampen vibrations or other suitable waves that may propagate via the endcap housing 902a, 902b. Where the housing dampeners 932a, 932b includes rubber, the housing dampeners can include a Shore hardness of 30 Shore A, 30 Shore B, or the like. A portion of the dampeners 932a, 932b may extend out of the dampening apertures 930a, 930b past an exterior surface of the endcap housing 902a, 902b. In this manner, when assembled in headrail 109, the dampeners 932a, 932b can interface with an interior surface of the headrail 109 to mitigate vibration from the headrail 109 (e.g., caused by the operation of the motor assemblies 202a, 202b). Additionally, the dampeners 932a, 932b can extend a distance exterior of the endcap housing 902a, 902b corresponding to a distance between the battery housing 300 and the headrail 109. In other words, when assembled, the distance between contact between the dampeners 932a, 932b and the battery housing 300 can correspond to the gaps 550, 552, 554, 556 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 5). The dampeners 932a, 932b, 932c, 932d can also decrease the complexity of installing the battery system 220 into the headrail 109 as the battery system 220 can be positioned in the headrail 109 by sliding the dampeners 932a, 932b, 932c, 932d along an interior surface of the headrail 109.

[0099] The housing endcaps 310a, 310b can include a coupling feature to couple the endcaps 310a, 310b to the headrail 109. For example, the first housing endcap 310a can include a first coupling feature 940a extending from the first endcap housing 902a along a Y-axis and the second housing endcap 310b can include a second coupling feature 940b extending from the second endcap housing 902b along a Y-axis. The coupling features 940a, 940b can be a spike that includes a pointed end extending away from the endcap housings 902a, 902b to allow for the coupling features 940a, 940b to be more easily inserted into other components. Additionally, the coupling features 940a, 940b can include lateral extensions at the pointed end extending from thecoupling features 940a, 940b to allow for the coupling features 940a, 940b to better engage the components the coupling features 940a, 940b are inserted within. The coupling features 940a, 940b can be received in apertures in a portion of the headrail 109 (e.g., along a bottom portion of the headrail 109 along the Y-axis) to provide additional stability to the housing endcaps 310a, 310b when assembled in the headrail 109. In addition, the coupling features 940a, 940b can allow for the battery system 220 to be better stabilized during transportation. In other embodiments, the endcaps may not include the coupling features.

[0100] The endcap housings 902a, 902b can define wire channels for wire connectors to extend through. For example, the first endcap housing 902a can define a first wire channel 950a and a second wire channel 952a. The second endcap housing 902b can define a third wire channel 9509b and a fourth wire channel 952b. The wire channels 950a, 950b can be aligned with each other along a first axis along the X-axis and the wire channels 952a, 952b can be aligned with other along a second axis along the X-axis. The first axis and the second axis can be offset and parallel with each other. However, in other embodiments, the first and second axis can be transverse with each other. When assembled, the wire channels 950a, 950b can receive wire connectors into the battery system 220 that electrically couple the circuit board 404 and other electronic components of the architectural structure covering 100 (e.g., the motor assemblies 202a, 202b, other circuit boards, or the like). In this manner, the wire channels 950a, 950b can provide a convenient location to organize wire connectors electrically coupling with the circuit board 404.

[0101] The wire channels 952a, 952b can be defined between mating features of the mating features 906a, 906b to provide a space for the wires to travel upward along the Y-axis to couple with the circuit board 404. In some embodiments, the separate mating features of the mating features 906a, 906b can be separated by the wire channels 952a, 952b, however, in other embodiments, the mating features of the second and fourth mating features can be connected to each other around the wire channels. In other embodiments, there may be no wire channels and, instead, the circuit board may be electrically coupled through openings along other portions of the battery system, such as through apertures defined along the battery housing or endcap housing (e.g., as shown in FIG. 10).

[0102] The endcap housings 902a, 902b can define apertures to receive the fasteners 312a, 312b, 312c, 312d (as shown in FIG. 3B). For example, the first endcap housing 902a can define a first endcap fastening aperture 960a and a second endcap fastening aperture 962a. The second endcap housing 902b can define a third endcap fastening aperture 960b and a fourth endcap fastening aperture 962b. The endcap fastening apertures 960a, 960b, 962a, 962b can be aligned with the housing fastening apertures 506a, 506b defined by the battery housing 300. For example, the third endcap fastening aperture 960b can be aligned with the first housing fastening aperture 506a to receive the third fastener 312c and the fourth endcap fastening aperture 962b can be aligned with the second housing fastening aperture 506b to receive the fourth fastener 312d. The endcap fastening apertures 960a, 962a can align with corresponding housing fastening apertures defined at the first end 302 of the housing 300 (not shown) to receive the fasteners 312a, 312b. For example, the first endcap fastening aperture 960a and corresponding housing fastening aperture of the battery housing 300 at the first end 302 can receive the first fastener 312a, and the second endcap fastening aperture 962a and corresponding housing fastening aperture battery housing 300 at the first end 302 can receive the second fastener 312b. In this manner, the fasteners 312a, 312b, 312c, 312d can secure the housing endcaps 310a, 310b against the corresponding ends 302, 304 of the battery housing 300 such that relative movement between the housing endcaps 310a, 310b and the battery housing 300 along the X-axis can be limited.

[0103] As noted above, in other embodiments, the battery compartments may include one battery each. For example, FIG. 10 depicts an example battery system 1000 where the first battery 402a and the third battery 402c can be stacked along a Y-axis. Specifically, the first battery 402a can be positioned between the first cover sheet 410a and a housing component 1006. The housing component 1006 can be formed of multiple components coupled together similar to the coupled housing components 406a, 406b shown in FIG. 5, except the housing component 1006 may not include the housing edge walls 532a, 532b, 534a, 534b in defining the battery compartments. However, in other embodiments, the multiple components forming the housing component can include housing edge walls. In yet other embodiments, the housing component be made of a single monolithic piece at least partially defining the battery compartments therein. The cover sheets 410a, 410b can wrap over one or more of the fins 560a, 560b to couple the cover sheets 410a, 410b to the housing component 1006 and collectively form a battery housing. In particular, the first cover sheet 410a can be coupled to the housingcomponent 1006 to define a first battery compartment to receive the first battery 402a and the second cover sheet 410b can be coupled to the housing component 1006 to define a second battery compartment to receive the third battery 402c. Although the cover sheets 410a, 410b can wrap over one or more of the fins 560a, 560b to form the battery housing, one or more of the other fins 560a, 560b can be exposed to allow for the exposed fins 560a, 560b to act as a heat sink for the batteries 402a, 402c. Although the housing component 1006 defines the board channel 530, in other embodiments, the housing component may not include a board channel (e.g., the central portion of the housing component may be a solid material).

[0104] The battery system 1000 can include a guide 1008 between the second housing endcap 310b. When assembled, the guide 1008 can include portions received in the housing component 1006 and circuit board 1004 to minimize the relative movement of the circuit board 1004 and housing component 1006 along the Y-Z plane. The guide 1008 can define a first guide aperture 1010 and a second guide aperture 1012. The first guide aperture 1010 can align with the first drive channel 504a and the second guide aperture 1021 can align with the second drive channel 504b. In this manner, the first drive shaft 206a can receive the first guide aperture 1010 and the first drive channel 504a, and the second drive shaft 206b can receive the second guide aperture 1012 and the second drive channel 504b. Although not shown, a guide can also be positioned between the first housing endcap 310a and the housing component 1006, however, in other embodiments, there may be no guide between the first endcap and the housing component. In yet other embodiments, there may be no guide on the second endcap.

[0105] The battery system 1000 can include a circuit board 1004 be oriented in a Y-Z plane and positioned between the housing component 1006, cover sheets 410a, 410b and guide 1010, and the second housing endcap 310b. The circuit board 1004 can electrically couple with the batteries 402a, 402c through one or more wire connectors (not shown). However, in other embodiments, the batteries can directly couple to the circuit board through soldering, adhesive, or the like. The circuit board 1004 can define a first drive aperture 1020 aligned with the first drive channel 504a and first guide aperture 1010 such that the first drive shaft 206a can be received therethrough. The circuit board 1004 can also define a second drive aperture 1022 aligned the second drive channel 504b and second guide aperture 1012 such that the second drive shaft 206b can be received therethrough. Further, the circuit board 1004 can define a first boardaperture 1024 to receive the third fastener 312c and a second board aperture 1026 to receive the fourth fastener 312d. In this manner, when assembled, the circuit board 1004 may be coupled between the housing component 1006 and cover sheets 410a, 410b, and the second housing endcap 310b while allowing drive shafts 206a, 206b to extend through the circuit board 1004. The battery system 1000 may include wire connectors 1030 extending through the second housing endcap 310b to electrically couple with the circuit board 1004 to provide electrical power to other components of the architectural structure covering. In other embodiments, a circuit board may additionally or alternatively be positioned between the housing component and cover sheets, and the first endcap. In other embodiments, the circuit board may be positioned outside of the battery system.

[0106] The battery system 220 can be manufactured by, with reference to FIGS. 4 and 5, positioning the batteries 402a, 402b in the first battery compartment 502a and coupling the batteries 402a, 402b to the first housing main wall 510a (e.g., with fastening mechanisms 418a, 418b, 418c, 418d, 418e), and positioning the batteries 402c, 402d in the second battery compartment 502b and coupling the batteries 402c, 402d to the second housing main wall 510b (e.g., with fastening mechanisms 420a, 420b, 420c, 420d, 420e). In some examples, the batteries 402a, 402b, 402c, 402d may correspondingly couple to the contact mechanisms 414a, 414b before or after electrically coupling the batteries 402a, 402b, 402c, 402d to the housing components 406a, 406b.

[0107] With reference to FIGS. 7A and 7B, the circuit board 404 can be positioned between the housing components 406a, 406b by positioning the protrusions 706, 708 in the slots 716a, 718b of the first housing component 406a or the slots 716b, 718b of the second housing component 406b. Then, with reference to FIG. 5, the housing components 406a, 406b can be coupled together by pushing the wall ends 524a, 524b between the projections 522a, 522b, 526a, 526b. Before or after the housing components 406a, 406b are coupled together, the contact mechanisms 414a, 414b can electrically couple to the circuit board 404 with wire connectors 430, 432, as shown in FIGS. 8A and 8B. Turning back to FIG. 5, the housing components 406a, 406b with the internal electrical components can slide between the cover sheets 410a, 410b in along an X-axis to form the battery housing 300.

[0108] With reference to FIGS. 9A and 9B, the housing endcaps 310a, 31 Ob can couple to the corresponding ends 302, 304 of the battery housing 300 by inserting the mating features 904a, 904b, 906a, 906b into the corresponding battery compartments 502a, 502b. The fasteners 312a, 312b, 312c, 312d can be inserted through the corresponding endcap fastening apertures 960a, 960b, 962a, 962b and housing fastening apertures 506a, 506b to secure the housing endcaps 310a, 310b to the battery housing 300. In this manner, the battery system 220 can be formed, as shown in FIG. 3 A. The battery system 220 can slide into the headrail channel 501 in the headrail 109 by sliding the dampeners 932a, 932b, 932c, 932d along an interior surface of the headrail 109. Once the battery system 220 is positioned at a desired location in the headrail 109, the drive shafts 206a, 206b can be inserted through the corresponding endcap channels 910a, 910b, 912a, 912b and drive shafts 206a, 206b (e.g., by being guided by one or more of the chamfered surfaces 924a, 924b of the housing endcaps 310a, 310b) to operably couple the motor assemblies 202a, 202b and the lift stations 204a, 204b, 204c, 204d together.

[0109] With reference to FIG. 10, to form the battery system 1000, the batteries 402a, 402c may be positioned between the housing component 1006 and the cover sheets 410a, 401b when coupling the cover sheets 410a, 401b to the housing component 1006. The guide 1008 can be inserted into the housing component 1006 and the circuit board 1004 can be coupled to the guide 1008. The batteries 402a, 402c can electrically couple to the circuit board 1004. The mating features of the housing endcaps 310a, 310b may insert into the battery compartments defined between the housing component 1006 and the cover sheets 410a, 401b. The fasteners 312d, 312c can secure the housing endcaps 310a, 310b through the circuit board 1004 and housing component 1006 to form the battery system 1000. The drive shafts 206a, 206b can insert through the housing endcaps 310a, 310b, and through the drive apertures 1022, 1024, guide apertures 1010, 1012 and the drive channels 504a, 504b to form the architectural structure covering.

[0110] FIGS. 11A and 1 IB depict the second motor assembly 202b coupled with the cover endcap 208 and a light control element 1160. Although the following description will be directed to the second motor assembly 202b, it is understood that, unless noted otherwise, such description may also apply to one or more of the other motor assemblies 202a, 202c, 202d. In some embodiments, the motor assembly 202a, 202b, 202c, 202d that is coupled to the light control element 1160 may be referred to as the “primary motor assembly” (e.g., the second motorassembly 202b, as described below). However, in other embodiments, the other motor assemblies may be the primary motor assembly.[OHl] The second motor assembly 202b can include a motor 1130 received within a motor housing 1120. The motor housing 1120 may be coupled to a motor base 1110. The motor housing 1120 may also house a motor circuit board 1104. The motor circuit board 1104 can include an activation switch and a light source (e.g., the activation switch 1376 and the light source 1374, as shown in FIG. 13B). The motor housing 1120 may be coupled to the motor base 1110 to secure the motor 1130 between the motor housing 1120 and the motor base 1110. The light control element 1160 may be movably coupled to the motor base 1110. A portion of the light control element 1160 may extend past a light aperture 1101 defined by the cover endcap 208 to allow light to travel exterior through the light control element 1160 exterior to the cover endcap 208. In other embodiments, the cover endcap can define a slot for the light control element to extend through. As will be discussed further below, coupling the light control element 1160 to the motor base 1110 can minimize tolerance stacking issues.

[0112] The second motor assembly 202b can include a number of vibration dampeners coupled to the motor housing 1120 and the motor base 1110 to assist in minimizing vibration between the motor assembly 202 and the headrail 109. For example, a first vibration ring 1140a, a second vibration ring 1140b, a third vibration ring 1140c, a fourth vibration ring 1140d, and an endcap vibration grommet 1150 may be coupled to the motor base 1110. A sixth vibration ring 1140e, a seventh vibration ring 1140f, a first vibration grommet 1152a, a second vibration grommet 1152b, and a third vibration grommet 1152c may be coupled to the motor housing 1120. The vibration rings 1140a, 1140b, 1140c, 1140d, 1140e, 1140f and vibration grommets 1150, 1152a, 1152b, 1152c can be made of a similar vibration-dampening material as the housing dampeners 932a, 932b, as shown in FIGS. 9A and 9B. For example, the vibration rings 1140a, 1140b, 1140c, 1140d, 1140e, 1140f can include a 30 Shore A hardness while the vibration rings 1140a, 1140b, 1140c, 1140d, 1140e, 1140f can include a 50 Shore A hardness. However, in other embodiments, one or more of the vibration rings and vibration can have a different Shore hardness than as described. The vibration rings 1140a, 1140b, 1140c, 1140d, 1140e, 1140f and vibration grommets 1150, 1152a, 1152b, 1152c will be discussed in greater detail below.

[0113] FIG. 12 depicts the motor base 1110. The motor base 1 110 can include a body portion 1210. The body portion 1210 can be substantially planar and rectangular, however, in other embodiments, the body portion can include any other shape or geometry. The motor base 1110 includes a number of extensions extending from the body portion 1210 to receive the vibration rings 1140a, 1140b, 1140c, 1140d and endcap vibration grommet 1150. For example, the body portion 1210 may include a first base ring extension 1240a, a second base ring extension 1240b, a third base ring extension 1240c, a fourth base ring extension 1240d, and a base grommet extension 1250 extending therefrom. The base ring extensions 1240a, 1240b, 1240c, 1240d may extend from the body portion 1210 along a Z-axis. Each of the base ring extensions 1240a, 1240b, 1240c, 1240d may extend in corresponding directions that are longitudinally offset from each other along the X-axis. However, in other embodiments, one or more of base ring extensions can be aligned with each other along the Z-axis (e.g., the first and second base ring extensions may be aligned and / or the third and fourth base ring extensions may be aligned). The base ring extensions 1240a, 1240b, 1240c, 1240d may also extend along axes that are substantially coplanar along the X-Z plane. However, in other embodiments, one or more of the base ring extensions may extend along an axis that is not coplanar with the other base ring extensions. The base grommet extension 1250 may extend from the body portion 1210 along an X-axis.

[0114] As will be discussed further below, the extensions 1240a, 1240b, 1240c, 1240d, 1250 may each have a spool shape (e.g., a cylindrical central portion with flanges on each end of the cylindrical center portion) to receive the corresponding vibration rings 1140a, 1140b, 1140c, 1140d and endcap vibration grommet 1150. For example, with reference to FIG. 1 IB, the first base ring extension 1240a can receive the first vibration ring 1140a, the second base ring extension 1240b can receive the second vibration ring 1140b, the third base ring extension 1240c can receive the third vibration ring 1140c, the fourth base ring extension 1240d can receive the fourth vibration ring 1140d, and the base grommet extension 1250 can receive the endcap vibration grommet 1150.

[0115] The body portion 1210 can define a base opening 1211 sized and shaped to receive a portion of another component (e.g., the isolation element 1470, as shown in FIGS. 14A and 14B). The motor base 1110 can include coupling extensions 1270 extending from the bodyportion 1210 along the Y-axis. The coupling extensions 1270 can be sized and shaped to couple the motor housing 1120 to the motor base 1110 (e.g., including hooked ends to be received in corresponding openings of the motor housing 1120). However, in other embodiments, the motor housing can be coupled to the motor base through other means (e.g., adhesive, a press-fit engagement, or the like). The motor base 1110 includes a backing 1230 extending from the body portion 1210. The backing 1230 may extend a distance from the body portion 1210 such that the backing 1230 provides support to other components coupled to the motor base 1110, such as the motor circuit board 1104, as will be described further below. However, in other embodiments, there may be no backing.

[0116] As noted above, it may be beneficial to minimize the number of components that are operably connected between the light control element 1160, and the activation switch and light source (e.g., located on the motor circuit board 1104) to minimize tolerance stacking issues in conventional systems. The assembly of the motor base 1110 and the light control element 1160 addresses this issue. In particular, the motor base 1110 can include a post 1220 extending from the body portion 1210 along a Y-axis. When assembled, the light control element 1160 can move about the post 1220 to engage the activation switch. For example, FIGS. 13A-13C depict the light control element 1160, motor base 1110, and the motor circuit board 1104 assembled together.

[0117] With specific reference to FIG. 13B, the post 1220 can include a stem 1322 extending from the body portion 1210 along the Y-axis. A first prong 1324a, a second prong 1326a, a third prong 1324b, and a fourth prong 1326b can extend from the stem 1322 along X-axes. A first set of the prongs 1324a, 1326a can extend from the stem 1322 in opposite directions along the X- axis and a second set of the prongs 1324b, 1326b can extend from the stem in opposite X-axis. Although the post 1220 is depicted as including multiple sets of prongs that 1324a, 1324b, 1326a, 1326b extending from the stem 1322, in other embodiments, there may be any number of sets of prongs, such as only one set of prongs or more than two sets of prongs. The prongs 1324a, 1324b, 1326a, 1326b can extend from lateral ends of the stem 1322, however, in other embodiments, one or more prongs can extend from an intermediate portion of the stem (e.g., from a center of the stem). The prongs 1324a, 1324b, 1326a, 1326b can extend a distance from the stem 1322 such that the light control element 1160 can receive the stem 1322 while alsobeing received between the prongs 1324a, 1324b, 1326a, 1326b and the body portion 1210. Although the prongs 1324a, 1324b, 1326a, 1326b extends from the stem 1322 a substantially similar distance to each other, in other embodiments, one or more of the prongs may extend a distance from the stem that is different from the other prongs.

[0118] The light control element 1160 can include a control body 1362 and a control handle 1380. The control body 1362 can define a first prong opening 1363a, a second prong opening 1363b, and a stem channel 1361 extending from the first prong opening 1363a past the second prong opening 1363b along a Z-axis to a stem channel end 1365. The first prong opening 1363a can be sized and shaped to receive the first set of prongs 1324a, 1326a, the second prong opening 1363a can be sized and shaped to receive the second set of prongs 1324b, 1326b, and the stem channel 1361 can be sized and shaped to receive the stem 1322. As such, the stem channel 1361 can have a smaller internal width (e.g., along the X-axis) than an internal width (e.g., along the X-axis) of the prong openings 1363a, 1363b. Although only two prong openings 1363a, 1363b are depicted, in other embodiments, there may be any number of prong openings corresponding to the number of prongs of the post.

[0119] The light control element 1160 can also include a first shelf 1364a and a second shelf 1364b extending from the control body 1362 along Y-axes. The shelves 1364a, 1364b can set a limit on the relative movement between the light control element 1160 and the post 1220, when assembled. The shelves 1364a, 1364b can be shaped and sized to have a degree of flexibility such that, when a sufficient force is applied to the shelves 1364a, 1364b (e.g., a force pushing the shelves 1364a, 1364b away from each other along an X-axis), the shelves 1364a, 1364b can deform (e.g., bend or the like) away from that force. The shelves 1364a, 1364b can be sufficiently rigid such that, after no force is applied to the shelves 1364a, 1364b, the shelves 1364a, 1364b can return to their original position, as shown in FIG. 13B. In this manner, the shelves 1364a, 1364b can be a spring-like structure (e.g., a leaf spring). However, in other embodiments, the shelves can be rigid without a deformable flexibility.

[0120] The first shelf 1364a can include a first ramp 1366a curved toward the stem channel 1361. The second shelf 1364b can include a second ramp 1366b curved toward the stem channel 1361. In this manner, components positioned between the shelves 1364a, 1364b and contacting the ramps 1366a, 1366b to push the shelves 1364a, 1364b apart can provide a gradual increase inforce as the component travels from the widest distance between the ramps 1366a, 1366b to the narrowest distance between the ramps 1366a, 1366b. In other embodiments, the ramps may be a planar surface angled toward the stem channel 1361. In yet other embodiments, there may be no ramps.

[0121] To assemble the light control element 1160 to the motor base 1110, the light control element 1160 can couple over the post 1220 in a Y-direction toward the motor base 1110 such that the first prong opening 1363a receives the first set of prongs 1324a, 1326a, the second prong opening 1363b receives the second set of prongs 1324b, 1326b, and the portion of the stem channel 1361 between the prong openings 1363a, 1363b receives the portion of the stem 1322 between the prongs 1324a, 1324b, 1326a, 1326b. Afterwards, the light control element 1160 can be moved (e.g., slid) along the Z-axis in a direction toward the motor circuit board 1104 such that the first set of prongs 1324a, 1326a slides along the ramps 1366a, 1366b and pushes the shelves 1364a, 1364b apart until the first set of prongs 1324a, 1326a passes the shelves 1364a, 1364b. However, in other embodiments, the shelves may not be deformable and, instead, the first set of prongs may compress between the shelves during assembly.

[0122] In some embodiments, the light control element 1160 may be coupled to the motor base 1110 after the motor circuit board 1104 is coupled to the motor base 1110, however, in other embodiments, the light control element can couple to the motor base after the motor circuit board couples to the motor base. Once the light control element 1160 moves past the shelves 1364a, 1364b, the light control element 1160 will be assembled with the motor base 1110, as shown in FIG. 13B. When assembled, the control body 1362 can be positioned between the prongs 1324a, 1326a, 1324b, 1326 and the body portion 1210 (e.g., the prongs 1324a, 1326a, 1324b, 1326 are not aligned with the prong openings 1363a, 1363b) such that the light control element 1160 is limited in movement along the Y-axis by the prongs 1324a, 1326a, 1324b, 1326.

[0123] The control body 1362 can include an end surface 1369 for contacting other desired components, such as an activation switch. The end surface 1369 (shown more clearly in FIG. 13C) can be a substantially planar surface and have a large surface area to engage other desired components. In this manner, the end surface 1369 can minimize the risk of misalignment with the other desired components due to dimensional variances of the light control element 1160 and other components of the architectural structure covering 100 while also saving on manufacturingcosts associated with processing the end surface 1369 into other shapes. However, in other embodiments, the end surface can be non-planar to conform to other desired components, such as including a recess shaped and sized for an activation switch or the like, to better engage those other desired components.

[0124] The control handle 1380 can be defined between a first handle end 1382 and a second handle end 1384. The first handle end 1382 can be positioned adjacent the motor circuit board 1104. The second handle end 1384 can extend exterior of the headrail 109 and endcap 208. The control handle 1380 can include a curved shape to allow the second handle end 1384 to extend exterior of the headrail 109 and endcap 208 at a desired location. However, in other embodiments, the control handle can have other shapes, such as including acute angles, more curves, being substantially straight, or the like.

[0125] The control handle 1380 can partially extend through the control body 1362. In particular, an intermediate portion of the control handle 1380 (e.g., a portion of the control handle 1380 between the handle ends 1382, 1384) may extend through the control body 1362. In this manner, the handle ends 1382, 1384 can extend exterior from the control body 1362. This can be beneficial where the control handle 1380 includes a light-transmissive material that can propagate light and the control body 1362 includes an opaque material that does not propagate light. For example, where a light source is positioned adjacent the first handle end 1382, light can propagate from the first handle end 1382 through to the second handle end 1384 without the control body 1362 blocking light from entering or exiting one of the handle ends 1382, 1384. Accordingly, where the second handle end 1384 extends exterior to the headrail 109 and endcap 208 (e.g., the light aperture 1101, as shown in FIG. 11A), light can propagate from the first handle end 1382 through to the second handle end 1384 so that light can be visible exterior of the headrail 109 and endcap 208 (e.g., to a user using the architectural structure covering 100). In other embodiments, the control handle 1380 may have a cantilevered arrangement relative to the control body 1362. For instance, as opposed to the intermediate portion of the control handle 1380 (e.g., a portion of the control handle 1380 between the handle ends 1382, 1384) extending through or otherwise being coupled to the control body 1362, such intermediate portion may be separate or spaced apart from (or disconnected or decoupled) from the control body 1362. Such decoupling of the intermediate portion of the control handle 1380 from the control body 1362may provide more flexibility for the control handle 1380 (particularly the second handle end 1384) and make the handle 1380 more robust to motor movement.

[0126] Light-transmissive material may include transparent or translucent materials, such as plastics (e.g., polylactic acid, polyethylene terephthalate glycol-modified, polycarbonate, acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, or the like), glass, crystal, or the like. For example, the light- transmissive material can include a transmittance of greater than about 80%, greater than about 85%, greater than about 90%, greater than about 95%, or about 100% transmittance. Opaque material can include non-transparent or non-translucent plastics, glass (e.g., dyed glass), or the like. For example, opaque material can include a transmittance of less than about 20%, a transmittance of less than about 15%, a transmittance of less than about 10%, a transmittance of less than about 5%, or having no transmittance.

[0127] The control handle 1380 and the control body 1362 can be a singular, monolithic structure (e.g., formed through extrusion, additive manufacturing, or the like) forming the light control element 1160. However, in other embodiments, the control handle and the control body can be separately formed and coupled together. For example, in some embodiments, the control handle may not extend through the control body and, instead, can be a separate component coupled to the control body (e.g., adhered, soldered, brazed, fastened, or the like) to define an outer edge of the light control element.

[0128] The control body 1362 can define a body cavity 1367 adjacent the control handle 1380. The body cavity 1367 can assist in isolating light propagating through the control handle 1380 by mitigating light from leaking into the control body 1362 from the control handle 1380. Accordingly, the control body 1362 can define the body cavity 1367 to include a first outer edge adjacent the control handle 1380 that corresponds to the shape of the control handle 1380. Additionally, the body cavity 1367 may extend from that first outer edge adjacent the control handle 1380 to maximally increase the size of the body cavity 1367 without interfering with other features of the light control element 1160, such as extending from that first outer edge adjacent the control handle 1380 to a second outer edge adjacent the second shelf 1364b.However, in other embodiments, the body cavity can have any other shape or size to help in isolating the light propagating within the control handle. In this manner, light propagating through the control handle 1362 can be concentrated within the control handle 1362 to allow forlight to emit from the second handle end 1384 with a greater brightness to a user that sees the second control handle end 1384 outside of the headrail 109 and endcap 208. However, in other embodiments, the control body may not define a body cavity.

[0129] The motor circuit board 1104 can include a motor circuit body 1372 (e.g., a circuit board substrate or the like) with a light source 1374 and an activation switch 1376 coupled (e.g., soldered or the like) to the motor circuit body 1372. The light source 1374 can be a light-emitting diode, neon light, halogen bulbs, laser lights, or other means of emitting light. The activation switch 1376 can be operably coupled to the light source 1374 through the motor circuit body 1372 such that the activation switch 1376 can activate or deactivate the light source 1374 when the activation switch 1376 is engaged.

[0130] The activation switch 1376 can be a push-button, a limit switch, or other types of switches that can operate the motor 1130. Where the activation switch 1376 is a push-button, the activation switch 1376 can be a momentary switch that transitions from a first, undepressed position (as shown in FIG. 13B) to a second, depressed position when the activation switch 1376 is pushed and released. However, in other embodiments, the activation switch can be a latching switch that transitions from the depressed position back to the undepressed position only after the activation switch is pushed again. In some embodiments, the motor can be activated or deactivated without engaging the activation switch, such as through a signal sent by an outside electronic device in wireless communication with the motor circuit board (e.g., from a user sending instructions to activate or deactivate the motor with their phone). The light source 1374 can be instructed to emit light based on whether an instruction has been sent to operate the motor 1130. For example, when a first instruction is sent to operate the motor 1130 (e.g., from the light control element 1160 engaging the activation switch 1376 or from instructions sent wireless from outside electronic devices), a second instruction may also be sent to activate the light source 1374 to emit light.

[0131] The activation switch 1376 can house a spring (not shown) that provides a spring force away from the motor circuit board 1104. This spring force can be large enough to push certain components (e.g., the light control element 1160) away from the activation switch 1376 when transitioning from the depressed position to the undepressed position. Additionally, the activation switch 1376 can house a sensation-generating feature such that when the activationswitch 1376 is engaged, the activation switch 1376 can provide a tactile and / or audible feedback. Such a sensation-generating feature can include a dome switch, a piezoelectric actuator, haptic motor, or the like. In other embodiments, the activation switch may not include one or more of the spring or sensation-generating features.

[0132] In operation, when the light control element 1160 is assembled to the motor base 1110, the light control element 1160 can move (e.g., slide) relative to the post 1220 by moving the control body 1362 about the stem 1322 within the stem channel 1361 along a Z-axis toward the activation element 1376 (e.g., in a direction transverse to the longitudinal axis of the headrail defined along the X-axis). In this manner, the light control element 1160 can move relative to the post 1220 along the Z-axis while the post 1220 limits movement of the light control element 1160 along the Y-axis to limit the movement of the light control element 1160 to a linear movement along the Z-axis. The shelves 1364a, 1364b and the stem channel end 1365 can define a maximum distance of this linear movement. Specifically, the first set of prongs 1326a, 1326b can abut against the shelves 1364a, 1364b at a first end of this movement (e.g., due to the smaller distance between the shelves 1364a, 1364b compared to the distance between longitudinal ends of the first set of prongs 1324a, 1326a as well as the shelves 1364a, 1364b not having ramps facing the first set of prongs 1324a, 1326a when assembled) and the post 1220 can abut against the stem channel end 1365 at a second end of this movement. This linearly-controlled movement along the Z-axis can be beneficial to minimize torque or rotational forces that can be applied to the light control element 1160 (e.g., forces applied to the second handle end 1384) during operation. Minimizing torque or rotational forces can minimize the risk that the light control element 1160 deviates from an intended path (e.g., a movement path to engage the activation switch 1376).

[0133] The light control element 1160 can be moved to engage the activation switch 1376 (e.g., to transition the activation switch 1376 from the undepressed position to the depressed position) and cause the motor control board 1104 to transmit a first instruction to activate operation of the motor 1130. At the same time or subsequently, the motor control board 1104 can transmit a second instruction to activate the light source 1374 such that the light source 1374 emits a light. The motor control board 1104 can be programmed to transmit the second automatically with the first instruction (e.g., automatically in response to an input activate themotor 1 130). In this manner, the light control element 1160 can be operably coupled to the light source 1347 as one means of causing the light source 1374 to activate, in addition or in alternative to other means (e.g., instructions sent wirelessly from outside electronic devices to operate the motor 1130 which, in turn, activates the light source 1374). As the handle end 1382 can be positioned adjacent the light source 1374, the light from the light source 1374 may propagate through the control handle 1380 from the first handle end 1382 to the second handle end 1384. Since the light control element 1160 is unrestrained in movement along the Z-axis between the interfacing between the first set of prongs 1324a, 1326b and the shelves 1364a, 1364b at a first end, and the interfacing between the post 1220 and the stem channel end 1365 at a second end, the spring force of the activation switch 1376 transitioning from the depressed position to the undepressed position can move the light control element 1160 along the Z-axis away from the motor control board 1104.

[0134] As noted above, this configuration of the light control element 1160 and the motor base 1110 can address tolerance stacking issues faced by conventional systems. Specifically, since the light control element 1160 is coupled to the same component that the motor circuit board 1104 is coupled to (e.g., the motor base 1110), the number of components operably connecting the light control element 1160 and the activation switch 1376 / light source 1374 can be minimized. This can reduce tolerance stacking issues that can otherwise arise from coupling the light control element 1160 to other portions of the architectural structure covering 100, such as the endcap 208.

[0135] With reference to FIG. 13C, the backing 1230 may support the motor circuit board 1104 from deforming as the light control element 1160 engages the activation switch 1376. Without the backing 1230, the force of the light control element 1160 engaging the activation switch 1376 can bend the motor circuit body 1372. The backing 1230 may be positioned against the motor circuit body 1372 opposite the activation switch 1376 to mitigate this bending. However, as noted above, in other embodiments, there may be no backing.

[0136] The first handle end 1382 may be spaced from the light source 1374 a distance corresponding to a distance moved by the light control element 1160 along the Z-axis when engaging the activation switch 1376. In particular, the distance between the first handle end 1382 may be spaced from the light source 1374 may be equal to or larger than a distance traveled bythe activation switch 1376 transitioning from the undepressed position to the depressed position. In some embodiments, this distance may be between about 0.015 inches and 0.055 inches, between about 0.025 inches and 0.045 inches, or about 0.035 inches.

[0137] FIGS. 14A and 14B depict exploded views of the second motor assembly 202b and the vibration dampeners. As noted above, although the following description will be directed to the second motor assembly 202b, it is understood that, unless noted otherwise, such description may also apply to one or more of the other motor assemblies 202a, 202c, 202d. As discussed above for FIG. 12, the extensions 1240a, 1240b, 1240c, 1240d, 1250 of the motor base 1110 can receive the corresponding vibration rings 1140a, 1140b, 1140c, 1140d and endcap vibration grommet 1150. The motor housing 1120 can include a housing body 1410 having a first motor sidewall 1401, a second motor sidewall 1402, and a third motor sidewall 1403 defining a motor volume 1412 therebetween. The motor 1130 can be received in the motor volume 1412 between the motor housing 1120 and the motor base 1110. The housing body 1410 can have a substantially rectangular shape defining the motor volume 1412, however, in other embodiments, the housing body can have other geometric shapes, such as cylindrical or the like.

[0138] The motor housing 1120 can include a first housing ring extension 1440a and a second housing ring extension 1440b from housing body 1410. The first housing ring extension 1440a can receive the sixth vibration ring 1140e and the second housing ring extension 1440b can receive the seventh vibration ring 1140f. The housing ring extensions 1440a, 1440b may extend from the housing body 1410 along Z-axes. The housing ring extensions 1440a, 1440b may be longitudinally offset from each offset from each other along the X-axis. The housing ring extensions 1440a, 1440b may extend along Z-axes that are substantially parallel to the base ring extensions 1240a, 1240b, 1240c, 1240d. The first housing ring extension 1440a may be vertically offset from the first base ring extension 1240a but longitudinally aligned along the X- axes. The first housing ring extension 1440a can be offset along both an X- and Y-axes with the other base ring extensions 1240b, 1240c, 1240d. The second housing ring extension 1440b can be offset along both X- and Y-axes with all base ring extensions 1240a, 1240b, 1240c, 1240d. However, in other embodiments one or more of the housing ring extensions may be aligned along one of the X- and Y-axes with one or more of the base ring extensions, other than the first housing ring extension and the first base ring extension.

[0139] As noted above, the extensions 1240a, 1240b, 1240c, 1240d, 1250 may include a spool shape. The housing ring extensions 1440a, 1440b can also include a spool shape. In particular, the extensions 1240a, 1240b, 1240c, 1240d, 1250, 1440a, 1440b can circumferentially define a receiving channel along an intermediate portion of the extensions 1240a, 1240b, 1240c, 1240d, 1250, 1440a, 1440b to receive a portion of the corresponding vibration rings 1140a, 1140b, 1140c, 1140d, 1140e, 1140f and endcap vibration grommets 1150. For example, with specific reference to the first base ring extension 1240a, the first base ring extension 1240a may define a receiving channel 1442 (e.g., between flanged ends of the first base ring extension 1240a) extending circumferentially around the first base ring extension 1240a. The receiving channel 1442 can be sized and shaped to receive a corresponding feature of the first vibration ring 1140a. For example, the first vibration ring 1140a can include an internal protrusion 1444 inwardly protruding from an interior surface toward a central axis of the first vibration ring 1140a. The internal protrusion 1444 can be sized and shaped to be received in the receiving channel 1442 (e.g., between flanged ends of the first base ring extension 1240a).

[0140] The first vibration ring 1140a can be assembled with the first base ring extension 1240a by pushing the first base ring extension 1240a through the central opening of the first vibration ring 1140a until the internal protrusion 1444 is received in the receiving channel 1442. After assembly, linear movement of the first vibration ring 1140a may be limited. In some embodiments, the first vibration ring 1140a can rotate about the first base ring extension 1240a. However, in other embodiments, the first vibration ring may not be able to rotate within the first base ring extension. Similarly, the other extensions 1240b, 1240c, 1240d, 1250, 1440a, 1440b can include receiving channels that receive internal protrusions of corresponding vibration rings 1140b, 1140c, 1140d, 1140e, 1140f and endcap vibration grommets 1150. For example the endcap vibration grommet 1150 can be received about the base grommet extension 1250 such that linear movement of the vibration grommet 1150 can be limited. However, in other embodiments, the one or more of the extensions can couple with one or more of the corresponding vibration rings and endcap vibration grommet through other means, such as adhesive, fasteners, or the like.

[0141] The motor housing 1120 can include ribs that define notches to receive the vibration grommets 1152a, 1152b, 1152c. For example, the first motor sidewall 1401 can include a first rib1452a defining a first notch 1450a and a second rib 1452b defining a second notch 1450b. The third sidewall 1403 can include a third rib 1452c defining a third notch 1450c. The ribs 1452a, 1452b, 1452c can have a semi-cylindrical shape, however, in other embodiments, one or more of the ribs can have other geometries corresponding to internal features of the vibration grommets. The ribs 1452a, 1452b, 1452c can form a portion of an edge of the corresponding motor sidewall 1401, 1403. However, in other embodiments, one or more of the ribs may be a feature that extends past corresponding motor sidewalls and / or edges of those motor sidewalls.

[0142] A top exterior surface of the ribs 1452a, 1452b (e g., a surface of the ribs 1452a, 1452b along an X-Z plane positioned furthest away from the motor base 1110) may be indented from a top exterior surface of the first motor sidewall 1401. In this manner, the corresponding vibration grommets 1152a, 1152b received in the notches 1450a, 1450b can sit partially recessed in the first motor sidewall 1401. However, in other embodiments, the top exterior surfaces of the first and second ribs may not be recessed from the top exterior surface of the first motor sidewall (e.g., the exterior surface of the first and second ribs may be substantially co-planar with the exterior surface of the first motor sidewall or the like). In yet other embodiments, each of the opposite surfaces of each of the first and second ribs may be recessed from the surrounding surfaces of the first motor sidewall. Although the surfaces of the third rib 1452c are not indented from the surrounding surfaces of the third motor sidewall 1403, in other embodiments, one or more of the surfaces of the third rib may be recessed from the surfaces of the third motor sidewall.

[0143] The ribs 1452a, 1452b, 1452c can be sized and shaped to be received in the vibration grommets 1152a, 1152b, 1152c and the notches 1450a, 1450b, 1450c can be sized and shaped to receive the vibration grommets 1152a, 1152b, 1152c. For example, the first vibration grommet 1152a can define a first grommet channel 1454a extending circumferentially around the first vibration grommet 1152a, the second vibration grommet 1152b can define a second grommet channel 1454b extending circumferentially around the second vibration grommet 1152b, and the third vibration grommet 1152c can define a third grommet channel 1454c extending circumferentially around the second vibration grommet 1152c. The first notch 1450a can receive a central portion of the first vibration grommet 1152a and the first grommet channel 1454a can receive the first rib 1452a. The second notch 1450b can receive a central portion of the secondvibration grommet 1 152b and the second grommet channel 1454b can receive the second rib 1452b. The third notch 1450c can receive a central portion of the third vibration grommet 1152c and the third grommet channel 1454c can receive the third rib 1452c. When assembled (e.g., by pushing the vibration grommets 1152a, 1152b, 1152c into the notches 1450a, 1450b, 1450c such that the ribs grommet channels 1454a, 1454b, 1454c receives the ribs 1452a, 1452b, 1452c in a snap-fit engagement), linear movement of the vibration grommets 1152a, 1152b, 1152c may be limited. In some embodiments, the vibration grommets 1152a, 1152b, 1152c may rotate within the notches 1450a, 1450b, 1450c. However, in other embodiments, the vibration grommets may not rotate within the notches.

[0144] As will be described further below, the vibration rings 1140a, 1140b, 1140c, 1140d, 1140e, 1140f and vibration grommets 1152a, 1152b, 1152c can extend past the motor housing 1120 and the motor base 1110 to abut against one or more internal surfaces of the headrail 109 to provide vibration absorption between the headrail 109 and the motor 1130 during operation (e.g., as shown in FIG. 15). For example, the vibration rings 1140e, 1140f and the vibration grommets 1152a, 1152b can vertically extend past a top exterior surface of the first motor sidewall 1401 along a Y-axis. The vibration rings 1140a, 1140c, 1140e, 1140f can laterally extend past a first lateral exterior surface of the second motor sidewall 1402 and the motor base 1110 along an X- axis. The vibration rings 1140b, 1140d and the third vibration grommet 1152c can laterally extend past a second lateral exterior surface of the third motor sidewall 1403 along an X-axis. The vibration rings 1140a, 1140b, 1140c, 1140d can vertically extend past a bottom exterior surface of the motor base 1110 along a Y-axis. In this manner, the vibration rings 1140a, 1140b, 1140c, 1140d, 1140e, 1140f and vibration grommets 1152a, 1152b, 1152c can extend distances past the corresponding motor housing 1120 and motor base 1110 to abut against the headrail 109.

[0145] The particular positions of the vibration rings 1140a, 1140b, 1140c, 1140d, 1140e, 1140f and vibration grommets 1152a, 1152b, 1152c can improve the vibration absorption of the second motor assembly 202b. For example, during operation, the operation of the motor 1130 may cause the second motor assembly 202b to twist about the X-axis. In particular, the operation of the motor 1130 can bias the corners of the second motor assembly 202b to twist and potentially contact with internal surfaces of, or other components within, the headrail 109, which can cause undesirable noise and / or damage to the architectural structure covering 100. Thetorque loads that cause such twisting can be particularly large for larger shades. As such, positioning the vibration rings 1140a, 1140b, 1140c, 1140d, 1140e, 1140f and vibration grommets 1152a, 1152b, 1152c on, or adjacent to, the corners of the motor housing 1110 and motor base 1120 can better absorb the torque loads of the motor 1130 during operation. In contrast, there may be minimal torque loads caused by the operation of the motor 1130 along intermediate portions of the second motor assembly 202b (e.g., along the length of the second motor assembly 202b in an X-axis). As such, the motor housing 1120 and motor base 1110 may not include vibration dampeners along the intermediate portions of the second motor assembly 202b. However, in other embodiments, there may be one or more vibration grommets and / or vibration rings at an intermediate portion of the second motor assembly.

[0146] The second motor assembly 202b may include vibration rings 1140a, 1140b, 1140c, 1140d, 1140e, 1140f and vibration grommets 1152a, 1152b, 1152c at the depicted orientations, positions, and numbers to account for the internal shape of the headrail 109 and other components positioned in the headrail 109. For example, the vibration rings 1140e, 1140f and vibration grommets 1152a, 1152b can each vertically extend past the top exterior surface of the first motor sidewall 1401 a substantially similar distance. The vibration rings 1140a, 1140b, 1140c, 1140d can each vertically extend past the bottom exterior surface of the motor base 1110 a substantially similar distance. The vibration rings 1140a, 1140b, 1140c, 1140d can each laterally extend past the motor housing 1120 and motor base 1110 a substantially similar distance. The vibration rings 1140e, 1140f can extend past the motor housing 1120 a substantially similar distance. The vibration rings 1140a, 1140b, 1140c, 1140d can each laterally extend past the motor housing 1120 and motor base 1110 a distance greater than the distance that the vibration absorbers 1140e, 1140f and third vibration grommet 1152c extends past the motor housing 1110.

[0147] However, in other embodiments, the vibration rings and vibration grommets can extend past the corresponding motor housing and motor base at any relative distance to each other, as desired. However, in other embodiments, the second motor assembly can include other combinations of vibration rings and vibration grommets in other orientations and positions as desired. For example, the second motor assembly may include all vibration rings or all vibration grommets. In yet other embodiments, the orientations and positions of the vibration rings and / orvibration grommets may be changed based on a desired positioning of the surrounding headrail / components. In another example, the second motor assembly can include only vibration rings positioned on or adjacent each corner of the motor housing and motor base (e.g., four vibration rings on the top and four vibration rings on the bottom).

[0148] The orientation of the vibration rings 1140a, 1140b, 1140c, 1140d, 1140e, 1140f and vibration grommets 1152a, 1152b, 1152c can decrease the risk that the vibration rings 1140a, 1140b, 1140c, 1140d, 1140e, 1140f and vibration grommets 1152a, 1152b, 1152c decouples from the corresponding motor housing 1110 and motor base 1120 during assembly. For example, the second motor assembly 202b is slid into the headrail 109 along an X-axis while the vibration rings 1140a, 1140b, 1140c, 1140d, 1140e, 1140f and third vibration grommet 1152c is concentric about a Z-axis and the vibration grommets 1152a, 1152b are concentric about the Y-axis. The transverse (e.g., perpendicular) orientation of the vibration rings 1140a, 1140b, 1140c, 1140d, 1140e, 1140f and vibration grommets 1152a, 1152b, 1152c relative to the assembly direction of the second motor assembly 202b along the X-axis as the second motor assembly 202b is slid into the headrail 109 can decrease the risk that the vibration rings 1140a, 1140b, 1140c, 1140d, 1140e, 1140f and vibration grommets 1152a, 1152b, 1152c decouples from the corresponding motor housing 1110 and motor base 1120 during assembly.

[0149] The texture of the outer circumferential surfaces of the vibration rings 1140a, 1140b, 1140c, 1140d, 1140e, 1140f and vibration grommets 1152a, 1152b, 1152c can also decrease the risk that the vibration rings 1140a, 1140b, 1140c, 1140d, 1140e, 1140f and vibration grommets 1152a, 1152b, 1152c can decouples from the corresponding motor housing 1110 and motor base 1120 during assembly. For example, the vibration rings 1140a, 1140b, 1140c, 1140d, 1140e, 1140f and vibration grommets 1152a, 1152b, 1152c can have a substantially smooth outer circumferential surface. This can allow for the vibration rings 1140a, 1140b, 1140c, 1140d, 1140e, 1140f and vibration grommets 1152a, 1152b, 1152c to slide along the internal surfaces of the headrail 109 when installing the second motor assembly 202b into the headrail 109. In particular, the second motor assembly 202b can be slid into the headrail 109 by sliding the vibration rings 1140a, 1140b, 1140c, 1140d, 1140e, 1140f and vibration grommets 1152a, 1152b, 1152c along the internal surfaces of the headrail 109. The substantially smooth outer circumferential surfaces can also more easily slide over irregular features within the headrail 109for easier assembly. Where the vibration rings 1 140a, 1 140b, 1140c, 1140d, 1140e, 1140f can roll about the corresponding extensions 1240b, 1240c, 1240d, 1250, 1440a, 1440b, the vibration rings 1140a, 1140b, 1140c, 1140d, 1140e, 1140f can also roll along the internal surfaces of the headrail 109 during assembly. In this manner, unlike conventional systems, the vibration rings 1140a, 1140b, 1140c, 1140d, 1140e, 1140f and vibration grommets 1152a, 1152b, 1152c can remain secured to the corresponding motor housing 1110 and motor base 1120 during assembly. In other embodiments, the vibration rings can have a textured surface. This may be beneficial where the vibration rings can rotate as the textured surface can enhance the second motor assembly rolling along the vibration rings inside the headrail during assembly.

[0150] The motor 1130 can include a first motor end 1431 coupled to the motor housing 1120 through fasteners 1480 while a second motor end 1432 can be unrestrained (e.g., free-floating). As such, the motor 1130 can have a cantilevered configuration within the motor housing 1120, which can decrease the amount of noise generated by the motor 1130 during operation as less vibration is transferred from the motor 1130 to the motor housing 1120 compared to other systems where the motor 1130 is secured at both ends to the motor housing 1120. However, during operation, the motor 1130 can rotate at the first motor end 1431 about a Y- and / or Z-axes such that the second motor end 1432 can contact the motor housing 1120 and / or motor base 1110. As such, it may be beneficial to secure the motor 1130 enough that the risk of the motor 1130 contacts the motor housing 1120 and / or motor base 1110 is minimized but not so strongly that the vibration caused by the motor 1130 transfers to the motor housing 1120 and / or motor base 1110 secured to the motor 1130.

[0151] The second motor assembly 202b can address this issue by coupling an isolation element 1470 about the motor 1130. The isolation element 1470 can be positioned between the motor 1130 and the motor housing 1120 to assist in securing a position of the motor 1130 relative to the motor housing 1120 and the motor base 1130. The isolation element 1470 can include a pliable material, such as foam, rubber, plastics, or the like. In this manner, the motor 1130 can partially compress the isolation element 1470 as the motor 1130 rotates at the first motor end 1431 about a Y- and / or Z-axes. At the same time, the isolation element 1470 can provide a sufficient amount of resistance to limit the rotation of the motor 1130 about a Y- and / or Z-axes such that the risk that the second motor end 1432 contacts the motor housing 1120and / or the motor base 1110 is minimized. In this manner, the isolation element 1470 can improve the vibration absorption of the second motor assembly 202b. However, in other embodiments, there may be no isolation element. In a yet further embodiment, the motor may not be coupled to the motor housing in a cantilevered configuration.

[0152] The position of the isolation element 1470 can assist in absorbing vibration between the motor 1130, and the motor housing 1120 and the motor base 1110. Rather than assisting in absorbing vibrations, the isolation element 1470 can transfer vibrations when positioned around a portion of the motor 1130 that generates large amounts of vibration, such as where the isolation element 1470 includes a foam material. The motor 1130 can produce higher amounts of vibration at the motor ends 1431, 1432 due to, as an example, the gearbox being positioned in the motor 1130 adjacent the first motor end 1431 and the movement of the second motor end 1432 due to the cantilevered configuration of the motor 1130. As such, the isolation element 1470 can be positioned at an intermediate portion of the motor 1130 that includes less vibrations (e.g., the least amount of vibrations along a length of the motor 1130). Additionally, the isolation element 1470 may not include a thickness along the X-axis that is too large without contributing to transferring vibrations from the motor 1130 for similar reasons as noted above. As such, the isolation element 1470 can include a thickness sufficient only to cover the portion of the motor 1130 that produces less vibrations (e.g., the least amount of vibrations). However, in other embodiments, the isolation element can be positioned along any portion of the motor. In further embodiments, the isolation element can include any thickness. Although only one isolation element 1470 is depicted, in other embodiments, there may more than one isolation element, such as two, three, four, or the like.

[0153] The isolation element 1470 can also extend past a housing opening 1411 of the first motor sidewall 1401 and base opening 1211 along a Y-axis such that the isolation element 1470 can abut against internal surfaces of the headrail 109 to provide further vibration absorption between the motor 1130 and the motor housing 1120 and the motor base 1110. In some embodiments, the isolation element 1470 can extend past the motor housing 1120 and the motor base 1110 a distance greater than the vibration rings 1140a, 1140b, 1140c, 1140d, 1140e, 1140d and vibration grommets 1152a, 1152b. In this configuration, when the second motor assembly 202b is assembled in the headrail 109, the isolation element 1470 can be in a partiallycompressed state. However, in other embodiments, the isolation element may extend past one or more of the motor housing or motor base a distance equal to or less than the vibration rings and vibration grommets such that the isolation element is not in a partially compressed stat when assembled.

[0154] The fasteners 1480 may each provide an even tightness when coupling the motor 1130 to the motor housing 1120. Coupling the motor 1130 to the motor housing 1120 with an uneven force can lead to the motor 1130 being tilted toward one side more than another, thus increasing the risk that the second motor end 1132 contacts the motor housing 1110 and / or the motor base 1120 during operation. As such, the fasteners 1480 can be a shoulder bolt having a smooth section and a threaded section. This configuration can control for an amount of tightness of each fastener 1480 to the motor 1130. In this manner, shoulder bolt fasteners 1480 can decrease the risk that the second motor end 1132 contacts the motor housing 1110 and / or the motor base 1120 during operation. However, in other embodiments, the fasteners 1480 can be other types of fasteners, such as full-threaded fasteners or the like.

[0155] FIG. 15 depicts a side view of the second motor assembly 202b positioned in the headrail 109 at right-most longitudinal end of the headrail 109 as shown in FIG. 1. For ease of viewing, certain components may be omitted, such as the cover 102, the cover endcap 208, and the light control element 1160. As noted above, the vibration dampeners of the second motor assembly 202b can abut against the sidewalls of the headrails 109 to provide vibration absorption between the second motor assembly 202b and the headrail 109. For example, the second vibration grommet 1152b, the seventh vibration ring 1140f, and the isolation element 1470 can extend past a top exterior surface of the motor housing 1120 to abut against a first headrail sidewall 1502. The fourth vibration ring 1140d can extend past a bottom exterior surface of the motor base 1110 to abut against a first headrail flange 1508 and the third vibration ring 1140c can extend past a bottom exterior surface of the motor base 1110 to abut against a second headrail flange 1510. Although not shown in FIG. 15, the first 1152a and the sixth vibration ring 1140e can also extend past the top exterior surface of the motor housing 1120 to abut against the first headrail sidewall 1502, and the first vibration ring 1140a can also extend past the bottom exterior surface of the motor base 1110 to abut against the second headrail flange 1510 and the second vibration ring 1140b can also extend past the bottom exterior surface of the motor base11 10 to abut against the first headrail flange 1508. In this manner, FIG. 15 shows the vibration rings 1140c, 1140d, 1140f, the second vibration grommet 1152b, and isolation element 1470 providing a vertical vibration absorption (e.g., along the Y-axis) between the second motor assembly 202b and the headrail 109.

[0156] The third vibration grommet 1152c and the fourth vibration ring 1140d can laterally extend past the motor housing 1120 (e.g., along the Z-axis) to abut against the second headrail sidewall 1504. Although not shown in FIG. 15, the second vibration ring 1140b can also laterally extend past the motor housing 1120 to abut against the second headrail sidewall 1504. In this manner, whereas conventional systems using adhesive pads could only provide vertical vibration absorption, the third vibration grommet 1152c and the fourth vibration ring 1140d can provide a lateral vibration absorption between the second motor assembly 202b and the headrail 109. The vibration ring 1140c, 1140f (and, although not shown in FIG. 15, the vibration rings 1140a, 1140e) also extend laterally past the motor housing 1120 opposite the vibration grommet 1152c and vibration rings 1140b, 1140d to provide lateral absorption between the second motor assembly 202b and the headrail 109. Specifically, although the vibration rings may 1140a, 1140e, 1140e, 1140f may not contact a third headrail sidewall 1506 (e.g., for increased ease of installation of the second motor assembly 202b in the headrail 109), the vibration rings may 1140a, 1140e, 1140e, 1140f may provide lateral vibration absorption between the motor housing 1120 and the third headrail sidewall 1506 because, during operation, the vibration rings may 1140a, 1140e, 1140e, 1140f may prevent the motor housing 1120 from contacting the vibration rings may 1140a, 1140e, 1140e, 1140f if the second motor assembly 202b moves laterally to contact the third headrail sidewall 1506. Accordingly, the vibration rings 1140a, 1140b, 1140c, 1140d, 1140e, 1140f and vibration grommets 1152a, 1152b, 1152c can retain the second motor assembly 202b in the headrail 109 along the Y- and Z-axes while also providing vibration absorption in those axes. In some embodiments, the second motor assembly 202b can also be fastened (e.g., pinned, screwed, or the like) to a fourth headrail sidewall 1512 of the headrail 109 to further prevent lateral movement of the second motor assembly 202b within the headrail 109. However, in other embodiments, the second motor assembly may not be fastened to the fourth headrail.

[0157] FIGS. 16A and 16B depict the coving endcap 208 being coupled to the second motor assembly 202b. With specific reference to FIG. 16A, the covering endcap 208 can include a covering endcap body 1610 and a covering endcap housing 1620 extending from the covering endcap body 1610 along an X-axis. The covering endcap housing 1620 can define a grommet opening 1622 to receive the endcap vibration grommet 1150. The grommet opening 1622 can be sized and shaped (e.g., having a circular shape) to receive the endcap vibration grommet 1150. For example, turning to FIG. 16B, the endcap vibration grommet 1150 can define an endcap receiving channel 1654 extending circumferentially about the endcap vibration grommet 1150. The endcap receiving channel 1654 can be sized and shaped to receive the covering endcap housing 1620 in a snap-fit engagement when the endcap vibration grommet 1150 (e.g., a central portion of the endcap vibration grommet 1150) is positioned in the grommet opening 1622.

[0158] To assemble the covering endcap 208 to the endcap vibration grommet 1150, with reference to FIG. 16A, the endcap vibration grommet 1150 can slide along a Z-axis into the grommet opening 1622. In particular, the endcap vibration grommet 1150 can be moved toward the covering endcap housing 1620 such that the endcap receiving channel 1654 receives a first endcap chamfered surface 1624 and a second endcap chamfered surface 1626 until a central portion of the endcap vibration grommet 1150 is received in the endcap housing 1620 in a snap- fit engagement. In this manner, linear movement between the covering endcap 208 and the second motor assembly 202b can be limited. Further, the endcap vibration grommet 1150 can provide vibration absorption between the second motor assembly 202b and the covering endcap 208. However, the endcap vibration grommet can be coupled to the covering endcap housing through other means, such as adhesive, fasteners, or the like. In yet other embodiments, the covering endcap housing can define the endcap chamfered surfaces so that the endcap vibration grommet can slide into the grommet opening in other directions, such as along a Y-axis.

[0159] Accordingly, the second motor assembly 202b can be coupled within the headrail 109 along the Y- and Z-axes by the vibration rings 1140a, 1140b, 1140c, 1140d, 1140e, 1140f and vibration grommets 1152a, 1152b, 1152c, and with the covering endcap 208 by the endcap vibration grommet 1150 along the X-axis. In this manner, the second motor assembly 202b can be maintained in position within the architectural structure covering 100 while optimizing vibration absorption between the motor 1130, and the headrail 109 and covering endcap 208.

[0160] The motorized window covering system, as described herein, may be any type of covering that at least partially covers an architectural element such as a window, a door, an opening, or a wall. In one example, the motorized window covering system can be a sheer-type covering. In an aspect, the shade panel has sheer front and back panels that extend and retract, and a plurality of light blocking vanes extending between the panels that tilt to open and close the covering. In another aspect, the shade panel has a single sheer panel that extends and retracts, and a plurality of light-blocking vanes attached to the sheer panel that open and close by sliding one end of the vane relative to the panel. In yet another aspect, the shade panel has a single sheer panel that extends and retracts, and a plurality of light blocking vanes that extend substantially vertically that rotate to open and close.

[0161] In another example, the motorized window covering system can be a cellular-type covering. In an aspect, the shade panel has a front and back panel that are connected to each other in a cellular pattern (e.g., a honeycomb-type pattern, a roman-type pattern, etc.) and that extend and retract in an accordion-type motion. This type of cellular pattern creates a layer of insulation (e.g., air) within the covering.

[0162] In yet another example, the motorized window covering system 1 can be a roman-type covering. In an aspect, the shade panel has a single panel with a plurality of fabric folds that extends and retracts via a rolling motion (e.g., rolling the folds) or a stacking motion (e.g., stacking the folds). In another aspect, the shade panel has a front and back panel connected in a cellular pattern as described above and that extends and retracts. These panels include excess fabric to generate the roman-type folds when the covering is retracted and are not necessarily configured to move in an open-and-close direction.

[0163] In still another example, the motorized window covering system can be a roller-type covering. In an aspect, the shade panel has a front and back panel connected in a cellular pattern as described above, but extend and retract via a rolling motion. In another aspect, the shade panel has a single panel that extends and retracts in a rolling motion. This type of single panel can be fully or partially light blocking as required or desired, and are not necessarily configured to move in an open-and-closed direction. In other examples, the single panel can be a UV-blocking shade. In yet another aspect, the shade panel has a front and back panel that each have alternating sheerand light blocking bands. In this example, the shade panel is extended and retracted by a rolling motion, and also open and closed by moving the panels relative to one another.

[0164] Additionally or alternatively, the motorized window covering system can be a shuttertype covering. In an aspect, the shade panel has a plurality of light-blocking vanes that tilt to open and close the covering and are not necessarily configured to move in an extended and retracted direction. The motorized window covering system can be a slat-type covering. In an aspect, the shade panel has a plurality of light blocking vanes (e.g., slats) that move relative to each other to extend and retract the covering, and tilt to open and close the covering. The motorized window covering system can also be a vertical-type covering. In an aspect, the shade panel has a plurality of light blocking vanes (e.g., panels or louvers) that move relative to each other in a horizontal direction to extend and retract the covering and rotate to open and close the covering. Generally, the motorized window covering system can be any type of covering that is enabled to extend and retract and / or open and close as described herein.

[0165] Turning to FIG. 17, a block diagram of an example controller 1704 (e.g., the circuit boards as described above) for use with any motorized window covering system as described herein. In the example described below, the controller 1704 is described in connection with a motor 1703; however, it is understood that the controller 1704 may likewise be used to control any other component of the motorized window covering system as required or desired.

[0166] The controller 1704 can include a motor controller 1706 that controls one or more motors 1703 of the window covering system based on one or more commands. For example, the motor controller 1706 can control the direction of rotation of an output shaft of the motors 1703, the speed of the output shaft, and / or other operations of the motor so as to extend and retract and open and close the shade panel.

[0167] The controller 1704 can also include a position sensor interface 1710 that can receive signals from one or more position sensors 1718. The position sensors 1718 can include, for example, a magnetic encoder, a rotary encoder, a gravitational sensor, etc. The position sensors 1718 can be used to count pulses or rotations of the motor 1703, to track the position of a rotating element (e.g., the output shaft, the roller system, etc.) while movement of the covering is being driven (e.g., by a rotating member or any other driving member). The position sensor interface 1710 can process the signals from the position sensors 1718 and a position determiner1712 determines a position of the shade panel based on the processed signal(s) from the position sensor interface 1710.

[0168] An action determiner 1714 can used to determine what action (if any) is to be performed by the motor 1703 based on input information from the communication device 1702 (e.g., receiving operational instructions from a remote device via a gateway) and / or the position determiner 1712. In examples, the communication device is operable to communicate with remote devices via a gateway, wherein the connection with the gateway can use any number of different networks or protocols, such as over Wi-Fi, BLUETOOTH, BLUETOOTH Low Energy, ZIGBEE, etc. For example, if an operational signal is received by the communication device 1702 to open the covering, the action determiner 1714 sends a signal to the motor controller 1706 to activate the motor 1703 in an open direction. Similarly, if an operational signal is received by the communication device 1702 to close the covering, the action determiner 1714 sends a signal to the motor controller 1706 to activate the motor 1703 in a closed direction. In another example, if an operational signal is received by the communication device 1702 to extend the covering, the action determiner 1714 sends a signal to the motor controller 1706 to activate the motor 1703 in an extended direction. Similarly, if an operational signal is received by the communication device 1702 to retract the covering, the action determiner 1714 sends a signal to the motor controller 1706 to activate the motor 1703 in a retraction direction. Based on the received operational control signal, the action determiner 1714 and the position determiner 1712 can selectively use the motor controller 1706 to command the motor 1703 in one direction or another so that the covering is moved as required or desired.

[0169] A data store 1716 (e g., memory) of the controller 1704 can store data as required or desired. For example, the data store 1716 can include information that is emitted in a broadcast signal from the covering, such as, covering informational data (e.g., a covering identifier), a structure identifier (e.g., an edifice identification number or a home ID), and / or power transmission data.

[0170] In the foregoing specification, embodiments of the disclosure have been described with reference to numerous specific details that can vary from implementation to implementation. The specification and drawings are, accordingly, to be regarded in an illustrative rather than a restrictive sense. The sole and exclusive indicator of the scope of the disclosure, and what isintended by the applicants to be the scope of the disclosure, is the literal and equivalent scope of the set of claims that issue from this application, in the specific form in which such claims issue, including any subsequent correction. The specific details of particular embodiments can be combined in any suitable manner without departing from the spirit and scope of embodiments of the disclosure.

[0171] Additionally, spatially relative terms, such as "bottom” or "top" and the like can be used to describe an element and / or feature's relationship to another element(s) and / or feature(s) as, for example, illustrated in the figures. It will be understood that the spatially relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations of the device in use and / or operation in addition to the orientation depicted in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is turned over, elements described as a "bottom" surface can then be oriented "above" other elements or features. The device can be otherwise oriented (e g., rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations) and the spatially relative descriptors used herein interpreted accordingly.

[0172] Terms “and,” “or,” and “an / or,” as used herein, may include a variety of meanings that also is expected to depend at least in part upon the context in which such terms are used.Typically, “or” if used to associate a list, such as A, B, or C, is intended to mean A, B, and C, here used in the inclusive sense, as well as A, B, or C, here used in the exclusive sense. In addition, the term “one or more” as used herein may be used to describe any feature, structure, or characteristic in the singular or may be used to describe some combination of features, structures, or characteristics. However, it should be noted that this is merely an illustrative example and claimed subject matter is not limited to this example. Furthermore, the term “at least one of’ if used to associate a list, such as A, B, or C, can be interpreted to mean any combination of A, B, and / or C, such as A, B, C, AB, AC, BC, AA, AAB, ABC, AABBCCC, etc.

[0173] Reference throughout this specification to “one example,” “an example,” “certain examples,” or “exemplary implementation” means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic described in connection with the feature and / or example may be included in at least one feature and / or example of claimed subject matter. Thus, the appearances of the phrase “in one example,” “an example,” “in certain examples,” “in certain implementations,” or other like phrases in various places throughout this specification are not necessarily all referring to thesame feature, example, and / or limitation. Furthermore, the particular features, structures, or characteristics may be combined in one or more examples and / or features.

[0174] In some implementations, operations or processing may involve physical manipulation of physical quantities. Typically, although not necessarily, such quantities may take the form of electrical or magnetic signals capable of being stored, transferred, combined, compared, or otherwise manipulated. It has proven convenient at times, principally for reasons of common usage, to refer to such signals as bits, data, values, elements, symbols, characters, terms, numbers, numerals, or the like. It should be understood, however, that all of these or similar terms are to be associated with appropriate physical quantities and are merely convenient labels. Unless specifically stated otherwise, as apparent from the discussion herein, it is appreciated that throughout this specification discussions utilizing terms such as “processing,” “computing,” “calculating,” “determining,” or the like refer to actions or processes of a specific apparatus, such as a special purpose computer, special purpose computing apparatus or a similar special purpose electronic computing device. In the context of this specification, therefore, a special purpose computer or a similar special purpose electronic computing device is capable of manipulating or transforming signals, typically represented as physical electronic or magnetic quantities within memories, registers, or other information storage devices, transmission devices, or display devices of the special purpose computer or similar special purpose electronic computing device.

[0175] In the preceding detailed description, numerous specific details have been set forth to provide a thorough understanding of claimed subject matter. However, it will be understood by those skilled in the art that claimed subject matter may be practiced without these specific details. In other instances, methods and apparatuses that would be known by one of ordinary skill have not been described in detail so as not to obscure claimed subject matter. Therefore, it is intended that claimed subject matter not be limited to the particular examples disclosed, but that such claimed subject matter may also include all aspects falling within the scope of appended claims, and equivalents thereof.

Claims

WHAT IS CLAIMED IS:

1. An architectural structure covering comprising: a covering material; a headrail; a motor positioned in the headrail; a lift station positioned in the headrail, and operable to raise and lower the covering material; a battery system positioned in the headrail between the motor and the lift station, wherein the battery system includes a battery housing that defines a drive channel; a plurality of batteries positioned in the battery housing; and a drive shaft extending from the motor to the lift station through the drive channel, wherein the drive shaft is configured to operate the lift station based on an operation of the motor.

2. The architectural structure covering of claim 1, wherein: the battery housing includes a first housing component at least partially defining a first battery compartment and a second housing component at least partially defining a second battery compartment; and a first battery of the plurality of batteries is positioned in the first battery compartment and a second battery of the plurality of batteries is positioned in the second battery compartment.

3. The architectural structure covering of claim 2, wherein the first housing component and the second housing component are coupled to each other to define the drive channel therebetween.

4. The architectural structure covering of claim 2, further comprising a first cover sheet coupled to the first housing component to define the first battery compartment.

5. The architectural structure covering of claim 4, wherein the first cover sheet is deformable to accommodate swelling of the first battery.

6. The architectural structure covering of claim 4, wherein the first cover sheet is coupled to the respective first housing component and the second housing component by at least partially wrapping around the respective first housing component and the second housing component.

7. The architectural structure covering of claim 2, further comprising a circuit board positioned between the first housing component and the second housing component, wherein the circuit board is held in place by the first housing component and the second housing component.

8. The architectural structure covering of claim 7, wherein: the first housing component defines a first connection aperture and the second housing component defines a second connection aperture; and the architectural structure covering further comprises a first wire connector electrically coupling the first battery to the circuit board through the first connection aperture and a second wire connector electrically coupling the second battery to the circuit board through the second connection aperture.

9. The architectural structure covering of claim 2, wherein the first housing component and the second housing component interfaces with each other to form a pseudo-I- beam structure therebetween.

10. The architectural structure covering of claim 1, wherein the battery housing includes a thermally conductive material such that the battery housing acts as a heat sink for the plurality of batteries.

11. The architectural structure covering of claim 10, wherein the plurality of batteries is coupled to the battery housing with a thermally conductive fastening mechanism.

12. The architectural structure covering of claim 10, wherein the battery housing includes a plurality of fins extending from the battery housing that act as a thermal heat sink for the battery housing.

13. The architectural structure covering of claim 1, wherein the battery system includes an endcap at least partially received within a longitudinal end of the battery housing.

14. The architectural structure covering of claim 13, wherein: the endcap defines an endcap channel aligned with the drive channel; and the drive shaft extends from the motor to the lift station through the endcap channel.

15. The architectural structure covering of claim 13, wherein the endcap includes an endcap housing and a dampener extending a distance exterior of the endcap housing.

16. The architectural structure covering of claim 13, wherein the endcap includes an endcap housing and a spike extending from the endcap housing.

17. The architectural structure covering of claim 1, wherein at least one battery of the plurality of batteries includes a pouch-type battery having a rectangular shape.

18. A battery system installable in a headrail of an architectural structure covering, the battery system comprising: a housing defining a longitudinal axis, wherein: the housing defines a first battery compartment laterally offset from the longitudinal axis in a first direction; the housing defines a second battery compartment laterally offset from the longitudinal axis in a second direction; the housing defines a drive channel extending from a first end of the housing to a second end of the housing in a third direction parallel to the longitudinal axis, wherein the drive channel is positioned between the first battery compartment and the second battery compartment; a first battery positioned in the first battery compartment; and a second battery positioned in the second battery compartment.

19. The battery system of claim 18, wherein: the battery housing includes a first housing component at least partially defining a first battery compartment and a second housing component at least partially defining a second battery compartment; and the drive channel is positioned between the first battery compartment and the second battery compartment.

20. A method comprising: inserting a battery system in a headrail between a motor and a lift station, wherein: the battery system includes a battery housing having a plurality of batteries; and the battery housing defines a drive channel; and inserting a drive shaft through the drive channel such that the drive shaft extends between the motor and the lift station.

21. An architectural structure covering comprising: a covering material; a headrail; and a motor assembly positioned in the headrail, wherein the motor assembly comprises: a motor housing including a housing body and a first housing extension extending from the housing body, wherein the housing body defines a motor volume; a motor positioned in the motor volume, wherein the motor is operable to move the covering material; and a first vibration dampener received about the first housing extension, wherein the first vibration dampener abuts against the headrail.

22. The architectural structure covering of claim 21, further comprising a motor base coupled to the motor housing, wherein: the motor is positioned in the motor volume between the motor housing and the motor base;the motor base includes a body portion and a base extension extending from the body portion; and the motor assembly includes a second vibration dampener received about the base extension and abutting against the headrail.

23. The architectural structure covering of claim 22, wherein the first vibration dampener extends past a first exterior surface of the motor assembly and the second vibration dampener extends past a second exterior surface of the motor assembly opposite the first exterior surface.

24. The architectural structure covering of claim 22, wherein: the motor housing defines a notch; the motor assembly includes a third vibration dampener positioned in the notch; and the third vibration dampener abuts against the headrail.

25. The architectural structure covering of claim 24, wherein: the motor housing includes a rib defining the notch; the third vibration dampener defines a circumferential groove; and the third vibration dampener receives the rib within the circumferential groove.

26. The architectural structure covering of claim 24, wherein: the first vibration dampener is concentric about a first axis and the second vibration dampener is concentric about a second axis; and the first axis is parallel to, and laterally offset from, the second axis.

27. The architectural structure covering of claim 26, wherein the third vibration dampener is concentric about a third axis that is transverse to the first axis and the second axis.

28. The architectural structure covering of claim 22, further comprising an endcap coupled to the motor base, wherein: the motor base includes a second base extension extending from the body portion; andthe motor assembly includes a third vibration dampener received about the second base extension; and the endcap includes a housing that receives the third vibration dampener.

29. The architectural structure covering of claim 21, further comprising an isolation element coupled about the motor, wherein the isolation element is positioned between the motor and the motor housing.

30. A motor assembly installable in a headrail of an architectural structure covering, the motor assembly comprising: a motor housing including a housing body and a first housing extension extending from the housing body, wherein the housing body defines a motor volume: a motor base coupled to the housing body; a motor positioned in the motor volume between the motor housing and the motor base; and a first vibration dampener received about the first housing extension and extending past a first exterior surface of the motor housing.

31. The architectural structure covering of claim 30, wherein: the motor base includes a body portion and a base extension extending from the body portion; and the motor assembly further comprises a second vibration dampener received about the base extension and extending past a second exterior surface of the motor base.

32. The architectural structure covering of claim 31, wherein the first vibration dampener extends past the motor housing in a first direction and the second vibration dampener extends past the motor base in a second direction opposite the first direction.

33. The architectural structure covering of claim 31, wherein: the motor housing defines a notch; the motor assembly further comprises a third vibration dampener is positioned in the notch; andthe third vibration dampener extends past the first exterior surface of the motor housing.

34. The architectural structure covering of claim 33, wherein: the motor housing includes a rib defining the notch; the third vibration dampener defines a circumferential groove; and the third vibration dampener received the rib within the circumferential groove.

35. The architectural structure covering of claim 33, wherein: the first vibration dampener is concentric about a first axis and the second vibration dampener is concentric about a second axis; and the first axis is parallel to, and laterally offset from, the second axis.

36. The architectural structure covering of claim 35, wherein the third vibration dampener is concentric about a third axis that is transverse to the first axis and the second axis.

37. The architectural structure covering of claim 30, further comprising an isolation element coupled about the motor, wherein the isolation element is positioned between the motor and the motor housing.

38. The architectural structure covering of claim 37, wherein the isolation element extends exterior to the motor base.

39. A method of forming an architectural structure covering comprising: providing a headrail; and positioning a motor assembly in the headrail, wherein the motor assembly comprises: a motor housing including a housing body and a first housing extension extending from the housing body, wherein the housing body defines a motor volume; a motor positioned in the motor volume; and a first vibration dampener received about the first housing extension, wherein the first vibration dampener abuts against the headrail.

40. The method of claim 39, wherein positioning the motor assembly in the headrail includes sliding the first vibration dampener against the headrail.

41. An architectural structure covering comprising: a covering material; a headrail; a motor assembly positioned in the headrail, wherein the motor assembly comprises: a motor base including a body portion and a post extending from the body portion; a motor positioned on the motor base, wherein the motor is operable to move the covering material; and a light source operable to emit light; and a light control element including a first end positioned adjacent the light source and a light-transmissive material extending from the first end such that light from the light source can propagate from the first end through the light-transmissive material, wherein the light control element defines a channel that movably receives the post.

42. The architectural structure covering of claim 41, wherein the light control element is slidable about the post in a lateral direction from a longitudinal axis of the headrail.

43. The architectural structure covering of claim 41, wherein the light control element includes: a control body defining the channel; and a control handle extending through the control body, wherein: the control handle includes the light-transmissive material; and the first end is an end of the control handle.

44. The architectural structure covering of claim 43, wherein: the post includes a stem received within the channel and a prong extending from the stem; and the control body is positioned between the prong and the body portion.

45. The architectural structure covering of claim 44, wherein: the control body defines a prong opening corresponding to the prong; and the channel extends from the prong opening.

46. The architectural structure covering of claim 45, wherein the channel includes a smaller width than the prong opening.

47. The architectural structure covering of claim 43, wherein: the control handle includes a second end extending exterior of the headrail; and light from the light source can propagate from the first end to the second end.

48. The architectural structure covering of claim 43, wherein the control body defines a body cavity having an outer edge shaped to correspond to a shape of at least a portion of the control handle.

49. The architectural structure covering of claim 41, further comprising an activation switch operable to cause an activation of the light source, wherein the light control element is movable about the post from a first position to a second position to cause the light source to activate.

50. The architectural structure covering of claim 49, further comprising a circuit board positioned on the motor base, wherein: the activation switch is positioned on the circuit board; and the motor base includes a backing extending from the body portion positioned against the circuit board opposite the activation switch.

51. An architectural structure covering comprising: a headrail; a light source positioned in the headrail and operable to emit light; an activation switch positioned in the headrail and operable to cause an activation of the light source; and a light control element including: a control body having a body end interfacing with the activation switch; anda control handle having a first handle end adjacent the light source and a second handle end protruding outside of the headrail, wherein the control handle is configured to propagate light emitted from the light source from the first handle end to the second handle end.

52. The architectural structure covering of claim 51, further comprising a motor assembly position in the headrail, wherein: the motor assembly includes a motor base and a motor positioned on the motor base; the motor base includes a body portion and a post extending from the body portion; and the light control element defines a channel movably receiving the post.

53. The architectural structure covering of claim 52, wherein: the post includes a stem received within the channel and a prong extending from the stem; and the control body is positioned between the prong and the body portion.

54. The architectural structure covering of claim 53, wherein: the control body defines a prong opening corresponding to the prong; and the channel extends from the prong opening.

55. The architectural structure covering of claim 54, wherein the channel includes a smaller width than the prong opening.

56. The architectural structure covering of claim 51, wherein the control handle includes a light-transmissive material.

57. The architectural structure covering of claim 51, wherein the control body defines a body cavity having an outer edge shaped to correspond to a shape of at least a portion of the control handle.

58. The architectural structure covering of claim 51, wherein the light control element is movable from a first position to a second position to engage the activation switch and cause the light source to activate.

59. A method of using an architectural structure covering comprising: providing the architectural structure covering, wherein the architectural structure covering comprises: a motor assembly comprising: a motor base including: a motor positioned on the motor base, wherein the motor is operable to move a covering material; an activation switch; and a light source; and a light control element positioned on the motor base, wherein the light control element includes a first end positioned adjacent the light source and a light- transmissive material extending from the first end; and moving the light control element from a first position to a second position to engage the activation switch to the light source to activate such that the light source emits a light that propagates from the first end through the light-transmissive material.

60. The method of claim 59, wherein: the motor base includes a body portion and a post extending from the body portion; the light control element defines a channel receiving the post; and moving the light control element includes moving the light control element about the post.

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