Adjustable Blind Fitting Telescopic Core Member

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing blind system installations face challenges due to variations in the distance between supporting structures, requiring reinstallation or replacement of components, which complicates the installation process and affects the quality of the finishing on the installation surface.

Innovation Solution

A length adjustable fitting for blind systems, comprising a housing, a drive member, a core member, and biasing means, which allows selective adjustment of the drive member relative to the housing, enabling the core member to move along an axis to different positions, resisting movement and minimizing accidental retraction, thus accommodating variations in supporting structure spacing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If supporting structures are installed in fixed positions, then the installation structure is simple, but the fitting cannot accommodate variations in distance between supporting structures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccommodation of distance variationsVSAvoidfitting structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fitting incorporates a telescopic mechanism that allows the core member to extend and retract along the longitudinal axis, transforming a static structure into a dynamic one. This enables the fitting to adapt to varying distances between supporting structures while maintaining a relatively simple overall design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The core member is nested within the drive member, with the core member able to slide in and out of the drive member's hollow body. This nested arrangement allows for length adjustment without requiring completely separate components, thereby managing complexity while providing adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of operation

If the tube length is fixed, then the manufacturing is simpler, but reinstallation is required when distance variations occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation easeVSAvoidreinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The telescopic mechanism allows the fitting to be adjusted in situ to match the actual distance between supporting structures, eliminating the need for reinstallation. The operator can simply extend or retract the core member to achieve the correct length, significantly reducing installation time and effort.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If the supporting structures are repositioned, then the fitting engagement is correct, but the finishing quality on the installation surface is affected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefitting engagement reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation surface finishing quality
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

By allowing the fitting length to be dynamically adjusted, the original positions of the supporting structures can be maintained, preserving the quality of the installation surface finishing. The core member is extended or retracted to achieve proper engagement without moving the supporting structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Reliability

If a tube of new length is ordered, then the correct engagement is achieved, but the complication and time needed for installation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveengagement correctnessVSAvoidinstallation efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The telescopic mechanism provides continuous length adjustment capability, allowing the fitting to be configured for the specific distance between supporting structures during installation. This eliminates the need to order custom-length tubes, significantly improving installation efficiency while ensuring correct engagement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

A single universal fitting design with telescopic capability can accommodate a range of distances between supporting structures, replacing the need for multiple fixed-length tube variants. This multi-functional approach streamlines inventory management and accelerates the installation process.

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

Data Source

PatentEP2216487B1A length adjustable support fitting for blind systems
Publication Date: 2016.05.11 ACMEDA PTY LTD
  • EP2216487B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2216487B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2216487B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A length adjustable fitting (100) for blind systems, including a housing (102) and a drive member (104) fitted to said housing (102); a core component including a core member (106) shaped for engaging a drive portion of said drive member (104), the core component including a support portion shaped for engaging a support member (108) for supporting said fitting (100); wherein, the selective adjustment of the drive member (104) relative to the housing (102) moves the core member (106) along an axis to a different position relative to the housing (102), wherein at each said position, the drive member (104) engages the core member (106) to resist movement of the core member (106) along the axis from said position relative to said housing (102).