Adjustable Mounting Device for Roller Blind Operating Units

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing solutions for mounting operating members of winding tubes for closing or solar protection screens on end cheeks of boxes are complex, costly, and lack precise and stable adjustment, often requiring tools and multiple operations.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising a first part with an orifice for receiving a centering pin and a second part that slides to rest against a perpendicular surface, featuring indexing and stopping means for stable pre-positioning and adjustable spacing, allowing precise immobilization of the operating member.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional screwing methods are used to fix the support to the cheek, then reliable immobilization is achieved, but the installation becomes complex and costly requiring tools like drill and screwdriver

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveimmobilization reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the conventional screwing mechanism (requiring drill and screwdriver) with a press-fit system using tapered conical surfaces. The support is immobilized by forcing it onto the pin through a pressing operation, substituting complex tool-based mechanical fastening with a simpler press-fit approach that eliminates the need for threading operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The support structure includes self-aligning features where the tapered conical surface automatically guides the support into correct positioning on the pin during the pressing operation. The geometry of the conical surfaces provides self-centering and self-immobilization capabilities, reducing the need for precise manual alignment and complex adjustment procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Ease of manufacture

If the support is made as one piece with fixed configuration, then manufacturing is simplified, but adaptability to different cheek sizes and configurations is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport manufacturing simplicityVSAvoidadaptability to different cheek configurations
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The support is divided into multiple separable components: a main support body and additional adjustment elements that can be assembled together. This segmentation allows the basic support structure to be manufactured simply, while the adjustable components provide adaptability to different cheek configurations through modular assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support incorporates adjustable elements that allow modification of its configuration after manufacturing. The support can be adapted to different cheek sizes and orientations by adjusting the position of modular components or changing the orientation of adjustable features, providing versatility without complicating the core manufacturing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the support configuration is not precisely adjusted, then assembly is easier, but insufficient torque recovery occurs leading to flange deterioration and noise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly easeVSAvoidtorque recovery effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs tapered conical surfaces with specific angle parameters that automatically ensure proper contact pressure and torque transmission when the support is pressed onto the pin. The geometric parameters of the conical surfaces are designed to provide self-adjusting contact, ensuring sufficient torque recovery without requiring complex adjustment procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces complex adjustment mechanisms with a press-fit system where the tapered geometry itself provides the necessary torque recovery. The conical surfaces convert the pressing force into radial contact pressure, automatically ensuring sufficient friction and mechanical interlocking for torque transmission without additional adjustment components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP2143869B1Device and method for installing a handling device on the panel of a box for a roller blind or similar
Publication Date: 2015.11.11 SOMFY SAS
  • EP2143869B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2143869B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2143869B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The device (7) has serrations (724a, 734a) for indexing and stopping a piece (72) with respect to a piece (71) in one of preset and stable positions. An operating unit (6) is mounted on the piece (71) to operate a rotative shaft of a solar protection or closing screen. An adjusting unit is formed by an indexing piece (73), a screw (74) and an inclined surface (719P) of the piece (71). The adjusting unit adjusts a position of the serrations (734a) with respect to the piece (71) for adjusting a gap between the pieces along a sliding direction of the piece (72) in relation to the piece (71). An independent claim is also included for a method for assembling a rotative shaft operating unit of a solar protection or closing screen on an end wall of a caisson.