Arched Covering Cord Loop Layout for Smooth Tension Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing retractable covering systems for architectural openings, such as windows and archways, face difficulties in maintaining optimal cord tension and smooth operation, especially when the anchor plate is concealed within the fabric, and routing cords through base rails often results in unreliable movement due to sharp angles.
Innovation Solution
The operating system features a fixed base rail with a reversibly movable anchor plate, an endless operating cord loop, and adjustable cord tension at the finger slide, which allows for easy adjustment and smooth movement through improved cord guides, ensuring reliable operation, particularly suitable for nonrectangular configurations like arched openings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the anchor plate is concealed within the fabric of the covering, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the adjustment of cord tension becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a cord tensioning device as an intermediary component that can be accessed independently of the concealed anchor plate. This device acts as a mediator between the user and the cord tensioning mechanism, allowing adjustment without exposing the anchor plate within the fabric.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent moves the cord tension adjustment mechanism from the two-dimensional plane of the fabric surface (where the anchor plate would be concealed) to a three-dimensional space adjacent to the base rail. This allows access to tensioning controls from the side or above, rather than requiring access to the fabric surface.
2Device complexity
If the operating cords are routed through sharp angles in the base rail, then the structure is simplified, but the smooth movement of cords deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces sharp angular routing with curved or rounded guides within the base rail. These curved paths allow the cords to change direction smoothly without abrupt angles, reducing friction and wear while maintaining the structural simplicity of the base rail.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces cord guides or pulleys as intermediary elements within the base rail structure. These components mediate between the cord and the base rail walls, providing smooth routing paths without requiring complex external mechanisms.
3Stability of the object's composition
If too much tension is applied to the operating cords, then the covering remains taut and neat, but the system becomes difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic tensioning system where the cord tension can be adjusted and optimized for different operating conditions. The mechanism allows the tension to be set to an optimal level that maintains fabric neatness while enabling easy operation, rather than being fixed at a constant high tension.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent provides mechanisms for changing the tension parameter of the operating cords. This allows optimization of the tension level to balance between maintaining fabric tautness and ensuring ease of operation, with the ability to adjust the parameter as needed.
Data Source
AI summary
An operating system for a retractable covering for an architectural opening wherein one edge of the covering is fixed and the opposite edge is movable between extended and retracted positions, includes an endless cord loop having a finger slide that is slidably mounted adjacent to the fixed edge of the covering to effect circulation of the cord loop. Also included in the cord loop is an anchor plate secured to the fabric of the covering adjacent to its movable edge, with the anchor plate also moving with circulatory movement of the cord loop to move the movable edge of the covering between extended and retracted positions. The tension in the cord loop is adjustable through the connection of opposite ends of the cord loop to the finger slide and the routing of the cord loop is directed through cord guides of low friction material so that the entire operation of the covering is smooth and reliable.