Arched Window Shade Fastener for Damage-Free Repositioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing window covering fasteners for arched openings are difficult to install, often causing damage to the fabric and resulting in an unbalanced appearance due to the need for precise measurement and aggressive attachment methods, which can be cumbersome and lead to visible damage when repositioning is necessary.
Innovation Solution
A two-piece window covering fastener system comprising a clip and a bracket, where the clip is separately installed on the window covering material and the bracket on the window frame, allowing for easy attachment and reattachment without visible damage, using a common pin to secure the clip to the material and bracket, facilitating even distribution and adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a one-piece fastener is used and first secured to the shade material, then the fastener can be attached to the window frame, but the shade material interferes with access making screwing difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The fastener is divided into two separate components: a clip that attaches to the shade material and a bracket that mounts to the window frame. This segmentation allows the bracket to be screwed to the frame first without interference from the shade material, while the clip can then be attached to the material and connected to the bracket, resolving the access interference problem.
2Ease of operation
If a one-piece fastener is first screwed into the window frame, then inserting the fabric into the frictional engagement portion can be difficult due to limited space
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the fastener into a clip and bracket, the clip with its slot and frictional engagement portion can be attached to the shade material first in a location of choice, then connected to the pre-installed bracket. This eliminates the space constraint problem of trying to insert fabric into a frame-mounted fastener.
3Strength
If aggressive frictional engagement or adhesive attachment is used, then the fastener can be secured to the fabric material, but damage to the fabric material occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces aggressive frictional engagement and adhesive attachment with a mechanical pin-through-hole system. The common pin passes through aligned holes in both the clip and bracket, creating a secure mechanical connection without damaging the fabric material through aggressive friction or adhesive application.
4Strength
If a one-piece fastener is used, then it can secure the window covering, but removing the fastener can be difficult and may result in visible damage to the fabric material
Solution Approach 1:
The two-piece design allows the clip to be detached from the bracket by simply removing the common pin, enabling easy repositioning or removal without damaging the fabric. The clip can be separated from the bracket and repositioned as needed, while the bracket remains fixed to the window frame.
5Manufacturing precision
If precise measurement and accurate location determination are required, then the fastener can be correctly positioned, but the installation process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket can be pre-installed on the window frame at the desired location before the clip is attached to the shade material. This preliminary action allows flexible positioning without requiring precise measurement during the final assembly, reducing installation time while maintaining positioning accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
A window covering fastener useful for securing the edge of window covering material, such as an arched shade. The fastener includes a clip that slides over the edge of the material and is secured by a pin inserted into the clip to pass through the material. A bracket of the fastener is installed on the structure of or surrounding a window. The bracket and clip engage one another.