Arched Window Covering Adjustable Support System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Arched window coverings are challenging to size and assemble correctly, often requiring custom ordering, which is time-consuming and expensive, and existing solutions for stability, such as clips and fasteners, are difficult to install and unsightly.
Innovation Solution
An arched window covering system featuring a cellular panel with a fan arrangement, a base, and support members that are adjustable and securely positioned within the panel's cells, providing stability and allowing for customizable sizing by cutting the panel and rails to fit specific arch sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If custom ordering is used to ensure proper fit for arched window coverings, then manufacturing precision is improved, but loss of time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The arched window covering is divided into modular components: a cellular panel that can be cut to size, a base assembly with support members, and a rail system. This segmentation allows the panel to be customized in-store by cutting to the required arch dimensions while using standardized base and rail components, eliminating the need for complete custom ordering.
Solution Approach 2:
The base assembly is pre-configured with adjustable support members that can accommodate various arch sizes. The support members are designed with adjustment mechanisms that allow in-store configuration without requiring custom manufacturing, enabling customers to obtain properly fitted arch shades immediately.
2Stability of the object's composition
If clips and fasteners are used to secure the outer edge of the arch shade material, then stability is improved, but ease of operation and aesthetics worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The support members are extracted from the panel edges and repositioned to engage with the base assembly at the bottom center. This removes the need for edge clips and fasteners, as the support members provide stability through their engagement with the base and rail system, resulting in cleaner appearance and easier installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The base assembly serves as an intermediary component that receives the support members and transfers the stabilizing force to the rail system. This intermediary structure eliminates the need for direct attachment of clips to the panel edges, simplifying installation and improving aesthetics.
3Device complexity
If the outer edge of the fan-like shade is left unsupported, then device complexity is reduced, but stability worsens due to fluttering and sagging
Solution Approach 1:
The support members are designed with adjustable positioning capabilities, allowing them to adapt to different panel sizes and tensions. This dynamic adjustment feature provides stable support for the outer edges without requiring a complex rigid framework, maintaining simplicity while ensuring stability against fluttering and sagging.
Data Source
AI summary
An arched window covering comprising a panel (e.g., having a series of elongated cells) positioned in a fan arrangement defining a central space near a center of rotation of the fan arrangement, a base positioned in the central space, and a support member supported by the base and positioned to provide support to the panel. Preferably, the arched window covering further comprises a rail secured to at least one of two ends of the panel. In one embodiment, the base defines an opening adapted to receive the support member. The support member preferably comprises an elongated member extending from the base toward a radially outer portion of the panel, and a spacer member supported by the elongated member and adapted to hold the elongated member spaced from the panel. In one arrangement, a position of the spacer member relative to the elongated member is adjustable.