Retractable Arched Window Shade with Central Hub

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing retractable window coverings for arched windows are aesthetically unappealing, cumbersome, and lack solutions for larger diameters, with conventional approaches like cellular or pleated blinds facing issues with mounting and distortion.

Innovation Solution

A retractable window covering system featuring an arched track with a movable carriage and shade member, utilizing a continuous bead chain for remote operation, hidden mechanical elements for aesthetic appeal, and an electric motor for ease of use, with a central hub and spring mechanism to prevent wrinkling and tearing of the shade material.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional cellular or pleated blinds are fixed in an arched window and drawn around the outer arch, then the window can be covered, but the blinds may tear or distort

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadaptability to arched window shapeVSAvoidintegrity of shade material

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The window covering is divided into multiple shade members that can independently move along the arched track. Each shade member is segmented and can adjust its position separately, allowing the system to adapt to the arched shape without causing stress concentration that would lead to tearing or distortion of the material.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The shade members are designed to be dynamic rather than fixed, allowing them to move along the arched track and adjust their positions. This dynamic capability enables the covering to accommodate the arched window shape while distributing mechanical stresses, preventing material failure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If retractable window coverings are designed with visible mechanical elements, then the mechanism can be functional, but the aesthetic appeal is diminished

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveretractability of coveringVSAvoidaesthetic appearance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical elements (track, carriage, bead chain mechanism) are extracted from the visible facade and integrated into the structural elements of the window treatment. The track is positioned within the arch structure, and the mechanical components are concealed within the shade members themselves, allowing the covering to be retractable while maintaining aesthetic appeal from the exterior view.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Area of stationary object

If conventional approaches are used for large diameter arched windows, then the window can be covered, but the mechanism becomes too cumbersome to use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesize of window coverageVSAvoidoperability of mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The manual operation mechanism is replaced with an electric motor that drives the shade members along the arched track. This substitution eliminates the need for complex manual cranking or pulling mechanisms that would be cumbersome for large diameter windows, while maintaining smooth and easy operation through automated motorized control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Area of stationary object

If multiple shade members are used to cover large arched windows, then the coverage area is increased, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoverage area of windowVSAvoidcomplexity of mechanical assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Each shade member is designed as a universal unit that can function independently or in combination with other shade members. The carriage and track system provides a standardized mechanism that accommodates multiple shade members of the same design, reducing overall system complexity through standardization and modularity rather than requiring custom complex mechanisms for each application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Provides a visually appealing, remotely operable, and efficient solution for covering arched windows of various sizes, ensuring smooth operation and preventing material distortion or tearing, while maintaining a simple mechanical assembly.

Implementation Method 1

The hub may include a spring urging the inner end of the shade member toward the first end of the arched track.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS8136568B2Retractable arched window covering

Publication Date: 2012.03.20 PIETROSKE ENTERPRISES

AI summary

A shade for an arched window including an arched track with a movable carriage and a shade member attached to the carriage. A cord actuates the carriage to move along the track and pull the shade member between collapsed and extended positions. A central hub permits the shade member to move laterally as the shade member is moved between the collapsed and extended positions.