Architectural Opening Covering With Push-Through Rail Automation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motorized architectural opening coverings require manual operation for full opening and closing, lacking versatility and aesthetic appeal due to bulky motor components.
Innovation Solution
A motor-driven system where a first rail translates laterally to push a second rail, allowing both to be independently positioned, with the motor drive housed separately to reduce bulkiness and enhance aesthetics, using flexible members to transmit power and spools to control rail movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a motor drive is integrated into the rail system for full automation, then the extent of automation is improved, but the device complexity and bulkiness increase
Solution Approach 1:
The motor drive is extracted from the rail assembly and placed in a separate fixed position, allowing the rails to be slender and aesthetically pleasing while the motor provides automated translation through flexible members
Solution Approach 2:
The system is divided into independent components: the motor drive unit, the first rail, the second rail, and flexible members, allowing each to be optimized separately for function and aesthetics
2Adaptability or versatility
If both rails are manually positioned for versatile opening coverage, then the adaptability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to manual effort required
Solution Approach 1:
The motor drive automatically translates the first rail to push the second rail into position, allowing the system to self-adjust for full opening and closing without manual intervention, while manual positioning remains possible for intermediate positions
3Ease of operation
If a single motorized rail pushes the other rail for full opening/closing, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the pushing mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The first rail acts as an intermediary between the motor drive and the second rail, transmitting the pushing force through direct contact or via the shade material to achieve automated opening and closing
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5
AI summary
An architectural opening covering includes: a first rail configured to translate laterally in opposite first and second lateral directions; a second rail configured to translate laterally in the opposite first and second lateral directions; a shade material extending between the first and second rails; and a motor drive configured to translate only the first rail selectively in the first and second lateral directions; wherein the second rail is configured to be translated in the first and second lateral directions manually by a user; and wherein the motor drive and the first rail are together configured to translate the second rail in the first lateral direction by the first rail pushing the second rail in the first lateral direction.