Balanced Torsion-Spring Roller Blind for Cordless Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing spring-loaded roller blinds require complex mechanisms and braking systems to manage the force of the spring and the weight of the blind, which can be cumbersome and unsafe, especially for cordless and chainless designs.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for a balanced spring-loaded roller blind that uses a torsion spring with a spring constant matched to the weight and radius of the blind, ensuring that the spring force balances the blind force throughout its operation, eliminating the need for braking mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a spring is used to assist lifting the blind, then the force needed to operate the blind is reduced, but the spring stores more energy than required to balance it causing the blind to roll down or up uncontrollably
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the counterweight principle by introducing a brake mechanism that provides a counterbalancing force to the spring's stored energy. The brake acts as a counterweight to the spring force, preventing the blind from rolling uncontrollably while still allowing the spring to assist in lifting the blind during normal operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The brake mechanism serves as an intermediary between the spring and the blind. It mediates the energy transfer from the spring to the blind, controlling the release of stored energy and preventing excessive force that would cause uncontrolled rolling. The brake acts as a mediator that balances the spring force with frictional resistance.
2Reliability
If a brake mechanism is added to control the spring force, then the blind rolling control is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the brake mechanism with the existing mechanical drive system components. The brake is integrated into the hollow tube structure and works in conjunction with the spring and roller assembly, combining multiple functions (support, braking, and spring mounting) into a unified system rather than adding separate independent components.
Solution Approach 2:
The hollow tube structure serves multiple functions: it supports the roller assembly, houses the spring mechanism, and contains the brake components. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity by eliminating the need for separate structural elements for each function.
3Ease of operation
If cords or chains are used in the drive mechanism, then the blind operation is simplified, but safety hazards are created for young children
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the hazardous cords and chains from the drive mechanism entirely. The design eliminates these external pulling elements and replaces them with an integrated spring-assisted mechanical system where the blind is operated by pressing a button or lever that releases the spring mechanism, completely removing the strangulation hazard associated with cords and chains.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism provides self-service by automatically assisting the lifting operation. When the user activates the release mechanism, the spring automatically engages and assists in lifting the blind without requiring the user to manually pull cords or chains, eliminating the need for hazardous external pulling elements.
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
The solution provides a balanced and efficient operation of the roller blind, reducing the force required to raise or lower the blind to negligible and constant levels, ensuring smooth movement and safety without the need for cords or chains.
Implementation Method 1
mounting a torsion assembly to the roller, the torsion assembly comprising a rotatable torsion spring fitted within the roller for being rotated thereby during rolling and unrolling movement of the sheet between the first and second positions to provide a spring force in a direction opposite the rotational direction of the roller
Implementation Method 2
the spring stores more energy than is required to balance it so that the blind rolls down or rolls up on itself when pressure is applied to the bottom bar
Implementation Method 3
Mechanical drive systems without a cord or a chain, use a spring with one end being secured to a fixed part of the housing and the other end fixed to a moving part of the housing that winds (rolls up) or unwinds (rolls down) the blind
Data Source
AI summary
A method of making a roller blind is provided. The roller blind has a roller with a sheet mounted thereto for being rolled thereon and unrolled therefrom between first and second positions. At the first position, the sheet is fully rolled about the roller. At the second position, a hanging portion of the sheet hangs from roller in order to fully cover a window height. The portion rolled on the roller defines a roll therewith having a varying radius between the first and second positions. The hanging portion has a varying weight between the first and second positions. The spring is fitted into the roller. The blind provides a blind force on the spring equal to the varying weight multiplied by the varying radius. The spring is provided to have a spring constant with a numerical value that is equal to the numerical value of the weight of a sheet strip unrolled from the roll at a one radian rotation. Thus, the blind force is be equal to the spring force thereby balancing the roller blind. A rolled blind obtained by this method is provided.