Bead chain or cord retainer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing curtain control ropes, such as bead chains and cords, are prone to tangling and pose safety hazards due to accidental strangulation risks, especially when not properly secured, leading to noise, damage, and attraction to children.
Innovation Solution
A bead chain or cord retainer with a frame, moving part, and elastic member that clips and positions the rope securely, allowing it to be pulled straight without tangling, and is easily mounted to a building to prevent accidental strangulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the control rope is left loose and natural beside the curtain body, then installation and operation are simple, but the rope becomes tangled and creates safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer is divided into multiple functional segments: a frame for mounting, a moving part with passage for the control rope, and an elastic member for clamping. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while working together to solve the tangling problem without overly complicating the overall structure
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer acts as an intermediary device between the control rope and the curtain mechanism. It provides a controlled environment (the passage) that guides the rope and prevents it from becoming loose and tangled, while still allowing the rope to function for opening and closing curtains
2Reliability
If the control rope is secured firmly to prevent tangling, then safety is improved, but the rope cannot be pulled smoothly for curtain operation
Solution Approach 1:
The moving part of the retainer is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to shift position when the control rope is pulled. The elastic member provides dynamic clamping force that maintains security during normal conditions but allows movement when force is applied, thus enabling both safety and smooth operation
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping force parameter of the elastic member is designed to change based on the state of the control rope. Under normal conditions, the elastic member maintains sufficient clamping force to prevent tangling. When the control rope is pulled for operation, the moving part shifts and the clamping force adjusts to allow smooth passage of the rope
3Manufacturing precision
If the retainer structure is made complex to ensure firm positioning, then positioning accuracy is improved, but manufacturing and installation difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The elastic member provides self-adjusting clamping force that automatically positions the control rope firmly within the passage. The moving part self-adjusts its position based on the rope's movement, eliminating the need for complex adjustment mechanisms or precise manual positioning during installation
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 retainer ensures the bead chain or cord is securely fixed and prevents tangling, reducing noise and safety hazards, facilitating smooth operation and compliance with safety regulations.
Implementation Method 1
The elastic member is arranged between the limit rod and the extension segment for allowing the moving part to be elastically mounted in the space
Data Source
AI summary
A bead chain or cord retainer including a frame, a moving part, and an elastic member is provided. The moving part is mounted in the frame and the elastic member is disposed between the frame and the moving part. Thus the moving part is elastically moved in the frame. The moving part includes first and second moving elements integrated with or plugged into each other. A bead chain or a cord is inserted through a clipped and limited space formed by the frame and the moving part. Before the retainer being positioned on a building, the bead chain or the cord is held by the frame and the moving part which are fixed by a positioning member and unable to be pulled. After the retainer being positioned on the building, the positioning member is removed and the bead chain or the cord is drawn to open or close curtains.