Blind Base Profile Asymmetric Weight for Slat Closure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Blinds with slats near the base profile do not fully pivot and close due to insufficient downward tensile force from the outer ladder band, leading to incomplete closure.

Innovation Solution

The base profile is designed with its center of gravity above the pivot axis, tilting forward when pivoted, which supports the pivoting movement of the slats by its weight, and features an arcuate cross-section to maintain the distance between ladder cords, preventing counteracting forces during closure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the outer ladder tape is used to pivot the slats, then the slats can be pivoted from horizontal to closed position, but the downward tensile force is insufficient and slats near the base profile do not close completely

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveslat pivotingVSAvoidclosing angle
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The base profile is designed with an asymmetric cross-section where the center of gravity is positioned above the pivot axis. This creates a weight distribution that generates additional downward tensile force on the outer ladder tape during pivoting, counteracting the insufficient closing force and enabling complete closure of slats near the base profile.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

Solution Approach 2:

The base profile employs an asymmetric cross-sectional design with the center of gravity deliberately positioned above the pivot axis rather than at the geometric center. This asymmetric weight distribution creates a mechanical advantage that enhances the downward force on the outer ladder tape, resolving the insufficient closing force problem.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

2Manufacturing precision

If the base profile is designed with center of gravity above pivot axis, then the weight supports the pivoting movement and improves closing angle, but the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclosing angleVSAvoidbase profile structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The base profile uses an asymmetric cross-sectional design integrated into a single extruded element. This asymmetry positions the center of gravity above the pivot axis, creating the necessary weight distribution to improve closing angle while maintaining structural integration and avoiding additional complex components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

3Ease of operation

If the base profile has a circular arc shape in cross-section, then the distance between ladder cords remains constant and counteracting forces are prevented, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepivoting movementVSAvoidcircular arc shape
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The base profile incorporates a circular arc shape in its cross-section at the pivot area. This curved geometry ensures that as the base profile rotates during pivoting, the distance between the outer and inner ladder tapes remains constant, preventing the generation of counteracting forces and facilitating smooth pivoting movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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

This design enhances the closing angle of the slats by ensuring the base profile's weight aids the pivoting movement, maintaining the distance between ladder cords and preventing counteracting forces, resulting in improved closure efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

the base profile is designed such that its center of gravity lies above its pivot axis in the starting position and tilts forward when it pivots into the closed position... the downward tensile force of the outer conductor strip, and thus the pivoting movement of the slats, is supported by the weight of the base profile

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP3382136B1Blind with a bottom profile with asymmetric weight distribution
Publication Date: 2019.12.18 CONTROLTRONIC
  • EP3382136B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP3382136B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP3382136B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a blind with several slats that can be pivoted reversibly from a horizontal starting position to a closed position, with at least one pair of outer and inner ladder tapes and with a foot profile that can be pivoted together with the slats, wherein the outer and inner ladder tapes are connected to the slats and to the foot profile in such a way that they can be pivoted by actuating the ladder tapes, wherein the foot profile is designed such that its center of gravity is located above its pivot axis in the starting position and tilts forward when it is pivoted into the closed position.