Blind Body Actuator With Volute Spring And Cylinder Rollers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing window blind actuator designs for cordless window blinds are complex and do not provide optimal transmission effects, limiting the efficiency and simplicity of blind body operation.
Innovation Solution
A blind body actuator comprising a casing, a winding mechanism with meshed winding wheels and a volute spring, lift-cord wheels, and guide units with cylinder rollers, allowing for smooth extension and retraction of the blind body through elastic force storage and manual assistance, ensuring stable and efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If existing actuator designs are used for cordless window blinds, then the blind body can be operated without cords, but the structure becomes complex and transmission effects are not optimal
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is divided into functionally independent modules: winding mechanism with volute spring, dual winding wheels for lift cord management, cylinder rollers for smooth cord guidance, and limit switches for position control. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while simplifying the overall design and maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The volute spring provides automatic reverse rotation capability, enabling the blind to return to its initial position without manual intervention. The mechanism uses the stored elastic energy of the spring to automatically rewind the lift cords when the blind reaches the extended position, reducing the need for additional motors or control systems.
2Ease of operation
If existing actuator designs are used for cordless window blinds, then the blind body can be operated without cords, but transmission effects are not optimal
Solution Approach 1:
The volute spring is pre-loaded with elastic energy before operation begins. As the blind descends, the spring winds up and stores energy, which is then automatically released to rewind the lift cords when the blind reaches the top position, eliminating the need for a separate motor to perform the return trip and improving overall transmission efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
Cylinder rollers are used instead of flat guide surfaces to manage the lift cords. The curved surface of the rollers provides optimal contact with the cords, reducing friction and preventing cord deformation, which improves the smoothness and efficiency of the transmission mechanism during both extension and retraction.
3Productivity
If a volute spring is used to store elastic force, then the blind body can be extended and retracted efficiently, but the structural complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The volute spring is integrated directly into the housing structure, eliminating the need for separate spring containers or additional mounting mechanisms. The spring works in conjunction with the dual winding wheels and cylinder rollers as a unified system, where the elastic energy storage function is combined with the cord winding and guidance functions, reducing overall structural complexity despite the added functional capability.
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 simplifies the structure and enhances the transmission efficiency of the blind body, enabling smooth and stable operation by utilizing the stored elastic force and manual power for both extension and retraction, achieving optimal actuation effects.
Implementation Method 1
the volute spring starts to accumulate and store elastic force upon rotation of the two winding wheels
Data Source
AI summary
A blind body actuator used in a cordless window blind assembly is provided to include a casing, a winding mechanism, two guide units and two lift cords. The winding mechanism includes two winding wheels and a volute spring connected to the winding wheels. Each of the winding wheels is meshed with one respective lift-cord wheel so that the lift-cord wheels can be driven by the winding mechanism to rotate synchronously. The guide units are respectively disposed adjacent to one respective lift-cord wheel, each including a first cylinder roller. Each of the lift cords is wound around the first cylinder roller of one respective guide unit, having one end thereof connected to one respective lift-cord wheel and an opposite end thereof extended out of the casing.