Blind Control Enclosure for Safety and Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing blind control systems with endless loop elements pose safety hazards due to potential entanglement and accessibility issues, particularly for children and pets, as they are not adequately secured or enclosed, leading to accidents and inconvenience in operation.
Innovation Solution
A safety enclosure system for blind control elements, featuring a tubular or channel design that encloses the control element, with a drive system allowing movement within the enclosure, enabling secure operation while preventing access to the loop, and allowing for attachment to the blind or window frame for convenience.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the blind control element is left exposed and accessible, then ease of operation is improved, but safety is worsened due to entanglement hazards for children and pets
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is divided into separate functional components: the control element (chain/cord) is enclosed within a protective housing that is segmented into accessible portions for operation and enclosed portions for safety. The housing itself is divided into sections that allow controlled access while maintaining protection.
Solution Approach 2:
A protective housing or enclosure acts as an intermediary between the control element and the user/environment. This intermediary structure provides the necessary protection against entanglement hazards while still allowing controlled access for operation through designated openings or access points.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the control element is enclosed to prevent safety hazards, then safety is improved, but ease of operation is worsened due to reduced accessibility
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is designed with different local qualities: enclosed sections provide protection where needed, while locally opened or accessible sections provide ease of operation. The control element may be accessible through openings, slots, or removable portions of the housing only where operation is required, while other sections remain fully enclosed.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing may incorporate dynamic elements such as movable covers, adjustable shields, or flexible enclosures that can adapt their degree of enclosure based on operational needs. This allows the system to transition between more enclosed states for safety and more accessible states for operation.
3Stability of the object's composition
If a rigid wand is used to hold the chain in tension, then structural stability is improved, but safety is worsened as the chain remains fully exposed and accessible
Solution Approach 1:
The control element is nested within the protective housing, which itself may be nested within or attached to the rigid wand structure. This nested arrangement allows the wand to provide structural stability and tension while the housing provides the safety enclosure, combining both functions without compromise.
Solution Approach 2:
The functions of the rigid wand (structural support and tension maintenance) are merged with the protective housing (safety enclosure) into a single integrated assembly. This combined structure provides both the structural stability of the wand and the safety protection of the enclosed housing simultaneously.
Data Source
AI summary
An enclosure for an endless loop blind control element for operating a blind operating mechanism, wherein the enclosure extends from a first end to a second end and said endless loop blind control element is enclosed within said enclosure from said first end to said second end and connected to said blind operating mechanism.