Horizontal Blind Coupling Device for High-Rail Adjustment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing horizontal blinds require manual adjustment of both the upper and lower rails, which can be impractical when the upper rail is installed at heights exceeding 2.50 m, making it impossible to reach and adjust both rails independently.
Innovation Solution
A coupling device connects the upper and lower rails, allowing for remote control of one rail to adjust the other, using pull loops and a manually operable fixing device to synchronize their movement, enabling independent operation when decoupled.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the upper rail is mounted at a height of more than 2.50 m, then the blind can be installed in high locations such as roofs, but the user cannot manually reach and adjust the upper rail
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a coupling device as an intermediary mechanism between the upper and lower rails. This coupling device transmits the user's manual input from the accessible lower rail to the inaccessible upper rail, enabling indirect control. The coupling device acts as a mechanical mediator that bridges the gap between user reach and rail adjustment needs.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring the user to directly access and adjust the upper rail (traditional approach), the patent inverts the control logic by allowing adjustment through the lower rail. The coupling device enables the lower rail to control the upper rail's position, reversing the expected direction of manual intervention.
2Ease of operation
If the top and bottom rails are moved independently, then each rail can be adjusted separately, but the user cannot remotely control the upper rail from the lower rail position
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device provides dynamic functionality by allowing the system to switch between two operational modes: coupled mode where the rails move together for remote control, and decoupled mode where rails move independently. This dynamic adaptability enables the system to respond to different user needs based on the installation scenario.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device serves multiple functions: it can connect the rails for synchronized movement, it can be disconnected for independent adjustment, and it maintains the mechanical linkage when engaged. This multi-functionality allows a single mechanism to address both independent adjustment and remote control requirements.
3Ease of operation
If a coupling device is provided to mechanically connect the upper and lower rails, then remote control is enabled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is designed as a separate, extractable component that can be independently added to or removed from the blind system. This modular extraction approach allows the coupling functionality to be taken out as a distinct element, simplifying the overall system design and enabling optional installation based on user needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling device is segmented into discrete components including pull loops attached to each rail and a connecting mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be independently manufactured, installed, and maintained, reducing the complexity burden of the overall coupling system while achieving the remote control function.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a horizontal blind (01, 25) for window or door openings with a top rail (02) and a bottom rail (03), between which a size-adjustable sun protection device (04) is arranged, wherein the top rail (02) and the bottom rail (03) are arranged to be freely displaceable from one another in the vertical direction on tension cords (26), and wherein the tension cords (26) can be attached to the frame (29) of the window or door opening, and wherein the top rail (02) and the bottom rail (03) can be held in a tensioned state by means of at least one spring mechanism (27) independently of the position of the top rail (02) and the bottom rail (03), wherein the horizontal blind (01, 25) includes a coupling device with which the top rail (02) and the bottom rail (03) can be mechanically connected to each other.wherein the upper rail (02) and the lower rail (03) can be moved vertically on the tension cords (26) at a constant distance relative to each other when the coupling device is engaged by adjusting the upper rail (02) or the lower rail (03).