Compact Blind Drive Housing with Integrated Actuation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drive and turning devices for venetian blinds with a working position function have a large component size due to the combination of the bearing housing with a backlash mechanism and actuating element, and the actuating element's connection and disconnection mechanism increases space requirements and production costs.

Innovation Solution

A structurally simple and compact design where the bearing housing accommodates a drivable drive shaft, a turning mechanism, and the lost motion mechanism, with the actuating element moving between engaged and release positions via rotational conversion of the drive shaft, eliminating the need for an additional energy accumulator and allowing the entire mechanism to be housed in a single bearing housing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the bearing housing is combined with a backlash mechanism and actuating element module, then the working position function is achieved, but the component size and longitudinal extent are significantly increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveworking position functionVSAvoidlongitudinal extent of bearing housing
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the backlash mechanism and actuating element directly within the bearing housing structure, eliminating the need for a separate attachment module. The actuating element (15) is integrated into the bearing housing (4), with its engagement elements (20, 19) directly accessible within the housing boundaries, thereby achieving the working position function without increasing the overall component size or longitudinal extent.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If an additional module with backlash mechanism and actuating element is attached, then the working position function is realized, but the device complexity and production costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveworking position functionVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the backlash mechanism (12) and actuating element (15) into the bearing housing (4) structure itself, eliminating the need for a separate attachment module. This integration reduces the number of discrete components, simplifies assembly, and lowers production costs while maintaining the working position function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The bearing housing (4) is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides structural support, houses the backlash mechanism (12), accommodates the actuating element (15), and defines the operational boundaries for all moving parts. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate modules and reduces overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If the actuating element uses spring loading for movement between positions, then reliable functioning is achieved, but the space requirement and manufacturing complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctioning reliabilityVSAvoidspace requirement for energy accumulator
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The actuating element (15) utilizes the rotational movement of the drive shaft (33) itself to achieve positional changes through the engagement elements (20, 19) and deflection element (23). The system serves itself by converting the existing rotational motion into the necessary axial movement without requiring an external energy accumulator or spring loading mechanism, thereby eliminating additional space requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2211012B2Drive and turning device for the lamellae of a blind
Publication Date: 2023.03.29 KRALER FRANZ
  • EP2211012B2 patent drawingFigure 1a~2
  • EP2211012B2 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2211012B2 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

Drive and tilting device (1) for the slats (2) of a blind (3) with clips, comprising a bearing housing (4, 4'), a winding spool (5, 5)' for a support belt, a tilting mechanism (6) for tilting the slats (2), a stop flange (11) for fixing the angular end position (A, B) for the slats (2) and an actuating element (15) that can be brought into operative contact with the tilting mechanism (6) by means of a dead-pass mechanism (12) for locking the slats (2) in a working position when lowering the blind (3), wherein at least the winding spool (5, 5'), the tilting mechanism (6), the stop flange (11), the actuating element (15) and the dead-pass mechanism (12) are arranged in a common bearing housing (4, 4').