Outdoor Blind Mounting Frame With Internal Clamp Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing architectural covering mounting systems require invasive connection means, such as drilling holes for fasteners, causing structural damage and are aesthetically unappealing, difficult to install, and insecurely attach to architectural openings, especially for outdoor blinds where accessibility is limited.
Innovation Solution
A mounting frame system with a locking member that moves perpendicular to the architectural opening frame, using actuators to secure the frame without invasive connections, featuring rotatable members with threaded engagement and concealed locking mechanisms for easy installation and secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If invasive connection means such as drilling holes for fasteners are used, then the mounting is secure and stable, but the architectural opening frame suffers structural damage and aesthetic degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the need for invasive fasteners by extracting the mounting function to a separate mounting frame that clamps onto the architectural opening frame. The covering is attached to the mounting frame rather than directly to the architectural opening frame, eliminating holes and permanent damage while maintaining secure mounting through the locking member mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting frame acts as an intermediary between the architectural opening frame and the covering. It provides a non-invasive interface that clamps onto the existing frame without requiring modifications, thereby protecting the architectural opening frame from damage while still enabling secure covering attachment
2Reliability
If traditional mounting arrangements are used, then the covering is securely attached, but the installation is difficult and requires access from the outside of the building
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the traditional mounting approach by enabling installation from the inside of the building rather than requiring outside access. The mounting frame and locking members are designed to be manipulated from the interior side, allowing users to install and adjust the covering without needing to access the exterior of the architectural opening
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member is designed to be operable from the inside of the building, allowing the user to secure the mounting frame without requiring external access or assistance. The actuator mechanism enables single-sided operation, making the installation process self-sufficient and accessible from the interior space
3Reliability
If bulky elements are used to attach the mounting frame to the architectural opening frame, then the mounting is secure, but the appearance is aesthetically unappealing and the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member is designed to be movable rather than static, allowing it to transition between retracted and extended positions. This dynamic design enables the locking member to apply clamping force securely against the architectural opening frame while remaining sleek and low-profile when not in use, avoiding the need for bulky permanent structures
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member moves in a direction perpendicular to the plane of the mounting frame, utilizing the third dimension to achieve secure clamping without adding lateral bulk. This perpendicular movement allows the locking mechanism to engage deeply with the architectural opening frame while maintaining a compact profile from the front view
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 system provides secure, damage-free, and aesthetically pleasing mounting of architectural coverings, allowing installation from inside the building, accommodating various frame sizes and shapes, and reducing component complexity.
Implementation Method 1
the rotatable member comprises one of an external thread and an internal thread and the associated locking member comprises the other of an external thread and an internal thread, and the external thread engages with the internal thread such that turning the rotatable member causes linear movement of the associated locking member
Data Source
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AI summary
A mounting frame for mounting a covering to an architectural opening frame surrounding an architectural opening comprises: at least one flange extending parallel to a plane defined by the architectural opening, the flange configured to abut a first surface of the architectural opening frame, the architectural opening frame having first and second surfaces on respective sides of the plane; at least one locking member moveable from an unlocked position to a locked position in which the locking member is configured to abut the second surface of the architectural opening frame, such that the architectural opening frame is held between the flange and the locking member, the at least one locking member configured to be moveable to the locked position in a direction towards the at least one flange, said direction having at least a component perpendicular to the plane; and at least one actuator configured to be operated to move the at least one locking member into the locked position.