Blind Lifting Control Module with Retractable Pull Cord
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional roller blind controllers with pull cords can entangle with objects and pose a safety risk, especially for young children, due to their exposed nature.
Innovation Solution
A blind lifting device with a control module that includes a supporting unit, transmitting wheel, anti-backward unit, and driving unit, which allows for uni-directional rotation and automatic retraction of the pull cord to prevent entanglement, featuring a ratchet mechanism and biasing members to ensure safe operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional loop cord-driven controller is used with pull cords suspended outside, then the blind can be easily controlled for lifting, but the pull cords may entangle with objects and pose safety risks to children
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful exposed pull cords are extracted and replaced with a concealed reel mechanism. The pull cord is stored within the control module housing, with only a small portion exposed during operation, eliminating the entanglement hazard while preserving control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The pull cord is automatically reeled into the control module after each use through a biasing member (spring) that continuously exerts force to retract the cord. This preliminary retraction action ensures the cord is concealed before the next operation, preventing entanglement accidents.
2Ease of operation
If the pull cord is kept exposed for easy access, then the blind can be operated conveniently, but the cord may be reached by children causing danger
Solution Approach 1:
The pull cord is nested within the control module housing structure. The cord winds around a reel that is contained within the housing, with the cord only becoming partially exposed when pulled for operation. This nesting eliminates the safety hazard of exposed cords while maintaining operational accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The control module automatically retracts the pull cord using a biasing member (spring mechanism) that continuously pulls the cord back into the housing after use. This self-service retraction eliminates the need for manual cord management and ensures continuous safety without compromising ease of operation.
3Reliability
If a ratchet mechanism is added to prevent backward rotation, then the blind lifting control is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The ratchet mechanism is merged with the reel assembly, where the ratchet teeth are integrated directly into the reel structure and engage with corresponding pawls. This combination eliminates the need for separate backward-prevention components, achieving reliable uni-directional control without significantly increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
A biasing member (spring) serves as an intermediary that applies continuous force to the ratchet mechanism, ensuring reliable engagement of the ratchet teeth with the pawls. This intermediary force ensures the blind can only be lifted in the intended direction while preventing unintended backward movement, maintaining reliability without excessive complexity.
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 prevents entanglement of the pull cord with objects and children, enhancing safety and convenience in operating the blind by keeping the cord reeled in a non-operated state, thus eliminating the risk of accidents.
Implementation Method 1
The anti-backward wheel (71) is movable relative to the shaft portion (521) between an anti-backward position, where the third ratchet portion (712) meshes with the first ratchet portion (612)
Implementation Method 2
The reel biasing member (86) is disposed to bias the driving reel (81) to rotate to reel the pull cord (85)
Implementation Method 3
a thrust member (83) which is movably disposed to the base seat (51), and a hindering member (84) which is pivotably disposed to the base seat (51)
Data Source
AI summary
A blind lifting control module includes a transmitting wheel, an anti-backward unit and a driving unit disposed to a supporting unit. The transmitting wheel for connecting a blind reeled horizontal axle has ratchet portions respectively meshable with corresponding ratchet portions of an anti-backward wheel and a driving reel. A pull cord is reeled on the driving reel and has a free end passing through a thrust member and a hindering member, and is pulled to release the anti-backward wheel to permit lowering of a blind. The thrust member is turned by pulling of the pull cord to thrust the driving reel to mesh with the transmitting wheel for lifting the blind.