Fabric Roller Blind Manual Actuation Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fabric roller blinds with manual actuation have limitations such as being unable to lock the bottom bar in intermediate positions, requiring users to crouch to operate, and having complex and costly manufacturing processes, with aesthetically unpleasing visible components and limited adaptability to non-parallel guideways.
Innovation Solution
A fabric roller blind design with adjustable stop means and a handle mechanism that allows locking and unlocking of the bottom bar in multiple positions, enabling operation by both hand and foot, and featuring a structurally simple and cost-effective solution with hidden stop components that can be easily adjusted and adapted to non-standard installations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If stops are positioned outside the lateral guideways in a visible position, then the locking mechanism can be easily accessed, but the aesthetic appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The stop (22) is nested inside the lateral guideway (7) rather than being positioned outside. The stop is received within the guideway structure, making it hidden from external view while remaining functional for locking the bottom bar in closed position. This nesting principle resolves the contradiction by concealing the locking component within the existing structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The aesthetic function is extracted from the locking mechanism by separating the visual appearance from the functional component. The stop performs its locking function while being taken out of the visible exterior space and placed within the guideway structure, allowing the exterior to maintain clean lines without visible locking components.
2Device complexity
If only one stop is provided at the base of the lateral guideways, then the locking mechanism is simple, but the bottom bar cannot be locked in intermediate positions
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static single-stop configuration to a dynamic multi-stop configuration. Multiple stops (22) are provided at different positions along the lateral guideways, allowing the bottom bar to be locked in various intermediate positions rather than only at the closed position. This dynamic arrangement provides versatility while maintaining relative simplicity through the use of identical stop components at different locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is segmented into multiple discrete stops positioned at different locations along the guideways. Each stop represents an independent locking point, allowing the bottom bar to be secured at multiple positions. This segmentation enables intermediate positioning while keeping each individual stop simple in design.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the bottom bar is made longer to accommodate adjustments, then adaptability to non-parallel guideways improves, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bottom bar (6) is made longitudinally adjustable rather than being fixed at a specific length. The bar can be extended or reduced in length to accommodate different installation conditions, including non-parallel guideways. This dynamic adjustability allows a single standardized component to adapt to various configurations without requiring custom manufacturing for each case, thereby maintaining ease of manufacture while improving versatility.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple stops are provided along the lateral guideways, then intermediate locking positions become possible, but the locking mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into multiple identical or similar stop units positioned at different locations along the lateral guideways. Each stop is a discrete, simple component that can be independently installed. This segmentation allows multiple locking positions to be achieved while keeping each individual element simple, thereby limiting the overall increase in complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The same stop design is used at multiple positions along the guideways, creating a universal component that serves the same locking function at different locations. This universality reduces the need for different types of locking components, thereby limiting the increase in complexity while providing multiple locking positions.
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 allows for efficient, reliable, and aesthetically pleasing operation of the blind in various configurations, enabling easy installation and adjustment, and allows the bottom bar to be locked in multiple positions along the guideways, improving user convenience and reducing manufacturing complexity.
Implementation Method 1
Elastic means are associated with the roller, such means aimed to maintain the fabric taut by acting in the sense of winding the same fabric again around the roller
Implementation Method 2
Elastic means are associated with the roller... aimed to maintain the fabric taut by acting in the sense of winding the same fabric again around the roller
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
Fabric roller blind with manual actuation, which comprises a fabric (5) extended between an upper edge thereof fixed to a winding roller (4) and a lower edge thereof associated with a bottom bar (6) provided with two lateral caps (14) slidably engaged in corresponding lateral guideways (7) of a support frame (2). The blind (1) also has stop means (10) comprising: stops (22) adjustably fixed to the lateral guideways (7); a handle (11) rotatably mounted on the bottom bar (6) around a second rotation axis (X') parallel to the first rotation axis of the winding roller (4); two locking pins (12) each associated with corresponding lateral cap (14) of the bottom bar (6), and free to rotate around the aforesaid second rotation axis (X'); two drive shafts (13), which connect the handle (11) to the corresponding locking pin (12) in order to transmit thereto the rotary motion of the handle (12); elastic means (15) interposed between the bottom bar (6) and the handle (11) in order to force the latter towards a stop position (AR) from a rest position (B). The handle (11) is actuatable to be manually moved between the stop position (AR), in which each locking pin (12) is engaged in retention relationship with the corresponding stop (22); and a disengagement position (B), in which each locking pin (12) is released from the corresponding stop (22).