Actuating Device Snap Connection for Blind Rod Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing manual emergency drive systems for motorized home automation equipment, such as blinds and shutters, face challenges in assembly complexity and risk of breakage during transport and handling due to preassembled mechanisms, which limits installer flexibility and increases packaging costs.

Innovation Solution

A snap connection mechanism using an elastically deformable clip and a bearing shoulder allows the operating rod to be inserted into the endless screw, enabling separate packaging and shipping of the mechanism body and rod, allowing installers to choose rod lengths based on installation conditions and assemble after equipment placement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the rod and endless screw are formed in one piece, then the structure is simpler and more reliable, but the length of the rod cannot be adjusted according to installation conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidrod length adjustability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The rod is separated from the endless screw, allowing the rod to be supplied in different lengths according to installation needs while the endless screw remains as a separate component. This segmentation enables both structural simplicity and adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the rod is separated from the endless screw, then rod length can be adjusted, but the assembly becomes more complex and requires additional steps

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverod length adjustabilityVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A snap connection mechanism acts as an intermediary between the rod and endless screw, enabling quick and simple assembly without complex fastening procedures. The snap connection reduces assembly complexity despite the separation of components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Manufacturing precision

If the mechanism is preassembled by the manufacturer, then quality control is better, but packaging costs increase and risk of breakage during transport rises

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvequality controlVSAvoidpackaging cost and transport risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanism is divided into separate components (box with endless screw, rod with clip) that can be packaged independently. This reduces packaging volume and risk of breakage during transport, while quality control is maintained through standardized manufacturing of each component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Ease of operation

If the rod is made removable with a snap connection, then assembly and disassembly become easier, but the risk of improper assembly increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly easeVSAvoidassembly correctness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The snap connection mechanism serves as a guided intermediary that physically guides the rod into the correct position on the endless screw. The elastic deformation and bearing shoulder design ensure proper alignment and engagement, reducing the risk of improper assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

This solution simplifies assembly, reduces the risk of breakage, and allows for flexible rod selection, enabling easier installation and reducing packaging costs by allowing the installer to assemble the rod after equipment placement, while maintaining operational reliability.

Implementation Method 1

a snap connection between an elastically deformable clip and a bearing shoulder allowing the insertion of the operating rod into the axial hole, and blocking the removal of the operating rod inserted in the axial hole

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2821584B1Actuating device for a closure or sun screen
Publication Date: 2016.02.03 SOMFY SAS
  • EP2821584B1 patent drawingFigure 1~5
  • EP2821584B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4

AI summary

An operating mechanism (32) for a shutter or sun protection device (10), particularly a blind or roller shutter, comprises a fixed housing (42) with two aligned bearings (44) defining an axis of rotation (200), a worm gear (34) guided in rotation within the bearings (44), and an operating rod (54) for rotating the worm gear (34). The worm gear (34) has an axial hole (52) through it, and the operating rod (54) is designed to be inserted into the axial hole (52), thus rotationally locking the operating rod (54) to the worm gear (34). A snap-fit ​​connection between an elastically deformable clip (56) and a support shoulder (64) allows the operating rod (54) to be inserted into the axial hole (52) and prevents its withdrawal.