Blind Slat Alignment via Reversible Winding Roller Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing venetian blinds with intermediate stops for slat alignment are complex, expensive, prone to malfunction, and require additional space, especially when electrically driven, and do not allow partial closure without complete darkening.
Innovation Solution
A device with a winding roller that allows slats to be aligned in an inclined position by reversing the winding direction, using adjustable stops and a backstop mechanism to control rotation, and a dual-cord system to reduce stress and noise, enabling smoother operation and customizable shading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If intermediate stops are added to pivot bearings to enable inclined positioning during lowering, then shading control is improved, but device complexity increases and reliability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the alignment function from the pivot bearing mechanism and relocates it to the cord system. By removing the intermediate stop from the pivot bearing, the complex mechanical alignment mechanism is eliminated while the cord routing geometry provides the same functional benefit of inclined positioning during lowering.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a deflection element as an intermediary component that redirects the cord path. This deflection element enables the cord to pull the slat into an inclined position during lowering without requiring modifications to the pivot bearing, thus achieving alignment functionality through a separate mediation mechanism.
2Adaptability or versatility
If intermediate stops and alignment mechanisms are integrated into pivot bearings, then shading control is improved, but the space required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the alignment function from the pivot bearing assembly, eliminating the need for additional space within or next to the pivot bearing. The alignment functionality is instead achieved through the cord routing geometry and deflection element, which occupy minimal space in the housing.
3Adaptability or versatility
If electric motors with multiple limit switches are used to control intermediate positions, then shading control is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the alignment control function from the electrical drive system and implements it mechanically through cord routing. This eliminates the need for additional limit switches and complex electrical control circuitry, significantly reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining the inclined positioning capability during lowering.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements self-aligning functionality through the geometric arrangement of the cord path and deflection element. The system automatically positions the slat at the correct angle during lowering without requiring external electrical control signals or additional sensing mechanisms, thereby eliminating the need for expensive electrical components.
4Adaptability or versatility
If intermediate stops are added to enable inclined positioning, then shading control is improved, but the mechanism becomes prone to malfunction
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the alignment function from the pivot bearing mechanism, eliminating the intermediate stop component that is prone to malfunction. The alignment is instead achieved through the cord routing geometry and deflection element, which have fewer moving parts and no adjustable components that could fail.
5Adaptability or versatility
If complete closure mechanism is integrated into the lowering system, then shading control is improved, but the system requires complete unwinding of lifting tape
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the alignment function from the complete closure mechanism, allowing the slat to be positioned at an inclined angle during the lowering process itself. This eliminates the requirement for complete unwinding of the lifting tape followed by a separate alignment operation, enabling flexible positioning at any point during lowering.
Data Source
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AI summary
A device for aligning slats (7) of a blind with a winding roller (3), wherein the winding roller (3) is rotatably mounted in a housing (1), with a first cord (5) which is arranged with its upper end (50) on the winding roller (3) in a receptacle (30), can be wound onto the winding roller (3) and exits the housing (1) in an exit area (10), wherein the winding roller (3) is rotatable in both directions in a position of the receptacle (30) of the first cord (5) within the exit area (10) and beyond it, whereby the first cord (5) can be wound onto the winding roller (3) in both directions.