Vertical Blind Swivel Gear Fixing Element Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing swivel gear mechanisms for vertical blinds often result in incorrect operation and damage due to slats being aligned in the longitudinal direction of the support rail, leading to potential snagging and misalignment when opening or closing the curtains.
Innovation Solution
A swivel gear with a fixing element that restricts displacement along the support rail in specific end positions, preventing slats from moving together or apart when the curtain is closed, thereby ensuring proper alignment and operation by interacting with the support rail through a non-positive connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the swivel gear is designed to allow free displacement along the support rail for opening and closing the vertical blind, then the ease of operation is improved, but the risk of incorrect operation and slats getting caught increases when the curtain is closed
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing element is designed to dynamically change its state between a first position (allowing free displacement for opening/closing) and a second position (restricting displacement when closed). This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by adapting the system's mobility to the operational context, ensuring both ease of operation and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The fixing element is coupled to the slide such that it automatically transitions between its first and second positions based on the slide's position. When the slide reaches end positions, the fixing element self-activates to restrict further displacement, eliminating the need for separate control mechanisms and ensuring reliability without complicating operation.
2Productivity
If the slat carriage is allowed to move along the support rail when the curtain is closed, then the productivity of opening and closing is improved, but the slats may get caught and damage occurs due to incorrect alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing element anticipates potential harmful displacement by activating in advance at end positions. It restricts the swivel gear's movement before incorrect operation can occur, preventing slats from getting caught while allowing full productivity during legitimate opening and closing operations.
3Reliability
If a fixing element is added to restrict displacement in end positions, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The fixing element is integrated with the existing slide mechanism through coupling. This merging approach allows the fixing element to utilize the slide's movement for its operation, eliminating the need for separate actuators or control systems. The result is enhanced reliability with minimal increase in overall device complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The swing gear (10) has a fixing element (27) for providing an adjustment limit for the swing gear with respect to a support rail in the two end positions. The fixing element takes a fixing position in the former or later end position of the multi-disks and cooperates with the support rail by a force-fit, friction-locking or form-fit connection. The fixing element is moved from a release position into a fixing position by actuating the swing gear.