Bundling Element for Shading Device Cords

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bundling elements for shading system actuating cords are cumbersome to assemble and release, with a risk of unintentional detachment when cords spread apart, due to complex attachment methods and reliance on knots for securing ends.

Innovation Solution

A bundling element with pivotable flaps and locking elements that allow for secure clamping and easy release of actuating cords, featuring a support structure with pivoting flaps that open and close to guide cord ends in and out, and locking elements with a ridge and groove configuration for enhanced clamping, eliminating the need for knots.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the bundling element uses a complex attachment method with knots to secure actuating cords, then the reliability of preventing unintentional detachment is improved, but the ease of operation for assembly and disassembly deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of preventing unintentional detachmentVSAvoidease of assembly and disassembly
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping device is divided into two separable housing halves that can be attached and detached independently. This segmentation allows the actuating cords to be securely clamped when assembled while enabling easy disassembly by separating the housing halves, eliminating the need for complex knot-tying operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The clamping device acts as an intermediary mechanism between the actuating cords and the user's assembly/disassembly actions. By providing a structured clamping mechanism with housing halves that can be attached and detached, it mediates the secure connection without requiring the user to perform complex knot-tying operations directly on the cords.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the bundling element uses a simple attachment method without knots, then the ease of operation for assembly and disassembly is improved, but the reliability of preventing unintentional detachment deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of assembly and disassemblyVSAvoidreliability of preventing unintentional detachment
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping device is divided into two separable housing halves that can be attached and detached independently. This segmentation allows the actuating cords to be securely clamped when assembled while enabling easy disassembly by separating the housing halves, eliminating the need for complex knot-tying operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The clamping device acts as an intermediary mechanism between the actuating cords and the user's assembly/disassembly actions. By providing a structured clamping mechanism with housing halves that can be attached and detached, it mediates the secure connection without requiring the user to perform complex knot-tying operations directly on the cords.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If the locking elements are positioned in the locking plane, then the device complexity is reduced, but the clamping effect and reliability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidclamping effect
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The locking elements are positioned in a direction that is not parallel to the locking plane, introducing a dimensional offset. This spatial arrangement allows the locking elements to engage more effectively with the actuating cords, enhancing the clamping effect and reliability without significantly increasing the overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking elements are positioned at specific locations offset from the locking plane to create localized high-clamping zones. This local quality enhancement ensures that the critical clamping function is performed with maximum effectiveness at the locking elements, while the rest of the device maintains its simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP2770154B1Bundling element for forming bundles of at least two actuating cords for a shading device
Publication Date: 2016.09.28 HUNTER DOUGLAS INDUSTRIES SWITZERLAND GMBH
  • EP2770154B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2770154B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2770154B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The bundling element (10) has a clamping unit for setting the operating cords (12) in a clamping position against a train (44) in the longitudinal direction of the operating cords and for releasing the operating cords in a release position with a spreading apart of the operating cords away from each other. A fixed-setting level is aligned perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the operating cords and intersects a middle point of a pivot axis.