Cellular Shade Magnetic Rail Connection Light Leakage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional cellular shades experience light leaking due to clearance between the head rail and intermediate rail.

Innovation Solution

A magnetically attractive unit is integrated, comprising a first and second housing with a magnet, positioned on the lower and upper mounting brackets respectively, to securely attach the head rail and intermediate rail units, preventing light leakage by covering the clearance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional cellular shade structure is used with clearances between head rail and intermediate rail, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but light leaking occurs due to the clearance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight control performanceVSAvoidstructure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical fastening systems with a magnetic attraction system. Magnets are embedded in the head rail and interact with magnetically attractive portions on the intermediate rail, eliminating the need for complex mechanical connectors while achieving secure attachment and light control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical state of the rail connection from a mechanical interlocking system to a magnetic field-based system. By utilizing magnetic field strength as the binding parameter, the system achieves both structural integrity and clearance elimination without increasing mechanical complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the head rail and intermediate rail are firmly secured to prevent light leaking, then light control performance improves, but the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight control performanceVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functions of structural support and light control into a single magnetic attraction system. The same magnetic connection that secures the intermediate rail to the head rail also eliminates the clearance that causes light leaking, achieving dual functionality without additional components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Traditional mechanical fastening mechanisms are replaced with embedded magnets and magnetically attractive portions, simplifying the manufacturing process while achieving firm securing of the rails to prevent light leaking.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If magnets are used to attract the mounting brackets together, then the clearance between head rail and intermediate rail is eliminated, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelight control performanceVSAvoidmagnetic unit complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic units serve multiple functions: they secure the intermediate rail to the head rail, eliminate clearance between components, and provide a simple assembly mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components for each function, offsetting the added complexity of the magnetic system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic attraction system is self-aligning and self-securing. The magnets automatically attract the mounting brackets into proper alignment and secure them together, eliminating the need for complex adjustment mechanisms or additional fastening components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 magnetically attractive unit effectively secures the head rail and intermediate rail units, preventing light leakage and enhancing light control and privacy by covering the gap between them.

Implementation Method 1

a magnet mounted on one of the first and second housings. The other one of the first and second housings has a magnetically attractive portion which is magnetically attractive with the magnet

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentUS11773648B2Cellular shade

Publication Date: 2023.10.03 TAICANG KINGFU PLASTIC MFG CO LTD

AI summary

A cellular shade includes a head rail unit, an intermediate rail unit, a bottom rail unit, a blind body and a magnetically attractive unit. The head rail unit includes a head rail and a lower mounting bracket. The intermediate rail unit includes an intermediate rail and an upper mounting bracket. The magnetically attractive unit includes a first housing mounted on the lower mounting bracket, a second housing mounted on the upper mounting bracket, and a magnet mounted on one of the first and second housings. The other one of the first and second housings is magnetically attractive with the magnet. The first housing includes a first positioning member to be retainingly positioned to the lower mounting bracket. The head rail unit and the intermediate rail unit can be firmly secured to each other by means of the magnetically attractive unit so as to prevent light leaking.