Covering for architectural opening including cell structures biased to open

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cellular shades for architectural openings require vertical stacking for retraction, which damages cells and prevents them from opening fully, and they lack a compact, hidden storage solution.

Innovation Solution

A cellular panel system with a support tube and panel that allows cells to be wound around it, using a drive mechanism and control cords or a motor system for extension and retraction, maintaining a constant appearance and providing insulation and aesthetic benefits.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If cellular shades are retracted by vertical stacking, then the cells can be stored in a compact configuration, but the cells are damaged and prevented from opening fully

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveretracted configurationVSAvoidcell opening function

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of stacking cells vertically for retraction (conventional method), the patent inverts the approach by winding the cellular panel around a support tube. This inversion allows the cells to maintain their structural integrity and opening capability while achieving compact storage through radial winding rather than vertical compression.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from one-dimensional vertical stacking to two-dimensional radial winding around a support tube. This dimensional change enables the cellular panel to be stored in a compact cylindrical configuration while preserving cell structure and functionality, resolving the contradiction between compact storage and cell integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Volume of moving object

If cellular shades are retracted by vertical stacking, then storage is achieved, but the cells are damaged and aesthetic benefits are lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestorage configurationVSAvoidcell appearance

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional retraction method from vertical stacking to horizontal winding around a support tube. This inversion preserves the aesthetic shape and appearance of the cells during storage, as they maintain their structural form while being wound around the tube, preventing damage and maintaining visual appeal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The cellular panel utilizes flexible material construction that allows it to be wound around the support tube without creasing or damaging the cell structures. This flexibility enables the panel to maintain its aesthetic appearance during retraction while achieving compact storage through the winding mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Volume of moving object

If cellular shades are wound around a roller tube, then compact storage is achieved, but wrapping may damage the cells

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveretracted configurationVSAvoidcell integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs flexible cellular panel construction that can be wound around the support tube without creasing, folding, or damaging the cell structures. The flexibility of the material allows smooth winding while maintaining cell integrity, resolving the contradiction between compact storage and cell protection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The cellular panel is pre-configured with appropriate flexibility and structural properties before installation, enabling it to withstand the winding process without damage. This preliminary preparation ensures that when the panel is wound around the support tube for storage, the cells remain intact and functional.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

4Ease of operation

If cellular shades use vertical stacking for retraction, then simple operation is achieved, but cell damage occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveretraction mechanismVSAvoidcell function

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the retraction mechanism from vertical stacking to horizontal winding around a support tube. This inverted approach maintains operational simplicity through the winding mechanism while simultaneously preventing cell damage, as the cells are not compressed or folded during retraction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentUS10724297B2Covering for architectural opening including cell structures biased to open

Publication Date: 2020.07.28 HUNTER DOUGLAS INC

AI summary

A covering an architectural opening including a support tube and a panel operably connected to the support tube and configured to be wound around the support tube. The panel includes a support sheet and at least one cell operably connected to the support sheet. The at least one cell includes a vane material operably connected to a first side of the support sheet and a cell support member operably connected to the vane material and configured to support the vane material at a distance away from the support sheet when the panel is in an extended position with respect to the support tube.