Cord Tensioning Device with Displaceable Deflection Part

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cord tensioning devices are unsuitable for the upper or lower end areas of curtain systems due to space constraints and lack adjustability in cord length and tension.

Innovation Solution

A cord tensioning device with a base part attachable to a support, featuring a deflection part with a 180° deflection area and a cord end receptacle that is longitudinally displaceable and lockable, allowing for adjustable cord length and tension, along with optional resilient support and friction reduction mechanisms.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a spring-loaded deflection element is used to tension the cord, then the cord can be held under tension, but the travel reserve of the spring is limited and the tensioning force cannot be adjusted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustability of cord length and tensionVSAvoidcomplexity of tensioning mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The deflection part is made longitudinally displaceable relative to the base part, transforming a static spring mechanism into a dynamic adjustable system. This allows the cord end receptacle to be positioned at different locations along the longitudinal axis, enabling continuous adjustment of cord length and tensioning force while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical structure

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The tensioning device is divided into separable components: a stationary base part and a movable deflection part that can be locked at different positions. This segmentation enables independent adjustment of the deflection part's position to achieve variable tensioning without requiring a completely complex mechanism

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional tensioning device is used, then the cord can be tensioned, but it is unsuitable for arrangement in the upper or lower end area of a curtain system due to space and arrangement constraints

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesuitability for end area arrangementVSAvoidspace required for device
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The deflection area is designed to extend over 180° in an arcuate path, allowing the cord to be routed efficiently within a compact volume. This three-dimensional arcuate deflection path enables the device to fit into the constrained end area spaces of curtain systems while still providing full tensioning functionality

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

Solution Approach 2:

The deflection part with its 180° deflection area is nested within the compact base part structure, allowing the cord to make a complete U-turn within a small footprint. This nested arrangement enables the tensioning device to be installed in the limited space available at the upper or lower ends of curtain systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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

Enables convenient attachment to upper or lower end areas with easy adjustability of cord length and tension, improving usability and flexibility in curtain systems.

Implementation Method 1

The deflection part or the cord end receptacle is resiliently supported relative to the base part

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a compression spring (62) which is supported in a longitudinally displaceable manner on the bearing pin (60) against the deflection part (30) in the longitudinal direction (26)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 3

If space permits, the deflection area can have a rotatable deflection roller in order to reduce friction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 4

a rotatable deflection roller in order to reduce friction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRoller: Roller

Data Source

PatentEP2216485B8Cord tensioning device and curtain assembly with same
Publication Date: 2014.11.19 BLOCKER ZWEIGNIEDERLASSUNG DER HUNTER DOUGLAS HLDG

AI summary

Cord tensioning device with a base part to be attached to a support part, with a deflecting part held on the base part and provided with a deflection area extending over 180° for receiving an end section of a cord deflected by 180° in a longitudinal direction, and with a cord end receptacle for releasably holding a free cord end of the end section deflected by 180°, wherein the deflecting part is displaceable in the longitudinal direction relative to the base part and/or the cord end receptacle is designed to hold the cord end at different positions arranged along the longitudinal direction relative to the base part.