Cordless Shade Actuator for Laterally-Separable Sheets
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coverings for architectural openings, such as windows and doors, lack efficient mechanisms for smoothly transitioning between extended and retracted positions, often requiring manual effort and lacking precise control over shade extension and retraction.
Innovation Solution
A retractable covering system featuring a rotatable roller with a shade actuator system that includes a grip surface and a slide surface, allowing for selective engagement and disengagement to control the movement of laterally-separable sheets, enabling easy transition between closed and expanded configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a retractable shade covering is used for architectural openings, then the ability to control light and privacy is improved, but the ease of operation and transition between positions deteriorates due to requiring manual effort and lacking precise control
Solution Approach 1:
A cordless actuator device serves as an intermediary between the user and the shade mechanism. The actuator includes a drive mechanism with a drive cord that engages with the shade's lift mechanism, enabling precise control of shade position without direct manual manipulation. The actuator can be controlled remotely or via switch, mediating the interaction between user intent and mechanical movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct manual mechanical operation with an automated cordless actuator system. The actuator uses an electric motor or spring mechanism to provide the mechanical force needed for shade movement, substituting human muscle power with an automated mechanical system that provides smoother, more precise control.
2Adaptability or versatility
If laterally-separable sheets are used in the shade, then the adaptability and configurability of the covering is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for engagement and disengagement mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator device serves as a mediator that simplifies the interaction with laterally-separable sheets. By providing a unified control interface, the actuator manages the complexity of coordinating multiple sheet movements, allowing users to control complex configurations through simple commands rather than manually manipulating multiple engagement points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple control functions into a single cordless actuator device that can manage laterally-separable sheets. The actuator integrates motor control, cord management, and engagement mechanisms into one unified system, reducing the overall complexity compared to separate control mechanisms for each sheet.
3Ease of operation
If a cordless actuator system is implemented, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The cordless actuator system is designed to be self-contained with integrated power (battery or spring mechanism) and control functions. The actuator automatically manages cord winding, unwinding, and engagement without requiring external assistance or complex installation infrastructure, making the system easier to operate despite increased device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator device is designed as a universal solution that can control various types of retractable shades with laterally-separable sheets. By creating a multi-functional actuator that handles multiple operations (raising, lowering, positioning) through a single device, the patent reduces the need for multiple specialized components, thereby managing complexity while maintaining versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
A covering for an architectural opening is provided. The covering may include a rotatable roller, a shade attached to the rotatable roller, and a shade actuation system. The shade may be wrappable about the roller. The shade may include two laterally-separable sheets interconnected by a plurality of vertically-spaced vanes. The shade actuation system may be selectively engageable with a confronting face of one of the two laterally-separable sheets. Engagement of the shade actuation system and the one of the two laterally-separable sheets may restrict movement of the one of the two laterally-separable sheets relative to the other of the two laterally-separable sheets.