Cordless Flexible Window Covering With Stiffeners for Controlled Folding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cordless window coverings with flexible panels face challenges in maintaining controlled and aesthetically pleasing operation, as the soft and flexible materials tend to fold or fall uncontrolled when raised, making it difficult for users to manipulate the panels effectively.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of stiffeners connected to the lift cords and bottom edge of the panel, which prevent folding and facilitate controlled movement by balancing forces, allowing the panel to drape neatly, and the use of a spring motor for assistance in raising and holding the panel in desired positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If soft and flexible panel materials are used, then aesthetic appearance and comfort are improved, but control and stability during operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The panel is segmented into multiple horizontal sections or slats that can move independently. This segmentation allows each segment to be controlled individually or in groups, providing better manipulation and stability while maintaining the flexible aesthetic appearance of the overall panel.
Solution Approach 2:
Intermediary components such as cords, chains, or mechanical linkages are introduced between the user and the panel segments. These intermediaries transmit and control the movement forces, enabling precise control of flexible panel materials without requiring direct manual manipulation of the soft materials themselves.
2Shape
If soft and flexible panel materials are used, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but stability when raised deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Counterweight mechanisms are incorporated to balance the weight of the flexible panel when raised. This allows the panel to be held stable at various heights without collapsing or falling, while maintaining its aesthetic flexible appearance. The counterweight compensates for the gravitational force on the soft materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The panel system incorporates dynamic elements such as springs, dampers, or adjustable tensioning mechanisms that adapt to the flexible panel's movement. These dynamic components provide stabilizing forces that maintain composition stability when the panel is raised, while allowing the panel to maintain its flexible aesthetic characteristics.
3Ease of operation
If stiffeners are added to prevent folding, then control and stability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of traditional rigid stiffeners, flexible shells or thin film structures are used to provide the necessary support and prevent unwanted folding. These flexible stiffening elements maintain the panel's overall flexibility and aesthetic appearance while providing sufficient structural support for controlled operation, thereby reducing complexity compared to rigid stiffener systems.
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 easy and controlled operation of cordless window coverings, ensuring the panel folds and drapes aesthetically while being raised or lowered, improving user interaction and maintaining the panel's position without visible fasteners.
Implementation Method 1
The spring motor offsets the weight of the shade panel to hold the shade panel in any vertical position
Implementation Method 2
The stiffener prevents the folding of the flexible panel between the bottom edge and the first point
Data Source
AI summary
A window covering comprises a flexible panel having a top edge and a bottom edge. At least one lift cord is provided for raising and lowering the bottom edge. Each lift cord is connected to one end of a stiffener at a first point and the opposite end of the stiffener is connected to approximately the bottom edge of the flexible panel. The stiffener prevents the folding of the flexible panel between the bottom edge and the first point. The top edge may be connected to a head rail and the bottom edge may be connected to a bottom rail. A motor may be located adjacent the top rail where the lift cord is connected to the motor.