Coreless Roller Blind Winding Mechanism for Sliding Roof Adaptability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing roller blind devices for sliding roof systems have limited variability in spatial configuration and geometric adaptability, often leading to jamming issues due to interactions between winding aids and spiral springs, which compromises ease of use and visual appeal.

Innovation Solution

A roller blind device utilizing self-winding coil springs without a core, allowing for a coreless roller blind roll with a hollow space, enabling deformation and contouring between spiral springs, and a winding-forming device that shapes and guides the roller blind roll to adapt to various geometries, such as curved or flattened shapes, to prevent jamming and enhance usability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a conventional roller blind device with a winding core and winding aid is used, then the winding mechanism is simple, but the spatial configuration variability and geometric adaptability are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespatial configuration variabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention removes the winding core from the roller blind device, creating a coreless design. This extraction eliminates the geometric constraint imposed by the core, allowing the roller blind to be wound into various three-dimensional shapes without being limited by a central cylindrical structure. The blind web can now conform to different roof geometries while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces a dynamic shaping device that can adjust the spatial configuration of the roller blind during winding. This device allows the blind to transition between different three-dimensional shapes, enabling adaptation to various roof geometries. The shaping device creates a defined winding space that guides the blind web into desired configurations without requiring a fixed core structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Volume of moving object

If the roller blind is wound tightly to improve compactness, then the retraction space is reduced, but jamming between the winding aid and spiral spring occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveretraction spaceVSAvoidjamming prevention
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

By removing the winding aid and its associated core structure, the invention eliminates the source of jamming interactions between the winding mechanism and spiral spring. The coreless design allows the blind web to be wound directly without mechanical interference, enabling tight winding for compact retraction while maintaining reliable operation free from jamming issues.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces a shaping device as an intermediary element that defines the winding space and guides the blind web during retraction. This mediator ensures proper spacing and alignment between the blind web and spiral spring, preventing direct contact and potential jamming while still allowing compact winding. The shaping device acts as a buffer that maintains reliable operation during tight retraction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If a core is used to maintain structural integrity, then the three-dimensional shaping freedom is limited, but without a core the blind web may lose stability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvethree-dimensional shaping freedomVSAvoidblind web stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The invention successfully removes the winding core while maintaining blind web stability through alternative means. The shaping device defines a winding space that provides structural support during retraction, and the spiral spring itself serves as the winding axis, eliminating the need for a separate core structure while preserving both stability and shaping freedom.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention makes the spiral spring serve multiple functions: it provides the winding force, acts as the winding axis, and defines part of the winding geometry. This multi-functionality compensates for the removed core's structural role while maintaining stability. The shaping device adds another layer of functionality by defining the overall three-dimensional configuration space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution provides a high degree of variability in three-dimensional shape and contour, reduces jamming, and improves ease of use by allowing the roller blind to be easily adapted to different roof geometries while minimizing interaction with spiral springs, resulting in a more flexible and user-friendly system.

Implementation Method 1

Self-winding spiral springs (7) are connected to the roller blind web (2) on the longitudinal edges (6) of the roller blind web (2). The spiral springs (7) can optionally be guided in guide rails (not shown), the spiral springs (7) automatically rolling up around the winding axis (3) to form a spiral (8).

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpiral spring: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP1992511B1Roller blind device, in particular for a sliding roof system
Publication Date: 2009.08.19 WEBASTO AG
  • EP1992511B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1992511B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP1992511B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a roller blind device, in particular for a sliding roof system, comprising a roller blind track (2) which can be wound up at least at one end to form a roller blind roll (5) by means of a winding device (7), wherein the winding device (7) comprises self-winding spiral springs (7) connected to the roller blind track (2), wherein a winding forming device (9) is provided for forming and/or guiding the roller blind roll (5), wherein the winding forming device (9) interacts with the roller blind track (2) exclusively in track areas of the roller blind track (2) between the spiral springs (7).