Curtain Actuation Device with Segmented Cord Safety Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cord-operated curtain/awning control systems are hazardous due to the continuous cord ring, which can lead to choking accidents, especially for children, and require high ultimate strength to prevent accidental breakage, posing a structural and reliability challenge.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring a support mechanism connected to a connection element with a tensioning system that disengages when excessive tension is applied, incorporating a sliding protuberance and tongue mechanism to prevent cord translation at lower tensions and a retractable tooth locking mechanism for safety, ensuring the cord ring is securely fastened and preventing accidental release.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the cord is made with high ultimate strength to prevent breakage, then reliability is improved, but safety is worsened due to choking hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous cord is divided into two separate cords that can be independently managed. One cord is fixed to the support means while the other is free to be actuated, allowing the system to maintain strength where needed while eliminating the continuous loop hazard.
Solution Approach 2:
The harmful continuous cord ring is extracted from the system by using two separate cords instead. The free cord can be easily removed or managed, eliminating the choking hazard while preserving the functional integrity of the curtain control system.
2Ease of operation
If the cord ring is made accessible for operation, then ease of operation is improved, but safety is worsened due to choking risks
Solution Approach 1:
The accessible continuous cord ring is replaced with a free cord that can be easily handled and removed. This maintains ease of operation for curtain control while eliminating the continuous loop that creates choking risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The free cord can be easily replaced if lost or damaged, unlike a continuous ring that would require complex reconfiguration. This practical approach prioritizes safety while maintaining operational ease.
3Reliability
If the cord is kept continuous to maintain tension, then reliability is improved, but safety is worsened due to inability to release tension
Solution Approach 1:
The continuous cord is segmented into two separate cords with different functions: one maintains tension on the support means while the other serves as the actuation cord. This allows independent management of tension and safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The continuous cord loop is extracted and replaced with a free cord that can be easily removed or managed. This eliminates the inability to release tension while maintaining reliable curtain control through the fixed cord mechanism.
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 enhances safety by preventing cord-related accidents and ensuring the cord is securely fastened, meeting safety standards by disengaging the tension at lower applied forces, thus preventing choking hazards and ensuring the cord's strength is only engaged when necessary.
Implementation Method 1
a spring being compressed between said retractable tooth and the first component so that the elastic force of the spring makes the retractable tooth extend
Implementation Method 2
the tension of the cord further compresses the spring
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~5
Figure 6
AI summary
A device for actuating a curtain/awning in a double glazing comprises a pulley supported by support means connected to connection means integrally connected to a wall of the double glazing at the movement group. A ring of cord is partially wound around the pulley and is maintained taught by a tensioning element, it too connected to the wall of the double glazing. By applying a tension to the cord ring, a torque is generated tending to rotate the pulley. The torque is transmitted by suitable transmission means to the group for moving the curtain/awning. The support means of the pulley are separated from the connection means for values of tension applied to the cord ring that are greater than a pre-established limit value. Said separation cancels the tension of the cord.