Curtain controlling device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motorized drapery systems require custom installation for each window size, are costly, and difficult to retrofit onto existing systems, with issues of tension loss and manual control limitations.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable, retrofit curtain controlling device with cable spools exerting continuous tension and electric driving means that can couple or decouple from spools for automatic or manual operation, using constant torque springs and electric motors for smooth operation and easy installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a complete motorized drapery system is used, then automatic curtain operation is achieved, but installation complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the motorized control mechanism from the complete drapery system, creating a standalone controlling device that interfaces with existing manual systems. This separates the automation function from the structural drapery components, allowing retrofits without replacing entire systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The controlling device acts as an intermediary between the user (or control system) and the existing drapery mechanism. It converts electrical signals into mechanical motion through a motor and transmission system that interfaces with the manual cord or chain operation.
2Reliability
If custom-built motorized rods are manufactured for each window, then precise fit and operation are achieved, but manufacturing cost and assembly time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The controlling device is designed as a universal solution that can be adapted to various window sizes and existing drapery systems. Rather than manufacturing custom rods for each application, the same controlling device interfaces with different manual systems, standardizing production while maintaining compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates adjustable components that allow the controlling device to adapt to different configurations. The motorized mechanism can be configured for various rod lengths and mounting positions, providing precision fit without custom manufacturing.
3Reliability
If high tension is maintained on the flexible member, then the driving pulley maintains good grip, but the system becomes difficult to extend and the pulley wears out
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical pulley-grip system with a motorized spool or drum mechanism. Instead of relying on friction grip between a pulley and flexible member, the system uses a motor to directly wind and unwind the cord, eliminating the need for high tension maintenance and reducing wear.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts cable tension through the motorized spool mechanism. The motor can maintain appropriate tension during operation while allowing easy extension and reconfiguration by reversing rotation, solving both the grip reliability and extendability problems.
4Reliability
If a drum is used to prevent cord winding issues, then cord friction and corrosion are reduced, but the device size increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a large drum that physically prevents cord winding issues, the patent uses a motorized spool that actively manages cord deployment. The control system monitors cord usage and commands the motor to rewind or pay out cord as needed, preventing friction and corrosion without requiring excessive device volume.
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 installation and adjustment on various drapery sizes, maintains continuous cable tension for smooth operation, and allows for both automatic and manual control, reducing costs and complexity.
Implementation Method 1
The cable spools are arranged to exert a cable pretension force in a direction contrary to the unwinding direction of the spools, causing a continuous cable tension which prevents sagging of the driving cable
Implementation Method 2
a driving gear, a cable spool and an electric motor, wherein the cable spool is arranged to be connected to the driving gear so that rotation of the cable spool causes the driving cable to be wound up or unwound
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 2a~2d
AI summary
System for moving objects (201,203) by a driving cable (115). The system comprises two cable spools (105,107) enabled to wind and unwind the cable both sides (115a,b). A remote cable pulley (113) is arranged for guiding, at a remote location (X), the cable. The cable spools are arranged to exert, by means of constant torque springs (117,119) a cable pretension force in a direction (T) contrary to the unwinding direction (U) of the spools. Electric driving means (108) are provided to be coupled either to the one or to the other cable spool, thus causing the cable to move from the one to the other cable spool or reversely, in order to move said one or more objects connected to the cable, or to be disengaged from both cable spools in order to enable manual operation of said one or more objects connected to the cable.