Curtain Rail Drive Offset Design to Hide Motor and Preserve Folds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional curtain rail arrangements with electric drives are aesthetically unsatisfactory due to the motor protruding forward, creating a visible bump and disrupting natural folds, especially when curtains are open, as the motor is not effectively hidden and can be noticed even with opaque fabrics.
Innovation Solution
The curtain rail arrangement features a drive with a rotatable axle offset from the motor axis, coupled via a gear system and a connecting section that allows the drive to be positioned behind the curtain rail, ensuring the motor is hidden and folds are not disrupted, with optional stabilization and adjustable geometry to accommodate various curtain types.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the motor is mounted directly below the deflector on the curtain rail with the motor axis aligned with the curtain track, then the drive can be simply installed and operated, but the motor protrudes toward the front creating a visible bump that disrupts natural folds and is immediately recognizable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent offsets the drive unit from the front surface of the curtain rail by positioning it at a distance d in the depth direction. This dimensional relocation allows the drive to be hidden behind the curtain while still being functionally connected through the coupling element, resolving the contradiction between easy installation and aesthetic appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a coupling element that acts as an intermediary between the drive unit and the curtain. This coupling element transmits the driving force from the offset drive unit to the curtain through the coupling, allowing the drive to be positioned away from the front surface while maintaining functional connection.
2Shape
If the drive is offset from the curtain rail in the depth direction, then the motor is hidden and folds are not disrupted, but the coupling between the drive and the running channel becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling element serves as a mediator that bridges the gap between the offset drive unit and the curtain rail system. By introducing this intermediary component, the patent achieves the desired aesthetic appearance while managing the complexity of the coupling mechanism in a systematic way.
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
This configuration allows for a seamless integration of electric drives into all curtain types without visible protrusions, maintaining natural folds and hiding the drive behind the curtain, enhancing aesthetic appeal and operational efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
The drive (3) has a drive shaft (32) that can be rotated about a first axis of rotation. The coupling element (25) is coupled to a rotating element (33) that can be rotated about a second axis of rotation, which interacts with the coupling element (25) and is driven by the drive (3)
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A curtain track arrangement (1) comprises a curtain track (2) with a running channel (23) in which a plurality of gliders (71, 72) are guided. A curtain (8) or drapery is attached to, or can be attached to, the gliders. The curtain or drapery has a front (21) and a back (24), which generally faces a wall. The curtain or drapery is coupled, in particular via a carriage and/or at least one of the gliders (71, 72) via a coupling element (9), in particular a cord or a toothed belt, to a drive (3), in particular an electric motor. The drive (3) has a drive shaft that is rotatable about a first axis of rotation (D).The coupling element (9) is coupled to a rotary element rotatable about a second axis of rotation. This rotary element interacts with the coupling element (9) and is driven by the drive (3) to move the sliders (71, 72) coupled to the coupling element (9) along the track (23) of the curtain rail (2) in or against a direction of travel (X). The drive (3) is connected to the curtain rail (2), in particular to its track (23), via a connecting section (6). The first axis of rotation (D) of the drive axis of the drive (2) is offset relative to the second axis of rotation of the rotary element in the depth direction (Y) of the guide rail (2), defined from the front (21) to the back (24).