Portable Curtain Retraction Drums for Fast Setup and Line Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing theatrical barrier retraction systems are not portable, lack flexibility in adjusting line lengths, and are cumbersome or time-consuming to assemble and disassemble.
Innovation Solution
A portable barrier retraction device with a first drum, a rotatable shaft, a clutch, and a detachable second drum with spools that allows for independent length adjustment and easy assembly/disassembly, enabling quick deployment and retraction of barriers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If motors are utilized to draw strings or cables, then the retraction function is automated, but the system becomes not sufficiently portable and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the retraction mechanism into modular components: a portable controller unit that can be easily transported, and a stationary drum assembly that remains at the installation location. The controller contains the motor and control electronics, while the drum with spools stays fixed. This segmentation allows the automated function to be portable while the heavy components remain stationary.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses an intermediary wireless communication link between the portable controller and the stationary drum assembly. The controller sends commands wirelessly to activate the drum motor, allowing the operator to control the retraction from a portable position without carrying the motor itself.
2Device complexity
If fixed-length strings are used in known systems, then the retraction mechanism is simple, but the presentation becomes uneven and lacks flexibility in adjusting line lengths
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces fixed-length strings with dynamically adjustable lines wound on spools. The line length can be changed by rotating the spools, allowing the barrier to be retracted to any position along its path. This dynamic adjustment capability enables even presentation and flexible adaptation to different barrier positions and configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The lines are pre-attached to the barrier and wound on the spools in advance, but their effective length is determined at the time of operation by how much line is unwound. This preliminary preparation combined with operational adjustment allows quick deployment while maintaining flexibility in line length.
3Productivity
If traditional retraction systems are assembled, then the barrier can be deployed, but the process is time-consuming and not suitable for rapid setup
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into pre-assembled modular units: the controller unit with motor and electronics, the drum assembly with spools and line storage, and the barrier itself. These modules can be manufactured and tested separately, then quickly installed at the event location by connecting them through standardized interfaces, dramatically reducing assembly time.
Solution Approach 2:
The lines are pre-attached to the barrier and pre-wound on the spools during manufacturing. The controller is pre-programmed with the necessary control logic. This preliminary preparation eliminates time-consuming on-site configuration and allows the system to be deployed rapidly when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A portable barrier retraction device and system for retracting and deploying barriers, such as theatrical curtains. The device includes a first drum, a rotatable shaft in selective rotational communication with the first drum, and a clutch configured to disengage the first drum from the rotatable shaft. The device further includes a detachable rotatable second drum in rotational communication with the first drum. The rotatable shaft selectively imparts rotation to the second drum by selectively imparting rotation to the first drum. The second drum includes at least one spool configured to retract or deploy at least one line in response to rotation of the second drum.