Portable Curtain Retraction Control for Fast Modular Setup

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing theatrical barrier retraction systems are not portable, lack flexibility in line length adjustment, and are cumbersome to assemble and disassemble, leading to uneven presentations and increased setup time.

Innovation Solution

A portable barrier retraction system featuring a drive motor with addressable control, connected in a serial arrangement with retraction assemblies, allowing for selective rotation and independent control of lines to facilitate easy adjustment and quick assembly/disassembly, enabling the system to be easily transported and configured on various geometries.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual drawing or motorized central drawing systems are used for theatrical barriers, then the barrier retraction function is achieved, but the system becomes non-portable and cumbersome to assemble

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveportabilityVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the barrier into multiple independently controlled sections, each with its own retraction mechanism. This segmentation allows each section to be independently assembled, transported, and deployed, significantly improving portability while reducing overall assembly complexity through modular construction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs dynamically adjustable line lengths for each barrier section, allowing the configuration to be modified during operation. This dynamic capability enables the same system to adapt to different performance requirements while maintaining portability through standardized modular components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If fixed-length strings or cables are used in retraction systems, then the system structure is simple, but flexibility in line length adjustment is lost resulting in uneven presentation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveline length adjustment flexibilityVSAvoidline length uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates dynamically adjustable line lengths for each barrier section, allowing operators to modify the length of drawing lines during setup and operation. This enables precise adaptation to different performance requirements while maintaining uniform presentation through controlled adjustment mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system allows individual line length parameters to be changed for each barrier section independently. By enabling parameter adjustment without requiring custom manufacturing for each length, the system achieves both flexibility and precision through standardized components with variable configurations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If traditional retraction systems are used, then basic barrier deployment is achieved, but setup and disassembly time is excessive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly speedVSAvoidsetup and disassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The barrier system is divided into modular sections that can be independently assembled and disassembled. Each section contains integrated retraction mechanisms and control systems, allowing rapid setup by simply connecting pre-assembled modules together, dramatically reducing overall assembly time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates pre-assembled modular sections with integrated retraction mechanisms and control systems. By preparing components in advance with preliminary configuration, the system eliminates time-consuming on-site assembly operations while maintaining full functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 system allows for rapid assembly and disassembly, easy transport, and precise line length adjustment, reducing setup time and error, while being easily replaceable and adaptable to different configurations, ensuring efficient and flexible deployment of theatrical barriers.

Implementation Method 1

a drive motor with an addressable drive motor control... The drive motor is in rotational communication with at least one retraction assembly configured to retract or deploy a line in response to rotation of the drive motor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS9598897B2Portable curtain retraction device and system
Publication Date: 2017.03.21 TAIT TOWERS MANUFACTURING LLC
  • US9598897B2 patent drawing
  • US9598897B2 patent drawing
  • US9598897B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A portable barrier retraction device having a drive motor with an addressable drive motor control. The drive motor control is capable of being connected in a serial arrangement with one or more other addressable drive motor controls. The drive motor is in rotational communication with at least one retraction assembly configured to retract or deploy a line in response to rotation of the drive motor. The line is configured to retract or deploy a barrier. The drive motor provides selective rotation in response to an addressed signal from a controller. In addition, retraction systems employing portable retraction devices and methods for assembling the retraction systems are also disclosed.