Movable Curtain Support With Spacer-Guided Cable Lift
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing movable supports for curtains and awnings face challenges such as difficult accessibility due to the risk of falls from high ladders and improper positioning of support arms, which can get stuck or fail to extend the curtain from the ceiling, exposing the support structure.
Innovation Solution
A movable support system with a hollow section fixed to a wall or ceiling, featuring a pair of cables and spacer elements that allow vertical movement of support arms or a guiding track, preventing interference and ensuring the curtain or awning can be properly positioned and hidden from view, using a pulley system and friction means for secure tightening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If support arms are lifted to be locked in usage position, then the curtain can be properly supported from the ceiling, but the support structure may get stuck into the bottom side of the hollow section
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces guide elements (such as guide channels or guide surfaces) that act as intermediaries between the support arms and the hollow section. These guide elements ensure that the support arms follow a predetermined path during lifting and locking, preventing them from getting stuck into the bottom side of the hollow section while still achieving proper ceiling-level positioning.
2Ease of manufacture
If the curtain is supported from the bottom side of the hollow section, then the support structure is exposed to sight, but the cable passage is simplified
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs spacer elements that extend the cable passage path in a third dimension (along the front face of the hollow section). This allows cables to pass through the hollow section from the front side rather than the bottom side, enabling the curtain to be supported from the ceiling level while maintaining aesthetic appearance. The spacer elements create a routed path that avoids exposure of the support structure.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a movable support system is used to avoid high ladders, then operator safety is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs cable-based lifting mechanisms that utilize gravitational force and tension equilibrium to raise and lower the support arms. The system achieves a balanced state where the weight of the curtain and support arms is counterbalanced by the tension in the cables, allowing for safe and controlled movement without requiring complex motors or actuators. This reduces device complexity while maintaining operator safety.
4Shape
If spacer elements are used to guide cables in an advanced position, then the curtain extends from the ceiling properly, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer elements are designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: they guide the cables along the front face of the hollow section, provide structural support for the support arms, and define the positioning of the curtain. By combining these functions into a single integrated component, the patent reduces overall device complexity while achieving proper ceiling-level curtain extension.
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 provides safe and easy installation/removal of curtains and awnings, preventing falls and ensuring the support structure is concealed, while allowing for proper curtain extension and secure positioning without getting stuck, enhancing operator safety and aesthetics.
Implementation Method 1
friction means for ensuring correct tightening of cables
Data Source
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AI summary
The object of the present invention is a movable support for curtains, awnings and the like, comprising a hollow section (11) suitable for being fixed to a wall or to the ceiling, means for supporting the curtain (14, 15; 25), and at least one pair of cables (16, 17) rolling up/unrolling inside said section for allowing the lowering and lifting of said support means. The section is associated to spacer elements (20; 26) suitable for allowing the movement of said means for supporting the curtain in a vertical plane (α) parallel and advanced relative to the vertical plane whereon the front side (13) of the hollow section (11) lays.