Decorative Sheet Tension via Gravity Weight
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for screening and decorating building openings, such as windows, require separate installations and mechanical tensioning units, which are cumbersome and limit the ability to completely roll up the screen and conceal the decorative sheet.
Innovation Solution
A system where a decorative sheet is connected to a screen at the lower edge, with a horizontal weight means providing tension via gravity, allowing the sheet to remain outstretched without mechanical tensioning and enabling complete rolling up of the screen into a cover.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a mechanical pulling unit with spring is used to keep the sheet stretched, then the sheet remains outstretched when the screen is unrolled, but the screen cannot be rolled up completely and the device becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the mechanical pulling unit and spring from the system, extracting the complex mechanical tensioning mechanism. Instead, it uses a simple horizontal weight means attached to the lower edge of the sheet that utilizes gravity to provide continuous tension, keeping the sheet stretched without requiring complex mechanical components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical spring-based pulling unit with a gravity-based weight means. This substitution eliminates the need for elastic materials and complex mechanical tensioning devices, using only the gravitational force on a simple horizontal weight to maintain sheet tension throughout the screen's movement.
2Adaptability or versatility
If two separate installations (roller door and fabric curtain) are used for screening and advertising, then both functions are achieved, but space is occupied and the system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the screening function (lamellae screen) and the decorative/advertising function (fabric sheet) into a single integrated system. The sheet is attached to the lower edge of the screen, and both components are rolled up together around the same core, eliminating the need for separate installations and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated system serves multiple functions simultaneously: the lamellae screen provides screening and light control, while the attached fabric sheet provides decorative and advertising capabilities. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate devices and optimizes space utilization.
3Stability of the object's composition
If elastic material is used to keep the sheet outstretched, then the sheet remains taut when unrolled, but the sheet cannot be completely rolled up into the box
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes elastic materials from the system, extracting the requirement for material elasticity. Instead, it uses a simple horizontal weight means attached to the lower edge of the sheet that utilizes gravity to provide continuous tension, keeping the sheet stretched without requiring elastic materials.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces elastic material-based tension with a gravity-based weight means. This substitution allows the sheet to remain taut when unrolled while enabling complete rolling up into the box, as the weight means does not prevent full retraction unlike elastic materials.
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 allows for a simple, aesthetically pleasing, and functional safety roller blind that can be easily changed, with the decorative sheet remaining outstretched and the entire device being concealable, reducing interference with views and eliminating the need for elastic materials or mechanical tensioning units.
Implementation Method 1
a horizontal weight means (14) which is provided in the fold or is fastened to the sheet in immediate vicinity of the mutual connection
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for screening and decorating a building opening, preferably a largely vertically oriented window, the system including a screen (2) formed of an array of cohering longitudinal lamellae (11) which can be rolled up about a core (3) at the top side of the building opening and which in the extended condition have an extension adapted for covering the building opening, and a foldable or rollable sheet (7) provided with a decorative element and which in the extended state has an extension which at least partially covers the screen (2), at which between the sheet (7) and the screen (2) there is a mutual connection (6) at the upper and lower edge areas of the sheet when in use, and at which the sheet (7) and the screen (2) in the extended state are arranged as two superposed surfaces such that the sheet at the lower mutual connection (6) forms a suspended fold (15) extending under the mutual connection, and that a horizontal weight means (14) is provided in the fold (15) or is fastened to the sheet in immediate vicinity of the mutual connection (6).