Device for opening and closing curtains as well as a method for connecting an electric motor drive and/or a deflection to the profile cross-section of a curtain rail
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing curtain rail systems require complex and costly adapters to accommodate electric motor drives, which must match the specific dimensions and colors of the curtain rail, complicating production and installation, and making the drives visually conspicuous.
Innovation Solution
A curtain rail with a laterally arranged window-like opening allows direct integration of an electric motor drive or deflection unit, eliminating the need for adapters by providing access from outside the rail, enabling the drive to be concealed behind the curtain and compatible with various rail cross-sections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If adapters are used to connect electric motor drives to curtain rails, then the drives can be accommodated on various rail cross-sections, but the adapters increase device complexity and must be produced in many variants
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a universal adapterless connection system. The drive unit incorporates a universal mounting interface that can accommodate various curtain rail cross-sections through a standardized attachment mechanism, eliminating the need for multiple specialized adapters for different rail types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the adapter function entirely by integrating the mounting interface directly into the drive unit housing. Instead of using separate adapter components to bridge the drive and rail, the drive unit itself is designed with a universal attachment mechanism that directly interfaces with various rail cross-sections, removing the intermediary adapter element.
2Adaptability or versatility
If adapters are used to connect electric motor drives to curtain rails, then the drives can be mounted on various rail cross-sections, but manufacturing and stocking costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a universal mounting interface on the drive unit that works with various curtain rail cross-sections. This single universal design eliminates the need to manufacture and stock multiple adapter variants, significantly reducing production complexity and inventory costs while maintaining compatibility across different rail types.
3Ease of operation
If the electric motor drive is arranged in the extension of the curtain rail, then the drive can be connected to the rail, but the drive becomes visually conspicuous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the drive unit from the visible extension area of the curtain rail and repositions it to be mounted on the lateral side of the rail. This spatial relocation removes the drive from the visually prominent position while maintaining its functional connection to the rail through the universal mounting interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions the drive unit arrangement from a longitudinal extension (one-dimensional placement along the rail axis) to a lateral side mounting (two-dimensional placement on the rail perimeter). This dimensional change relocates the drive to a less visually conspicuous position while preserving its mechanical connection functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for opening and closing curtains includes a curtain rail with at least one channel open in the curtain-to-be-hung direction and at least one curtain holding part held movably in the channel in the channel longitudinal direction by guides, for attaching the curtain. The guides are adjustable along the rail via an electric motor drive by a drive mechanism. A laterally-arranged, window-like opening is made in at least one section of the rail profile cross-section, which provides access from outside the rail at least to the channel for the drive mechanism. A structural unit for the electromotive drive and/or a deflection of the drive mechanism is insertable into this opening and fixable therein laterally on the rail for passing the drive mechanism through the region for the electromotive drive and/or the deflection. Also, a method connects an electromotive drive and/or a deflection to the rail profile cross-section.