Drive system for window covering system with continuous cord loop
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motor-operated window covering systems are burdensome for homeowners to install and require professional service, as they need to be integrated into the existing window covering infrastructure, which varies widely, and often lack manual operation capabilities in case of power loss.
Innovation Solution
A motor-operated drive system that includes a motor, a driven wheel, and an electrically powered coupling mechanism, allowing the continuous cord loop to be engaged or disengaged based on the operational state, enabling easy installation and manual operation, with a channel system for redirecting the cord loop and ensuring it extends below the headrail in a vertical orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If motor-operated devices are integrated into existing window covering systems, then automation capability is improved, but installation complexity increases and requires professional service
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate functional modules: the motor-operated drive system is one module that can be independently installed, while the existing window covering mechanism remains as another module. This segmentation allows the motorized component to be added without requiring integration into the entire window covering system, simplifying installation.
Solution Approach 2:
A continuous cord loop serves as an intermediary element that connects the motor-operated drive system to the existing window covering mechanism. The cord loop transmits mechanical force from the driven wheel to the headrail mechanism, enabling communication between the new motorized component and the existing system without requiring direct integration.
2Extent of automation
If motor-operated devices replace normal mechanisms, then automation capability is improved, but ease of installation deteriorates as it requires removing and retrofitting existing blinds
Solution Approach 1:
The motor-operated drive system is extracted as a separate, self-contained unit that can be installed independently of the existing window covering mechanism. This allows homeowners to add motorization without having to remove or modify their existing blinds, significantly improving ease of installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive system is designed with universal mounting capabilities that can accommodate various architectural opening configurations. The system can interface with different types of existing window covering mechanisms through the continuous cord loop, making it applicable to a wide range of installations without requiring custom modifications.
3Ease of manufacture
If motor-operated devices are installed apart from the headrail, then ease of installation is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to misalignment, tangling, and binding of remote mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities through the coupling mechanism that can engage and disengage based on operational state. This allows the system to adapt to different operating conditions, maintaining reliability by disengaging the motor when manual operation is needed and engaging it for automated operation, preventing binding and misalignment issues.
Solution Approach 2:
The continuous cord loop acts as a flexible intermediary that connects the remotely mounted drive system to the headrail mechanism. This flexible connection accommodates movement and positioning variations, preventing tangling and binding while maintaining reliable force transmission between the motor and the window covering mechanism.
4Adaptability or versatility
If motor-operated devices are designed for various architectural opening settings, then adaptability is improved, but installation complexity increases due to varying configurations
Solution Approach 1:
The drive system incorporates universal mounting features and adjustable components that enable installation in various architectural opening configurations. The system can accommodate different positions and orientations of the continuous cord loop, allowing adaptability to diverse settings without requiring complex custom installation procedures for each configuration.
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
Facilitates easy installation and operation of motorized window covering systems by homeowners, ensuring compatibility with various architectural openings and allowing manual operation in case of power failure, enhancing user convenience and reducing installation costs.
Implementation Method 1
a motor configured to rotate an output shaft of the motor
Implementation Method 2
an electrically powered coupling mechanism coupling the driven wheel to a rotating output shaft of the motor
Data Source
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AI summary
A motor-operated drive system for a window covering system including a headrail, a mechanism associated with the headrail to spread and retract the window covering, and a continuous cord loop extending below the headrail for actuating the mechanism to spread and retract the window covering. The drive system includes a motor, a driven wheel that engages and advances the continuous cord loop, and a coupling mechanism for coupling the driven wheel to a rotating output shaft of the motor for rotation of the driven wheel. The drive system includes a channel system for redirecting the continuous cord loop engaged by the driven wheel, or other mechanism for configuring the drive system so that continuous cord loop extends in a substantially vertical orientation. The coupling mechanism includes an engaged configuration in which rotation of the output shaft of the motor causes rotation of the driven wheel, and a disengaged configuration.