Dual Curtain Closure System Rod Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prior roll-up dual curtain closure systems experience a loss of seal security as the rods separate when the curtains are raised, due to the uneven winding mechanism causing the upturned pockets and elongated rods to move apart.
Innovation Solution
A dual curtain closure system with each curtain having its own spindle for independent adjustment, maintaining a constant distance between the rods, and using hook and loop fastening material for secure attachment to channel members, ensuring the rods remain adjacent for optimal sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a common spindle is used to wind both curtains, then the device complexity is reduced, but the seal reliability deteriorates as the rods separate during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the winding mechanism into two separate spindles, one for each curtain. This segmentation allows each curtain and its corresponding rod to be wound independently, preventing the separation problem that occurs with a common spindle while maintaining manageable system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a synchronization mechanism as an intermediary between the two separate spindles. This mediator coordinates the rotation of both spindles to ensure they turn at the same rate, maintaining proper alignment of the curtains and rods throughout operation
2Ease of operation
If the curtains are wound in an overlapping manner about a common spindle, then the ease of operation is improved, but the manufacturing precision of the seal alignment deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the winding function into two independent spindles, each curtain can be wound with precise control over its own tension and alignment, eliminating the cumulative alignment errors that occur with overlapping winding on a single spindle
Solution Approach 2:
The synchronization mechanism provides feedback control between the two spindles, monitoring and adjusting their rotation to maintain equal winding rates. This feedback ensures that the rods remain properly aligned throughout the operation cycle
Data Source
AI summary
A dual curtain closure system for covering a portal wherein each curtain has a length greater than the length of the lateral margins of the portal, a first end fixedly attached across the portal at an upper end thereof, and a second end folded back on itself to define an upwardly opening pocket. An elongated rod is supported within each pocket. A first spindle winds and unwinds the first curtain and a second spindle winds and unwinds the second curtain. A drive motor is operable to simultaneously rotate the first and second spindles such that the upwardly opening pockets of the curtains are concomitantly raised or lowered. A predetermined distance between the rods is maintained as the pockets are raised or lowered, which facilitates sealing of the curtains to the lateral margins of the portal as the curtains are lowered.