Elastomeric Ligament Flexors for Venetian Blind Slat Turning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing external venetian blinds with turning strips face issues of visible loops, uneven slat stacks, increased installation space, and high production costs due to complex folding mechanisms, which affect the reliability and aesthetics of the blind's operation and stacking height.
Innovation Solution
The use of clip fastening elements with elastomeric shape memory ligament flexors that connect the turning strips to the slats, allowing for inward folding without visible loops and minimizing the stacking height, achieved through a simple and cost-effective design with a single axis of rotation and a thin carrier tape.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If turning strips form loops that extend along the longitudinal edges of the slats, then the connection between slat and turning belt is achieved, but the loops are visible and increase the stacking height
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional loop orientation by making the loops extend transversely to the slat axis rather than longitudinally. This is achieved through the specific configuration of the hinge axis section and the way the U-shaped hook elements are inserted into the beaded edges, causing the loops to fold inward between slats rather than extending outward along the longitudinal edges.
Solution Approach 2:
The turning strips with transverse loops nest efficiently within the contracted slat stack. The loops are positioned to fold inward between adjacent slats, allowing the turning strips to be contained within the compacted curtain structure, thereby minimizing the stacking height and eliminating visible loops from the exterior view.
2Adaptability or versatility
If two axes are used for turning slats and looping turning belt, then the connection is more versatile, but the installation space increases and vulnerability increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single hinge axis section performs multiple functions: it serves as the rotation axis for turning the slats and simultaneously as the axis for looping the turning belt. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate axes, reducing the number of components and the space required for installation while maintaining the versatility of the connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the two separate axis functions into a single hinge axis section. The hinge axis section is integrated with the U-shaped hook elements, combining the slat turning function and the turning belt looping function into one unified mechanical element, thereby reducing complexity and vulnerability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If turning strips are made stiff to ensure defined folding direction, then the folding direction is controlled, but the material and production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of changing the material stiffness parameter, the patent controls the folding direction by changing the geometric parameters of the turning strip configuration. The transverse loop orientation and the specific arrangement of the hinge axis section relative to the U-shaped hook elements provide mechanical guidance for the folding direction, achieving controlled folding with flexible, cost-effective materials.
4Length of stationary object
If loops extend transversely to the slat axis, then the stacking height is reduced, but the folding direction must be precisely controlled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric design in the configuration of the hinge axis section and its relationship to the U-shaped hook elements. This asymmetric arrangement creates a natural mechanical preference for the folding direction, guiding the loops to fold inward between slats without requiring high manufacturing precision. The asymmetric geometry provides built-in directional control.
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
Ensures reliable inward folding of the turning strips even under load, maintains a low stacking height, and reduces production costs while providing a visually appealing and durable solution.
Implementation Method 1
The use of clip fastening elements with elastomeric shape memory ligament flexors that connect the turning strips to the slats
Implementation Method 2
elastomeric shape memory ligament flexors
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
Figure 6~7
AI summary
The belt has a carrier tape formed as a flat band (2) and made of fabric and plastic, and multiple plastic clip fastening elements welded at the carrier tape in regular intervals. A band flexor (4) comprises a flexor section (8) and cuff-shaped connection portions (7), which are provided at two ends of the flexor section and connects the band flexor with the carrier tape. The flexor section has a convexly-curved form inwardly extending towards slats in a tension load free state. The flexor section is deformed from the convexly-curved form into a lengthwise-extended form under tension load. The band flexor is made from an elastomeric plastic.