Enclosed Blind Control With Sliding Access to Prevent Entanglement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing blind control systems with endless loop elements pose safety hazards, particularly for children and pets, as they can become entangled, and previous solutions like pulleys and wands do not adequately address the issue of accessibility and safety, often requiring users to stand near windows to operate the blinds.

Innovation Solution

A blind control system with a safety enclosure, such as a tubular or channel-based enclosure, that houses the endless loop control element, allowing it to be moved within the enclosure using a drive system, enabling operation from either side and providing a mechanism to prevent entanglement while allowing easy access for users without needing to stand near the window.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the blind control element is enclosed in a safety enclosure, then safety is improved by preventing entanglement, but accessibility is worsened as users cannot easily reach the control element

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesafetyVSAvoidaccessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The safety enclosure is made movable rather than fixed, allowing it to be repositioned from a hanging position near the window to a stored position away from the window. This dynamic configuration enables the enclosure to provide safety when needed while not obstructing user access to the control element during operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system is divided into separate functional components: the safety enclosure that can be moved independently from the blind mechanism itself. This segmentation allows the enclosure to be positioned optimally for safety without interfering with the control element's accessibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Stability of the object's composition

If the control system is anchored to the window frame, then stability is improved, but user accessibility is worsened as users must stand near the window to operate the blinds

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovestabilityVSAvoiduser accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The safety enclosure is designed with movable support structures that allow it to be repositioned away from the window when not in use. This dynamic positioning maintains system stability during operation while improving user accessibility by allowing operation from a distance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If a simple pulley is used to guide the control loop, then ease of operation is improved, but safety is worsened as the pulley can become dislodged or loosened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidsafety

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system incorporates a safety enclosure that provides a backup containment structure for the control element. Even if the primary pulley mechanism fails or becomes dislodged, the enclosure prevents the control element from creating hazards, providing a cushioning safety net.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The safety enclosure acts as an intermediary protective structure between the control element and the environment. It provides an additional layer of safety that does not interfere with the operation of the primary pulley mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Ease of operation

If the control element is exposed outside the enclosure, then ease of operation is improved, but safety is worsened as children or pets can reach and become entangled in the chain

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of operationVSAvoidsafety hazard

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The safety enclosure is designed to be movable, allowing it to be positioned to enclose the control element when safety is needed and repositioned when operation is required. This dynamic positioning provides both safety protection and operational accessibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The movable safety enclosure serves as an intermediary protective barrier that can be positioned between the control element and potential hazards (children, pets) when needed, while allowing unobstructed access to the control element when positioned away.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS11105149B2Enclosed blind control with opening and sliding member, and profile and multiple sprocket

Publication Date: 2021.08.31 MAXXMAR

AI summary

A blind having a blind operating mechanism and a blind control element and having an enclosure for the blind control element, with the element completely enclosed, a connector supporting the enclosure on the blind, and depending downwardly, and an opening disposed by the enclosure to permit access to the blind control element, and a closure to permit access to the opening in one position and bar access to the opening in a second position.