End Bearing Design for Roller Shades With Minimal Light Gaps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mounting systems for architectural coverings require large gaps for easy installation and removal, leading to unwanted light leakage between the covering and the architectural opening.
Innovation Solution
A mounting system with an end bearing featuring a length variation member having a sloped portion that allows for minimal gap operation, enabling easy demounting with a thin tool, such as a credit card, by applying force in a single direction, reducing the need for additional space and minimizing light gaps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional mounting system uses a telescopic end plug requiring tool insertion between roller and bracket, then the roller can be demounted, but a large gap is required between roller and holding bracket allowing undesired light to pass
Solution Approach 1:
The end bearing is segmented into a stationary part integrated with the roller and a movable length variation member. This segmentation allows the movable member to be manipulated independently to create demounting access without requiring a large gap between the roller and holding bracket, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and light gap prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The length variation member is designed to be movable between an extended position (for holding the roller) and a retracted position (for demounting). This dynamic capability allows the system to switch between mounted and demounted states without requiring permanent large gaps, eliminating light leakage while maintaining ease of operation.
2Ease of operation
If part of the roller end is broken away to give access for the tool, then the roller can be demounted, but the structural integrity of the roller is compromised and openings are created for light passage
Solution Approach 1:
The end bearing is divided into stationary and movable parts, with the length variation member being the only portion requiring manipulation. This segmentation allows demounting access without compromising the roller's structural integrity, as no part of the roller itself needs to be broken or modified.
Solution Approach 2:
The length variation member acts as an intermediary element that provides the necessary access for tool insertion and manipulation. This intermediary component enables demounting operations without requiring any modification to the roller structure, thus preserving both strength and preventing light gaps.
3Ease of operation
If the length variation member has a sloped portion extending outside the roller, then the bearing length can be reduced for easy removal, but the complexity of the end bearing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sloped portion of the length variation member provides a curved surface that facilitates easy manipulation with a tool. This geometric feature enables the user to apply force efficiently to retract the length variation member, achieving easy removal operations despite the increased structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The length variation member incorporates a sloped portion that enables dynamic manipulation during the demounting process. This dynamic feature allows the member to be easily retracted when needed while maintaining structural integrity during normal operation, balancing ease of operation with acceptable device complexity.
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
The system allows for efficient and easy mounting and demounting of architectural coverings with minimal light gaps, using a thin tool to manipulate the length variation member, resulting in a gap width of less than 3 mm, thereby reducing light leakage.
Implementation Method 1
The end bearing further comprises a resilient member, such as a spring, arranged to bias the length variation member to be in the first state
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a mounting system for an architectural covering comprising a roller and a bearing for rotatably mounting the roller to a holding member. The bearing comprises a length variation member which is biased to be in a first state yielding a bearing length which allows the roller to be held by the holding member, and which can be manipulated into a second state, in which the bearing length is reduced such that the roller is removable from the holding member. The length variation member comprises at least one sloped portion that extends along at least part of its outer circumference and in the first state extends largely or completely outside the roller. The sloped portion is dimensioned such that the length variation member can be urged to the second state by applying a force on the sloped portion in a single direction.