Extensible Screen with Variable Transparency for Even Motor Load

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing window screening arrangements, such as roller blinds, are complex and require complex operations, often causing unnecessary load on motors due to uneven motion and lack of simplicity in adjusting light intake.

Innovation Solution

A screening arrangement with an extensible screen made of variable transparency material, where traction means, including a traction cord and spring device, allow for automatic transition from a first to a second stretched state by continued rotation of the roller shaft, distributing load evenly and simplifying the operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a traditional roller blind with fixed fabric is used, then the structure is simple, but the ability to adjust light intake is limited and operation is complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight intake adjustmentVSAvoidoperation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The fabric is designed with variable transparency that changes dynamically when traction is applied. The material transitions from a first state with lower light permeability to a second state with higher light permeability, enabling continuous light adjustment without complex mechanical structures. This dynamic property allows the fabric itself to adapt its screening function based on applied force.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the physical parameter of the fabric (light permeability) in response to applied traction. By varying the transparency parameter of the material rather than changing the covering length, the system achieves smooth light adjustment with simpler operation. The fabric's optical properties are modified continuously as it transitions between stretched states.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If existing screening arrangements with multiple winding tubes are used, then light adjustment capability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight permeability adjustmentVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts and eliminates the complex multi-winding-tube mechanism from existing screening arrangements. Instead of using multiple motors and winding tubes to stretch the fabric, the solution relies on the fabric's inherent variable transparency property that responds directly to applied traction. This removes unnecessary mechanical complexity while maintaining the light adjustment capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The fabric serves its own stretching function through its variable transparency property. When traction is applied, the fabric automatically transitions between transparency states without requiring complex external stretching mechanisms. The material itself provides the screening adjustment function, eliminating the need for additional winding tubes and motors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If existing arrangements with uneven motion are used, then screening function is achieved, but unnecessary load is caused on motors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescreening functionVSAvoidmotor load
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention ensures continuous and even motion during fabric deployment and retraction. The variable transparency fabric responds smoothly to continuous traction, eliminating the uneven motion and impulse loads experienced in existing arrangements. This continuous action reduces energy consumption and motor load while maintaining reliable screening function throughout the operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 solution provides a simple and even load on the drive means, allowing for variable screening with increased light permeability by stretching the screen, reducing operational complexity and motor load, and offering flexibility in light adjustment.

Implementation Method 1

a spring device is provided to provide pre-tensioning of the at least one traction cord

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

the extensible screen being made from a material with variable transparency in at least a first direction such that when traction is applied to the material in said first direction, the permeability of the material is increased

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVariable transparency material:

Data Source

PatentEP3351719B1Screening arrangement with extensible screen and method for providing variable screening of a window
Publication Date: 2020.04.08 VKR HOLDING AS
  • EP3351719B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3351719B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3351719B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3c

AI summary

The screening arrangement (100) comprises an extensible screen (6) with an upper end portion (61) and a bottom end portion (62). The screen (6) is wound onto a roller shaft (1) arranged at the top of a window. When the extensible screen (6) has been brought to its maximum unwound position corresponding to a first deployed position, in which the screen is in a relaxed state, the roller shaft (1) is rotated further to wind the screen (6) reversely onto the roller shaft (1) and in combination with the traction cords (3) which hold the bottom end portion (62) of the extensible screen (6) stationary this applies a tensional force on the extensible screen (6) such that the extensible screen (6) is variably stretched.