Window Covering Head Rail Clip Fastener for Tool-Free Lid Assembly
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional window covering head rail assembly requires tools like screwdrivers for fixing rail lids, is prone to lost bolts, and involves extra steps like drilling threaded holes, making the process cumbersome and error-prone.
Innovation Solution
A lid fastener system with a main plate, clip plates, stop plates, and an extending plate that engages protrusions on the head rail without the need for tools, using acute angles and curved designs to securely attach and detach rail lids without screws or drilling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If bolts and screwdrivers are used to fix the rail lid, then the connection strength is improved, but the assembly complexity and tool requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the fastening function from the traditional bolt-screwdriver system and integrates it directly into the rail lid structure through protrusions and corresponding recesses. This eliminates the need for separate fastening components and tools while maintaining connection strength.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the fastening mechanism with the rail lid body by forming protrusions directly on the rail lid and corresponding recesses on the head rail. This integration combines the structural and fastening functions into a single unified design, reducing assembly complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If small bolts are used to fix the rail lid, then the connection precision is improved, but the assembly difficulty increases due to small component size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the fastening function into discrete protrusions and recesses that are easily distinguishable and manageable. These segmented features are larger and more easily handled than small bolts, reducing assembly difficulty while maintaining precision through the fitted connection geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using small bolts that require insertion into holes, the patent inverts the approach by using protrusions that are inserted into recesses. This inversion makes the fastening features larger and easier to handle during assembly, improving ease of operation while maintaining connection precision.
3Ease of manufacture
If threaded holes are drilled on the rail lid, then the fastening capability is improved, but the manufacturing steps and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the threading operation from the manufacturing process and replaces it with pre-formed protrusions and recesses. This eliminates the need for drilling and threading operations, reducing manufacturing time and steps while maintaining fastening capability through the mechanical interlocking geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates the fastening features (protrusions and recesses) into the rail lid and head rail during the initial molding or fabrication process. This preliminary action eliminates the need for subsequent drilling and threading operations, reducing manufacturing time and complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A head rail of a window covering includes a rail member, two rail lids engaging opposite ends of the rail member, and two lid fasteners to fix a rail lids. The lid fastener includes a main plate, two clip plates, and two stop plates. The lid fastener engages the rail member with the clip plates clipping the rail member and the stop plates holding the rail lid to securely fix the rail lid to the rail member. The lid fastener provides a fast and easy way to engage and disengage the rail lid.