Horizontal Roll Shade With Movable Tube for Opacity Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing window coverings do not effectively address the need for adjustable opacity and horizontal deployment, limiting flexibility in light control and privacy settings.
Innovation Solution
A horizontal roll shade system with a head rail, roller tube, fixed tube, and moveable tube, featuring a mechanism to rotate the roller tube and move the shade between deployed and retracted positions, along with motorized components for automated operation and tension management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional vertical blinds or pleated shades are used, then window coverage is provided, but horizontal deployment and adjustable opacity control are not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the roller tube movable along the head rail rather than fixed, allowing the shade to deploy horizontally in either direction. The roller tube can be positioned at different locations along the rail, enabling flexible deployment patterns and opacity control as the shade moves between deployed and retracted positions
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the traditional fixed roller tube into a movable component that can travel along the head rail. This segmentation allows the shade to be deployed from different positions and creates the capability for horizontal movement, transforming a static system into a dynamic one with enhanced adaptability
2Adaptability or versatility
If a movable roller tube is introduced to enable horizontal deployment, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The movable roller tube serves multiple functions: it acts as the rolling mechanism for the shade, functions as a movable support along the head rail, and enables both horizontal deployment and opacity control. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate complex mechanisms, balancing adaptability improvement with manageable device complexity
3Ease of operation
If motorized components are added for automated operation, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system offers manual operation capabilities where users can directly manipulate the roller tube and shade mechanisms without requiring motorized components. This self-service approach allows the basic functionality to be manufactured simply, while motorized options remain as optional add-ons rather than mandatory components, reducing baseline manufacturing complexity
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides a window covering system comprising a head rail, a roller tube attached to one end of a horizontal roll shade, a fixed tube or holder attached to the other end of the horizontal roll shade, and a moveable tube positioned between the roller tube and the fixed tube or holder. The roll shade forms a loop between its ends. The system includes a mechanism coupled to the roller tube to selectively rotate the roller tube and thereby move the roll shade between a deployed position and a retracted position. A device is provided to move the moveable tube along the head rail. The system allows for horizontal deployment and retraction of the roll shade while maintaining proper tension and alignment.