Interlocking Window Covering Attachment System

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing window and door covering attachment methods require permanent damage to the frame through adhesive or mechanical fixings, and are often skill-dependent, lacking ease and efficiency in installation and removal.

Innovation Solution

A two-part interlocking attachment system with mutually engagable slots, where one part is inserted between the beading and glazing, and the second part slid into engagement, allowing for secure attachment without adhesives or screws, using guide elements and rail connections for stability and ease of installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If adhesive or mechanical fixings such as screws are used to attach the blind to the window or door frame, then a structural connection is achieved, but permanent holes are formed in the frame or adhesive surfaces cannot be easily removed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestructural connectionVSAvoidpermanent damage to frame

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment system is divided into separate components: a first attachment means with insertion portions that engage between beading and glazing, and a second attachment means with engagement features that connect to the first part. This segmentation allows the blind to be secured without penetrating the frame, avoiding permanent damage while maintaining structural connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first attachment means acts as an intermediary element inserted between the beading and glazing of the window or door frame. This intermediary component provides a mounting surface for the second attachment means without requiring direct penetration or adhesive application to the frame itself, thereby preventing permanent damage to the frame.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If screws or adhesive are used for attachment, then a secure connection is achieved, but the installation process requires high installer skill and judgment for proper placement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure connectionVSAvoidinstaller skill dependency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment means are designed to be self-aligning and self-positioning. The insertion portions fit between the beading and glazing without requiring precise measurement or judgment, and the engagement features automatically align when the components are assembled. This eliminates the need for installer skill in determining proper placement while ensuring reliable connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The first attachment means is pre-installed between the beading and glazing before the second attachment means is connected. This preliminary action establishes fixed reference points that guide the subsequent connection, eliminating the need for installer judgment during the final assembly step and ensuring consistent, reliable attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If traditional attachment methods are used, then the blind can be securely fixed, but the attachment process is time-consuming and requires permanent modification of the frame

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure fixationVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the attachment system into a first means that engages with the frame structure and a second means that connects to the blind, the installation process is simplified. The first part requires only insertion between existing frame components, and the second part attaches directly without requiring frame modification, significantly reducing installation time while maintaining secure fixation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces traditional mechanical fixing systems (screws requiring hole drilling, adhesive requiring surface preparation and curing time) with a snap-fit engagement system. The interlocking engagement features between the first and second attachment means provide secure fixation through simple mechanical insertion and engagement, eliminating time-consuming frame modification and adhesive application steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP3992411B1An attachment arrangement for a window or door covering

Publication Date: 2025.01.01 DECORA BLIND SYST

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AI summary

A window or door covering 10 comprising an attachment arrangement 11. The attachment arrangement 11 comprises at least one attachment element 13 insertable between the beading and the glazing of a window or door 12. At least one guide 14, 15 is in engagement with the attachment element 13 such that the at least one attachment element 13 attaches the at least one guide 14, 15 to the window or door 12. A rail connecting element 29, 29a is provided for attaching rail members 30, 31, 32 of a window or door covering, or a portion thereof, to the guides 14, 15 and/or the attachment elements 13. The attachment arrangement 11 may attach a window or door covering 10 to a window or door 12 without the use of adhesive or mechanical fixings such as screws or the like which permanently damage portions of the window or door 12.