Lift Cord Locking Mechanism to Prevent Hazardous Window Covering Loops
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing window and architectural opening coverings that rely on cords pose a hazard to small children due to the risk of entanglement and strangulation, as they can form loops of sufficient diameter that are dangerous, and current cordless solutions either fail to eliminate this risk or are not suitable for heavier coverings.
Innovation Solution
A locking mechanism for lift cords that engages a guide ring and allows the cord to move freely to raise or lower the covering, but rotates to pinch the cord when pulled in a certain direction, preventing the formation of hazardous loops by restricting the cord's movement away from the covering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional lift cords are used to raise and lower architectural coverings, then the covering can be easily operated, but hazardous loops can form that pose strangulation risks to children
Solution Approach 1:
A locking member is introduced as an intermediary device between the lift cord and the covering. This locking member includes a locking surface that engages with a guide ring, and when the cord is pulled in the hazardous direction, the locking member rotates about the guide ring to pinch the cord between the locking surface and the guide ring, preventing loop formation while allowing normal vertical operation
Solution Approach 2:
The locking member is designed with selective rotative ability - it can rotate freely when the cord is pulled vertically to raise or lower the covering, but rotates to a locked position when the cord is pulled in other directions, automatically pinching the cord to prevent hazardous loop formation. This dynamic behavior allows the system to adapt its restraint level based on the direction of force applied
2Object-affected harmful factors
If cordless solutions are implemented to eliminate strangulation risks, then safety is improved, but they are not suitable for heavier coverings
Solution Approach 1:
The hazardous portion of the traditional cord system is extracted and replaced with a locking mechanism. The lift cord itself is retained for its strength and reliability in supporting heavy coverings, but the free-looping portion is eliminated by introducing the locking member that pinches the cord when pulled in hazardous directions, thus removing the strangulation risk while preserving the load-bearing capability
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the locking member is designed to pinch the cord to prevent loop formation, then safety is improved, but the cord movement is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member is designed with selective rotative ability that allows it to rotate freely when the cord is pulled vertically for normal operation, but rotates to a locked position when the cord is pulled in hazardous directions. This dynamic behavior ensures that cord movement freedom is maintained during intended use while automatically restricting movement that could create dangerous loops
Data Source
AI summary
A locking member to be used in conjunction with a guide ring and a lift cord configured to raise of lower a covering for an architectural opening, such as a window, door or the like, is disclosed. The locking member is configured to engage the guide ring and the lift cord in such a way that the locking member has a selective rotative ability, which allows the lift cord to freely move in a first direction to raise or lower the covering, but the locking member will move or rotate about the guide ring when the lift cord is pulled in a second direction to pinch the lift cord between the locking member and the guide ring so that the lift cord is prevented from being pulled away from the covering far enough to create a loop of a certain diameter.