Light-blocking fabric and manufacturing method therefor

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional vertical blinds lack privacy due to their composition of multiple slats, which allows visibility from outside when closed, and suffer from wrinkles and uneven folding, affecting product quality and aesthetic appeal.

Innovation Solution

A light-blocking fabric is created by integrating a mesh light-transmitting part between two non-transparent light-shielding parts, with the light-transmitting part attached along at least half of one surface of the light-shielding parts, using methods like hot melting, adhesive, sewing, or ultrasonic welding, to ensure uniform winding and prevent eccentric gaps when folded.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a light-transmitting mesh fabric and light-shielding non-transparent fabric are integrally woven with different thicknesses, then a shading function and privacy protection function are provided, but wrinkles are generated on the light-transmitting part when wound in a roll form due to inner space formed by thickness difference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprivacy protection functionVSAvoidwrinkle generation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a mesh fabric for the light-transmitting part that has flexible properties allowing it to conform to the cylindrical shape when rolled, reducing wrinkle formation. The mesh structure inherently provides flexibility while maintaining the light-transmitting function and privacy protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The patent modifies the physical parameters of the fabrics by selecting specific mesh sizes, thread counts, and material compositions to balance thickness differences. By adjusting these parameters, the fabric assembly achieves uniform winding characteristics while maintaining both light-transmitting and light-shielding functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If a light-transmitting mesh fabric and light-shielding non-transparent fabric are integrally woven, then a shading function and insulating effect are provided, but wrinkles are generated on the light-shielding part when wound in a roll form due to difference in circumference between inside and outside

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshading functionVSAvoidwrinkle generation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the blind into multiple horizontal slats rather than using a single continuous fabric. This segmentation allows each slat to be manufactured with controlled thickness and curvature characteristics, enabling uniform rolling without wrinkles on the light-shielding non-transparent fabric portions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent designs the fabric construction to accommodate cylindrical curvature when rolled. The weave pattern and fabric flexibility are specifically engineered to conform to the curved surface of the rolled blind, eliminating wrinkles caused by circumference differences between inner and outer layers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

3Ease of manufacture

If vertical blinds are made of synthetic resin, wood, aluminum sheets, or fiber, then manufacturing is simple and cost-effective, but only a shading function is provided without decorative effect

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoiddecorative effect
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines different fabric materials with distinct aesthetic properties (mesh fabric for light-transmitting parts, non-transparent fabric for light-shielding parts) to create a composite structure. This allows the blind to provide both functional shading and decorative effects through the interplay of different textures, patterns, and light interactions, while maintaining ease of manufacture through integrated fabric construction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies different fabric types and surface characteristics to different portions of the blind. The light-transmitting mesh fabric provides a different aesthetic quality than the light-shielding non-transparent fabric, creating visual interest and decorative effect through local variation in material properties while maintaining overall manufacturing simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Ease of operation

If a blind is folded as needed, then adjustability is provided, but gaps in the blind become eccentrically widened

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveadjustabilityVSAvoidgap uniformity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the blind into multiple horizontal slats that can independently adjust their angles. This segmentation ensures that when the blind is folded or adjusted, each slat maintains proper alignment and spacing, preventing eccentric gap widening while providing the needed adjustability for different lighting and privacy conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates dynamic adjustment mechanisms that allow the slats to change angle while maintaining uniform spacing. The mechanical design ensures that as slats are tilted to different positions, they remain evenly distributed, preventing eccentric gaps and maintaining manufacturing precision during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 prevents wrinkles and eccentric gaps, maintaining a uniform appearance and enhancing privacy while allowing adjustable shading and wind protection without degrading the aesthetic appeal of the blind.

Implementation Method 1

the light-shieling parts and the light transmitting part may be attached together by various methods such as hot melting, an adhesive, sewing, or ultrasonic welding

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHot melting: Melting

Implementation Method 2

the light-shieling parts and the light transmitting part may be attached together by various methods such as hot melting, an adhesive, sewing, or ultrasonic welding

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAdhesive bonding: Adhesive

Implementation Method 3

the light-shieling parts and the light transmitting part may be attached together by various methods such as hot melting, an adhesive, sewing, or ultrasonic welding

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectUltrasonic welding: Ultrasonic Vibration

Data Source

PatentEP3702499B1Light-blocking fabric and manufacturing method therefor
Publication Date: 2023.05.03 WINPLUS CO LTD
  • EP3702499B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3702499B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3702499B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to: a light-blocking fabric usable in blinds for shading or wind protection; and a manufacturing method therefor. The light-blocking fabric including: two light-shielding parts which are made of a non-transparent fabric; and a light-transmitting part located between the two light-shielding parts, and attached to a position that is at least half of any one surface of the light-shielding parts so as to overlap therewith in the longitudinal direction, wherein the light-shielding parts and the light-transmitting part can be attached together by various methods such as hot melting, an adhesive, sewing, or ultrasonic welding.