Limit Stop Assembly for Architectural Coverings

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing architectural-structure coverings require manual and time-consuming processes for setting travel limits, leading to inconsistent results and increased installation time.

Innovation Solution

A limit stop assembly that automatically sets travel limits by transitioning between states of operation as the covering is moved between extended and retracted positions, eliminating the need for manual intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If manual approaches are used to set travel limits, then installers can adjust the covering position, but installation time increases and results become inconsistent

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetravel limit setting consistencyVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The limit stop assembly automatically sets the travel limit by utilizing the covering's own movement to trigger the limit stop mechanism. When the covering is extended or retracted, the limit stop assembly self-activates to establish the travel limit without requiring installer intervention, thereby achieving consistent results and reducing installation time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The limit stop assembly is pre-configured with adjustable limit stops that can be set before the covering is installed. The mechanism is designed to automatically engage and set the travel limit based on pre-determined positions, eliminating the need for manual adjustment during installation and ensuring consistent results

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If manual adjustment of limit stops is required, then travel limits can be set, but the process becomes difficult and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetravel limit setting processVSAvoidinstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The limit stop assembly automatically sets the travel limit by utilizing the covering's own movement to trigger the limit stop mechanism. When the covering is extended or retracted, the limit stop assembly self-activates to establish the travel limit without requiring installer intervention, thereby achieving consistent results and reducing installation time

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The limit stop assembly incorporates movable components that dynamically respond to the covering's position. The limit stops can move along the shaft to different positions, and the mechanism automatically engages at the correct position based on the covering's extension or retraction, making the operation simple and quick

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12281521B2Limit stop assembly for an architectural-structure covering

Publication Date: 2025.04.22 HUNTER DOUGLAS INC

AI summary

A limit stop assembly for setting a travel limit position of a covering of an architectural-structure covering is disclosed. The limit stop assembly including a first state of operation and a second state of operation. The limit stop assembly being transitioned from the first state of operation to the second state of operation by moving the covering from a first position towards a second position. Transitioning the limit stop assembly from the first state of operation to the second state of operation automatically sets the travel limit of the covering for the second position. In one example of an embodiment, the limit stop assembly includes a screw shaft, a limit nut threadably received on the screw shaft, a hub, and a collar selectively movable between first and second collar positions.