Magnetic Blind Transmission Coupling for Door Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
In bay windows with French doors or windows, the drive mechanism of blinds or rolling shutters often obstructs the complete opening of doors or windows due to the location of the crank mechanism above the hinges.
Innovation Solution
A transmission device using a magnetic coupling between the drive shaft and the oscillating rod, allowing for easy uncoupling and storage of the rod when not in use, preventing interference with door or window opening, featuring a drive shaft with a hexagonal recess and a corresponding hexagonal protuberance on the rod, secured by permanent magnets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the drive end piece is located above the hinges of doors or windows and connected to a crank mechanism, then the blind can be operated effectively, but the crank mechanism hinders the complete opening of doors or windows
Solution Approach 1:
The drive mechanism is divided into two separable parts: the fixed drive end piece attached to the blind box and the movable operating member with crank. These can be coupled together when needed and separated when the door/window needs to open completely, allowing the blind operation function to be segmented from the obstruction-causing component.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection between the drive end piece and operating member is made dynamic rather than permanent. The magnetic coupling allows the operating member to be temporarily attached for blind operation and then moved to a storage position when not needed, enabling the system to adapt its configuration based on operational requirements.
2Reliability
If a permanent mechanical connection is used between the drive shaft and operating member, then reliable torque transmission is achieved, but the operating member cannot be easily removed or repositioned
Solution Approach 1:
The traditional permanent mechanical connection (screws, bolts, or fixed joints) is replaced with a magnetic coupling system. The permanent magnets embedded in both the drive end piece and operating member create a reliable magnetic field connection that transmits torque effectively while allowing easy attachment and detachment through simple axial movement, eliminating the need for complex mechanical fastening mechanisms.
3Power
If the operating member is made long enough to provide sufficient leverage for operating the blind, then effective torque is generated, but it interferes with the opening of doors or windows below
Solution Approach 1:
The operating member is designed to operate in multiple spatial dimensions. During blind operation, it extends vertically to provide the necessary leverage for torque generation. When the blind operation is complete, it can be repositioned horizontally into a storage support structure, moving it out of the vertical space where it would interfere with door or window opening movements.
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
Enables the complete opening of doors or windows without obstruction by allowing the operating member to be temporarily uncoupled and stored, ensuring unimpeded operation of the blind while maintaining secure engagement during use.
Implementation Method 1
This temporary coupling between the operating member and the drive shaft is achieved by a magnetic coupling using permanent magnets
Implementation Method 2
The force of attraction of the permanent magnets 8, 14 is greater than the weight of the maneuvering member so that the latter can remain coupled to the drive end piece 2
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The transmission device for driving a blind comprises a winch equipped with a drive shaft whose end is fixed to a drive end piece (2) and an operating member (9, 10, 11) which has, at its end opposite its crank, a rod end piece (11). The drive end piece (2) and the rod end piece (11) have corresponding drive formations (7, 12) that engage and disengage by simple relative axial movements. The drive end piece (2) and the rod end piece (11) have first and second coupling members, respectively, formed by permanent magnets that can engage and disengage, respectively, by simple relative axial movements of the ends (2, 11).