Magnetic Window Covering Damping for Temperature-Stable Speed Control

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional window covering damping devices using oil are sensitive to temperature changes and prone to leakage over time, leading to inconsistent damping effects.

Innovation Solution

A damping device comprising a metal member and a magnetic member with adjustable magnetic poles interacting within a magnetic field, integrated with a one-way clutch and gearbox, to provide consistent damping across varying temperatures and extended use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If oil damping device is used to slow down rotary shaft, then damping effect is provided, but viscosity is sensitive to temperature causing inconsistent damping

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedamping effect consistencyVSAvoidtemperature sensitivity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSTemperature

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the oil-based mechanical damping system with a magnetic damping system. The magnetic damping device uses magnetic fields to generate damping force on the rotary shaft, eliminating temperature-sensitive oil viscosity issues. The magnetic field interaction provides consistent damping across varying temperatures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the physical parameter basis of damping from fluid viscosity (temperature-dependent) to magnetic field interaction (temperature-independent). By using magnetic flux density and magnetic permeability as the basis for damping, the system achieves temperature-insensitive operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If oil damping device is used, then damping effect is provided, but oil may leak after long period use

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedamping effectVSAvoidservice life

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the oil-based mechanical damping system with a magnetic damping system. The magnetic damping device uses magnetic fields to generate damping force on the rotary shaft, eliminating temperature-sensitive oil viscosity issues. The magnetic field interaction provides consistent damping across varying temperatures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent eliminates the need for oil that degrades over time by using a permanent magnet-based system. The magnetic damping device has no consumable materials that leak or degrade, providing indefinite service life without maintenance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Speed

If conventional damping device is used, then damping effect is provided, but excessive speed cannot be prevented under certain conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrollability of raising/extending speedVSAvoidspeed control consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a feedback mechanism where the magnetic damping force automatically adjusts based on the rotational speed of the shaft. As speed increases, the magnetic damping effect increases proportionally, providing automatic speed control without external intervention. This ensures consistent speed control across all operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the oil-based mechanical damping system with a magnetic damping system. The magnetic damping device uses magnetic fields to generate damping force on the rotary shaft, eliminating temperature-sensitive oil viscosity issues. The magnetic field interaction provides consistent damping across varying temperatures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 magnetic interaction and mechanical components ensure a stable damping effect, slowing down the rotation of the window covering components, thereby preventing excessive speed and wear, regardless of temperature fluctuations or long-term use.

Implementation Method 1

The damping device includes a metal member and a magnetic member, wherein the magnetic member has a first magnetic pole and a second magnetic pole, wherein either one or both the first magnetic pole and the second magnetic pole faces the metal member. The metal member is located within a magnetic field of the magnetic member

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field interaction: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

The metal member is located within a magnetic field of the magnetic member; either one or both the metal member and the magnetic member is drivable by the driving device to make the metal member and the magnetic member move relative to each other

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic damping: Magnetic Hysteresis

Data Source

PatentUS11480230B2Damping device of window covering

Publication Date: 2022.10.25 NIEN MADE ENTERPRISE CO LTD

AI summary

A damping device of a window covering is provided, including a headrail, a covering material, and a driving device, wherein the driving device is located in the headrail to raise and extend the covering material. The damping device is provided in the headrail, and includes a metal member and a magnetic member, wherein at least a magnetic pole of the magnetic member faces the metal member. The metal member is located within a magnetic field of the magnetic member. Either one or both the metal member and the magnetic member is drivable by the driving device to make the metal member and the magnetic member move relative to each other. Whereby, the damping device is able to provide a desired damping effect at different temperature or after a long period use, such that the rotation of the metal member and the movement of the covering material are slowed down.