Modular Vertical Blind Assembly with Extendable Rails
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vertical window blinds are limited in size flexibility, occlude windows even in the fully open position due to visible slat edges, and often require unsightly cords and complex installation processes, making them unsuitable for non-standard window sizes and difficult to maintain.
Innovation Solution
A modular vertical blind assembly with adjustable slats that can be raised, lowered, and rotated, featuring a head rail and foot rail system that can be extended to fit any window size, including round or bow windows, and equipped with electric motors for easy operation, eliminating cords and simplifying installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional vertical blinds are used with fixed standard sizes, then manufacturing and installation are simplified, but they cannot fit non-standard window sizes
Solution Approach 1:
The blind assembly is divided into multiple independent modules, each comprising a head rail unit, housing, slat, and foot rail unit. These modules can be connected in series to create blinds of various lengths, enabling adaptation to non-standard window sizes while maintaining a manageable structural complexity through standardized connection interfaces
Solution Approach 2:
Each module is designed with universal connection features that allow them to function independently or be combined with other identical modules. The standardized head rail units and foot rail units with complementary joining mechanisms enable the same basic module design to serve multiple window size requirements
2Illumination intensity
If vertical slats are positioned to allow maximum light passage, then light transmission is improved, but the window remains partially occluded by visible slat edges
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from traditional vertical slats to horizontal slats that extend perpendicular to the window plane. When opened, the slats rotate to become substantially parallel to the window, utilizing the third dimension (depth) to clear the window opening completely, thereby achieving unobstructed views and maximum light transmission without requiring complex multi-layer configurations
3Length of moving object
If slats are made long to reach the bottom of tall windows, then coverage is improved, but manual operation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The blind assembly is divided into multiple shorter modules, each with its own slat of manageable length. This segmentation allows each slat to remain easy to operate manually while collectively covering the full height of tall windows through vertical stacking of multiple modules
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple independent modules are combined vertically to achieve the total required coverage height. Each module operates independently with its own manageable slat length, but when assembled together, they provide comprehensive coverage for tall windows while maintaining ease of operation for each individual unit
4Ease of operation
If conventional blinds use cords and travelling slat supports, then mechanical operation is achieved, but the appearance becomes unsightly and installation complex
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the traditional cord and travelling slat support mechanisms from the blind assembly. Instead, it employs a simplified direct-connection system where slats are pivotally attached to head rail units with integrated operation mechanisms, removing the visual clutter and installation complexity of conventional cord systems while maintaining functional operation
Data Source
AI summary
A modular shade includes at least one module that consists of a head rail unit, a foot rail unit, at least one intermediate rail unit, and a plurality of slat components. A top slat may be coupled to the head rail unit and the intermediate rail unit, and a bottom slat component may be coupled to the intermediate rail unit and the foot rail unit. Further, additional intermediate rail units and intermediate slat components may be added to the module to alter the shape and size of the module, and the module may be coupled to one or more additional modules to change the overall shape and size of the modular shade.