Modular Vertical Blind Assembly with Extensible Slat Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vertical window blinds are limited in size flexibility, require unsightly cords, and are not easily adaptable to non-standard window shapes or sizes, and they obstruct views even when fully open due to slat edges.
Innovation Solution
A modular vertical blind assembly with extensible and rotatable slats that can be customized to fit any window size or shape, featuring a head rail and foot rail system with electric motor options for easy operation and cordless design, allowing for individual slat replacement and easy installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional vertical blinds are used with fixed slat widths, then manufacturing and installation are simplified, but adaptability to non-standard window sizes and shapes is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The blind is divided into multiple independent modules, each containing a head rail unit, foot rail unit, and slat assembly. These modular units can be connected in series to create blinds of varying lengths and configurations, allowing adaptation to different window sizes while maintaining standardized manufacturing processes for each module.
Solution Approach 2:
The slats are designed with extensible mechanisms that allow them to change length dynamically. The slats can be extended or retracted to adjust the overall blind width and height, enabling the same blind structure to adapt to various window dimensions and shapes without requiring completely different constructions.
2Illumination intensity
If vertical slats are used in conventional blinds, then light control functionality is provided, but view obstruction occurs even when slats are fully open due to visible slat edges
Solution Approach 1:
The slats are designed to move not only rotationally but also vertically along the head rail. When fully opened, the slats can be positioned at different vertical levels rather than all aligning at the same height, allowing the gaps between slats to be distributed vertically. This dimensional change in slat positioning eliminates the horizontal edge obstruction problem while preserving light control functionality through rotational adjustment.
3Ease of operation
If corded mechanisms are used for slat operation, then manual control is simple and reliable, but the cords create unsightly appearances and safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The problematic cords are completely removed from the system. Instead of using external cords for operation, the invention integrates motorized actuators directly into the head rail units. These motors provide cordless control of slat rotation and vertical movement, eliminating the visual and safety issues associated with exposed cords while maintaining ease of operation through remote control or automated systems.
4Productivity
If blinds are fabricated in fixed standard sizes, then manufacturing efficiency is high, but suitability for non-standard windows is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The blind system is segmented into standardized modular units that can be mass-produced with high efficiency. Each module contains complete functional elements (head rail, foot rail, slats, motor). These standardized modules can be assembled in different quantities and configurations to create blinds of any required size, maintaining manufacturing efficiency through standardization while achieving versatility through modular combination.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular design creates universal building blocks that can serve multiple window configurations. The same basic module type can be used for different window sizes, shapes, and locations by varying the number of modules and their arrangement. This universality allows a single production line to efficiently manufacture components for diverse applications without requiring custom tooling or processes.
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.