Mounting element for mounting an architectural covering between opposing mounting surfaces
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mounting elements for architectural coverings, such as blinds, face difficulties in accessibility and durability due to complex extension mechanisms and fragile components, making them expensive and prone to breakage.
Innovation Solution
A mounting element with an elongate mounting member and an extension mechanism featuring a rotatable actuator and conversion mechanism that converts rotation into translational movement, allowing easy operation between retracted and extended states, and a battery assembly for powering the covering member, ensuring a secure and durable fit between mounting surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a complex extension mechanism with numerous components is used, then the mounting element can achieve extended functionality, but the device complexity increases and reliability decreases due to fragile components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the actuator and conversion mechanism into an integrated assembly that reduces the total number of separate components. The actuator is directly coupled to the conversion mechanism, eliminating the need for intermediate transmission elements and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining extended functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The conversion mechanism is designed to perform multiple functions: it converts rotational motion to translational motion, provides mechanical advantage for force multiplication, and enables both retraction and extension operations through a single unified structure, thereby reducing the need for separate specialized components.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a complex extension mechanism with numerous components is used, then the mounting element can achieve extended functionality, but the reliability decreases due to fragile components prone to breakage
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the actuator and conversion mechanism into fewer integrated components, the patent eliminates multiple connection points and interfaces where failures could occur. The reduced component count directly improves reliability by minimizing potential failure points while preserving the extended functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs simpler, more robust components that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed, rather than using complex fragile components. This approach prioritizes reliability through simplicity and ease of replacement over using sophisticated but vulnerable parts.
3Adaptability or versatility
If an extension mechanism with numerous components is used, then the mounting element can achieve extended functionality, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated design of the actuator and conversion mechanism reduces the number of parts that need to be manufactured, assembled, and quality-checked. This consolidation simplifies the manufacturing process and reduces costs while maintaining the extended functionality through efficient use of fewer components.
Solution Approach 2:
The conversion mechanism is designed as a multi-functional component that performs motion conversion, force transmission, and positioning functions simultaneously. This universality reduces the total component count and simplifies manufacturing by eliminating the need for multiple specialized parts, thereby reducing overall manufacturing cost.
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 solution enables easy and secure mounting of architectural coverings between opposing surfaces with reduced complexity and cost, enhancing durability and user accessibility while maintaining a strong and reliable fit.
Implementation Method 1
a conversion mechanism configured to convert a rotation of the actuator into a translatory movement of the rotation axis along the longitudinal direction from the retracted state to the extended state and vice versa
Implementation Method 2
mounting an architectural covering between two opposing mounting surfaces, the mounting element comprising: an elongate mounting member which is elongated along a longitudinal direction, and an extension mechanism arranged at an end of the elongate mounting member
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4~5
Figure 6~9
AI summary
A mounting element, for mounting an architectural covering between two opposing mounting surfaces, comprising: - an elongate mounting member, - an extension mechanism (104) operable between: i) a retracted state, and ii) an extended state in which the mounting element can be fastened to the architectural recess, - an actuator (110) rotatable about a rotation axis (Y110) which is not parallel to the longitudinal direction, and - a conversion mechanism (112) to convert a rotation of the actuator (110) into a translatory movement of the rotation axis (Y110) along the longitudinal direction (X102) and vice versa. The extension mechanism (104) is arranged to abut one of the opposing mounting surfaces (302) in the extended state when the mounting element is mounted between the opposing mounting surfaces (302).