Panel Curtain Nested Rail Design to Reduce Packaging Volume
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional panel curtains require larger support bases and increased production costs due to the need for larger rail channels to accommodate sliding wheels, making assembly more difficult and increasing packaging volume.
Innovation Solution
A telescopically adjustable upper track system with inner and outer tracks, sliding rails featuring positioning and limiting grooves, and a connecting sliding block mechanism that allows for alignment and locking of sliding rails, reducing the overall size and volume of the upper track while facilitating easy panel replacement and decoration with a curtain fabric.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If sliding wheels are mounted on sliding rails to enable panel movement, then the curtain functionality is improved, but the rail channel size must be increased which increases production costs and packaging volume
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding rail is nested within the panel groove of the support base, eliminating the need for separate large rail channels. The connecting sliding block nests within the limiting groove of adjacent sliding rails, enabling compact arrangement. This nesting approach allows the curtain system to achieve movement functionality while significantly reducing the overall volume of the support base structure.
2Ease of operation
If sliding wheels are mounted on sliding rails, then panel movement is enabled, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the wheel component from the system and replaces it with a sliding block that moves directly along the panel groove. This extraction simplifies the structure by eliminating the need for separate wheels and their mounting mechanisms, thereby reducing assembly complexity while maintaining the essential movement functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The connecting sliding block combines multiple functions into a single component: it connects adjacent sliding rails, provides limiting functionality through the buffer spring mechanism, and enables synchronized movement. This merging reduces the number of separate parts and simplifies the overall assembly process.
3Ease of operation
If the support base is enlarged to accommodate sliding wheels, then movement functionality is improved, but production costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
By nesting the sliding rail within the panel groove and the connecting sliding block within the limiting groove, the invention minimizes the material required for the support base. This reduces manufacturing costs associated with larger structures while preserving the complete movement functionality of the curtain system.
4Ease of operation
If the support base is enlarged to accommodate sliding wheels, then movement functionality is improved, but packaging volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The nested configuration of the sliding rail within the panel groove and the connecting sliding block within the limiting groove creates a compact structure that minimizes the external dimensions of the support base. This compact design directly reduces the packaging volume required for shipping and storage while maintaining full movement functionality.
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 reduces the size and packaging volume of the panel curtain, simplifies assembly, and allows for easy panel replacement and aesthetic decoration, enhancing user convenience and purchase appeal.
Implementation Method 1
a limiting block with a buffer spring is disposed on the front end of the limiting groove of the respective sliding rail
Implementation Method 2
An assembly portion is disposed on the lateral surface of each of the clips and used for fixing two touch fasteners. A curtain fabric is affixed to the two touch fasteners.
Data Source
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AI summary
A panel curtain is revealed. The panel curtain includes an upper track, at least one rail set and a plurality of panels. A connecting sliding block is disposed on each sliding rail of the rail set and provided with a connecting portion whose length varies depending on the order of the respective sliding rail. Thus the sliding locking portions of the connecting sliding blocks are aligned after the connecting sliding blocks assembled with the sliding rails and then mounted on a rail channel of the upper track. Thereby volume and size of the upper track are dramatically decreased and packaging volume is effectively reduced. Moreover, a sliding block is fixed on the distal end of a positioning groove of the respective sliding rail and a barrier piece is extending downward therefrom for stopping one end of a panel groove. At the other end of the panel groove, a limiting block is arranged at the front end of a limiting groove and provided with a swiveling stopper. The panels are replaced and limited easily and convenience of use is significantly improved.