Planetary Stop Gear Integration in Inclined Blind Rails

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Solution Overview

Problem

The integration of planetary stop gears in diagonal venetian blinds is hindered by their large space requirements, making it difficult to incorporate them into slim external systems, leading to visual and structural issues, as well as damage during transportation.

Innovation Solution

The elevator roller is positioned on the outer circumference of the ring gear of the last gear stage, allowing for axial congruence and significantly reducing axial space, enabling the integration of a multi-stage planetary stop gear within the upper rail without protruding parts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If planetary stop gears are integrated into the upper rail, then the switching function is achieved with exact timing and overrun protection, but the space requirements are not met due to the large size of planetary gears

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveswitching time precisionVSAvoidaxial space requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies nesting by placing the elevator roller on the outer circumference of the ring gear, allowing the roller to be positioned within the radial space already defined by the gear structure. This nested arrangement enables the planetary stop gear to be integrated into the upper rail without requiring additional axial space, as the roller and gear share the same radial envelope.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a conventional axial arrangement to a radial arrangement by positioning the elevator roller on the outer circumference of the ring gear rather than along the axial direction. This dimensional change allows the switching mechanism to fit within the limited axial space of the upper rail while maintaining the necessary radial dimensions for proper gear engagement and stopping function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Volume of moving object

If planetary stop gears are placed outside the rail profile, then space requirements are met, but the system becomes visually disturbing and susceptible to damage during transportation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaxial space requirementVSAvoiddamage risk during transport
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the elevator roller with the ring gear structure by positioning the roller on the outer circumference of the gear. This integration causes the switching mechanism to become part of the upper rail assembly itself, eliminating protruding external components that would be vulnerable to damage during transportation and visually disturbing to observers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Volume of moving object

If the ring gear outer diameter is reduced to match the core diameter of the elevator roller, then axial space is reduced, but the radial dimensions may be insufficient for proper gear formation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaxial space requirementVSAvoidgear tooth strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by concentrating the gear tooth structure at the outer circumference of the ring gear where the elevator roller is positioned. This allows the ring gear to have a smaller overall outer diameter while maintaining sufficient radial dimensions and strength at the critical engagement location with the roller, optimizing both space utilization and mechanical strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP1936092B1Gathered curtain rails
Publication Date: 2014.09.24 WAREMA RENKHOFF GMBH & CO KG
  • EP1936092B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP1936092B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP1936092B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The inclined blind has a driver and the elevator rolls (28) on which elevator members are coiled. A lamellae hanging is hanged on the elevator member where the elevator roll is disconnected from the drive with the help of switchgear. The elevator roll is provided at the lower side of the inclined blinds. The switchgear contains multistep planetary gear elevator rolls of the locating side is arranged at the outer periphery of the internal gear (48).