Pleated Curtain Retractable Structure for Hidden Thread Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pleated curtains suffer from visible threads and holes, aesthetic issues, and difficulty in packing due to chamber effects, with current movement systems not being fully retractable or aesthetically pleasing.
Innovation Solution
A pleated curtain system with an invisible movement system on one side, utilizing intermediate rods and rigid inserts that conceal threads and holes, allowing for larger and more aesthetically appealing curtains, and optionally incorporating photovoltaic fabric for energy generation and motorized control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If classic pleated fabric with V folds is used, then elegance and tactile comfort are improved, but visibility of holes and threads deteriorates aesthetic quality
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful elements (threads and holes) are extracted from the visible side by using a double-sided construction where the movement mechanism is entirely contained within the curtain structure, visible only from the non-preferred observation side
Solution Approach 2:
The movement system components (rods, threads, intermediate elements) are nested within the pleated fabric structure itself, with rods embedded in channels and threads concealed within the pleat folds, making them invisible from the preferred observation side
2Object-generated harmful factors
If honeycomb fabric is used, then uniform appearance and thread concealment are improved, but tactile delicacy and cleaning difficulty worsen aesthetic and functional quality
Solution Approach 1:
Different fabric types can be used on different sides of the curtain - the preferred observation side uses fabric with desired aesthetic qualities while the opposite side accommodates the movement mechanism, allowing each side to have optimized local properties
Solution Approach 2:
The curtain uses composite construction combining different fabric layers and materials, with the outer visible layer providing aesthetic quality and the inner layers providing structural support for the movement system
3Object-generated harmful factors
If honeycomb fabric with chambers is used, then thread concealment is improved, but packing difficulty due to air entrapment worsens operational efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The curtain is divided into multiple independent pleat units that can be compressed and packed separately, with each unit capable of being collapsed without requiring complete air expulsion from the entire structure
4Ease of operation
If movement system components are visible, then structural functionality is ensured, but aesthetic quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
An intermediate rod is introduced as a mediator element that connects the movement mechanism to the visible curtain fabric, allowing the mechanical components to remain concealed while transmitting movement forces effectively
Solution Approach 2:
The movement system is relocated to a different spatial dimension - instead of being visible on the front face, all mechanical components are positioned on the reverse side or within the thickness of the curtain, changing the dimensional arrangement from 2D visible plane to 3D concealed volume
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 system provides enhanced aesthetic quality, enables larger curtain sizes, and offers motorized control with energy harvesting, while maintaining a sleek appearance and efficient operation.
Implementation Method 1
The curtain (10) may be made from a photovoltaic fabric which will produce a certain amount of electrical energy starting from the sunlight that strikes it
Implementation Method 2
The electricity will be advantageously stored in a common battery integrated in the guides that make up the curtain
Implementation Method 3
a motor adapted to move the lower rod (15) or all the rods to change the configuration of the curtain from open to closed or vice versa
Data Source
Figure 1(a)~2(b)
AI summary
Pleated curtain (10) with retractable movement system, comprising at least one intermediate rod (14) adapted to irreversibly engage with the external surface, i.e. facing the window (20), of a pleat (12') of the fabric (12) of the curtain (10), placed in an intermediate position between an upper rod (13) and a lower rod (15); said intermediate rod (14) protruding towards said window (20) and being provided with at least one pair of through holes (14') adapted to allow the crossing of said intermediate rod (14) by a corresponding pair of threads (16) adapted to mechanically connect said upper rod (13) with said lower rod (15) to allow controlled movement of the fabric (12) of said curtain (10) during the transition between the first closed configuration and the second open configuration.