Prestressed Guide Attachment for Uniform Tensioned Textile Shades

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for attaching guide means to flexible sheets in vehicle shading systems result in non-uniform clamping forces due to differences in guide mean spacing, leading to inconsistent tension and potential durability issues with adhesive connections.

Innovation Solution

Applying a predetermined prestressing force in the Y-direction to stretch the flexible sheet to a state resembling its installation tension, then attaching guide means at a reduced distance to achieve a uniform tension state, allowing for easier and more durable attachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If guide means are spaced closer together on the flexible sheet than on the vehicle to generate preload, then the flat structure achieves tension in the inserted state, but the clamping force becomes non-uniform and inconsistent across different materials

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclamping forceVSAvoiduniformity of tension
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies preliminary tensioning to the flexible sheet before attaching the guide means. Holding arrangements spaced at the target distance apply a predetermined tensioning force to the sheet, stretching it to the installation state. Only after this preliminary tensioning is established are the guide means attached at the holding arrangements' positions. This ensures uniform tension distribution across the sheet regardless of material properties, resolving the non-uniform clamping force issue.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Manufacturing precision

If guide means are attached in a tensioned state, then uniform clamping force is achieved, but adhesive connection durability is reduced due to high tension during attachment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuniformity of clamping forceVSAvoidadhesive connection durability
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary tensioning of the flexible sheet before attaching guide means, establishing the correct geometric configuration and uniform tension distribution. The holding arrangements maintain this tensioned state during attachment. By pre-establishing the tension geometry, the system achieves uniform clamping force while allowing the attachment process to proceed with better control over adhesive application, improving connection durability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Manufacturing precision

If the flexible sheet is stretched to match installation tension during attachment, then consistent tension state is achieved, but the attachment process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconsistency of tension stateVSAvoidattachment process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses holding arrangements that are pre-positioned at the exact target spacing corresponding to the installation state. These holding arrangements apply predetermined tensioning forces to stretch the flexible sheet to the correct tension level before guide means attachment. This preliminary setup automates the tensioning process and ensures consistent results without requiring complex real-time adjustments during attachment, thereby maintaining manufacturing precision while controlling process complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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

This method ensures a consistent tension state in the flexible sheet, facilitating better attachment quality and durability, particularly with adhesive connections, by mimicking the in-vehicle tension conditions and reducing material-dependent variability in clamping forces.

Implementation Method 1

The stretching distance by which the fabric is stretched for this purpose is not fixed. It depends on the nature of the fabric, in particular its modulus of elasticity, and the applied prestressing force.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2030822B1Method for attaching guides to a flexible textile sheet and preparation device for same
Publication Date: 2012.12.19 BOS GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2030822B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2030822B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP2030822B1 patent drawingFigure 7~8

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for attaching guide elements (106) to a flexible sheet structure (100), preferably as part of a shading system for a vehicle, and to a device provided for this purpose. According to the invention, holding areas (102a, 102b) of a flexible sheet structure (100) extending in an X-direction and a Y-direction, spaced apart from one another in a Y-direction, are spaced apart from one another by applying a predetermined preload force (FV) acting in the Y-direction, thereby achieving a preload state. Subsequently, in a further processing state corresponding to the preload state or to a preload state relieved of the preload state by a predetermined relief distance (S3) in the Y-direction, guide elements (106) extending parallel to one another in the X-direction and spaced apart from one another in the Y-direction are attached to the sheet structure (100).The process enables a particularly reproducible production of surface structures for shading systems.