Resilient Drive Coupling for Adjacent Blinds Under Peak Torque
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing couplings for drivingly coupling winding devices of adjacent architectural coverings, such as roller blinds, face issues with peak torques causing damage due to inertia and operational changes, especially in larger units, where structural mating engagement is often disrupted.
Innovation Solution
A force transmitting coupling with a resilient connection between the engaging means and the hub of the second coupling member, which cushions peak torques and prevents damage to the engagement means, allowing for angular adjustment and torque transmission while maintaining engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If structural mating engagement is used between coupling members to prevent disturbance by operating forces, then reliability is improved, but the engagement means can be ripped off by peak torques in larger blind units
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by incorporating resilient means (springs) that are pre-configured to absorb and cushion peak torques before they can damage the engagement means. The resilient means are installed in advance to protect the rigid structural engagement from the harmful effects of operating forces and peak torques that occur during blind operation.
2Measurement precision
If frictional engagement with wrap spring coupling is used for angular fine adjustment, then adjustment precision is improved, but resistance against peak torques is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges two previously separate functions into a single integrated coupling mechanism: (1) the wrap spring coupling that provides frictional engagement for precise angular adjustment, and (2) the resilient means that provide protection against peak torques. This combination allows the system to simultaneously achieve both adjustment precision and reliability under operating forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism uses composite construction by combining rigid structural elements (for precise engagement and positioning) with resilient elements (springs for cushioning peak torques). This composite approach allows different parts of the system to have different mechanical properties optimized for their specific functions - rigidity for precision and elasticity for shock absorption.
3Reliability
If resilient means are added to cushion peak torques, then protection against damage is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible resilient means (springs) that can be integrated into the coupling mechanism without significantly increasing its external dimensions or complexity. The resilient elements are designed to fit within the existing coupling structure, providing cushioning functionality while maintaining a compact and relatively simple overall device configuration.
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 resilient connection effectively absorbs peak torques, preventing damage to the engagement means and ensuring accurate alignment of adjacent window coverings without dislocation, even in larger blind units.
Implementation Method 1
the engaging means on the second coupling member are resiliently connected to the hub... the resilient connection between the engaging means on one of the coupling members and its relevant hub effectively cushions the occurring peak torques
Data Source
AI summary
A force transmitting coupling for drivingly coupling winding devices of adjacent architectural coverings. The coupling includes first coupling member, a second coupling member, and mating engagement means on the first and second coupling members adapted to establish mating engagement between the first and second coupling member to transmit a drive force from one of the first and second coupling members to another of the first and second coupling members. The second coupling member includes a hub and the engaging means on the second coupling member are resiliently connected to the hub.