Retractable Cellular Shade with Integrated Vane Support Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current retractable coverings for architectural openings lack a versatile and aesthetically appealing solution that effectively insulates while allowing for easy extension and retraction, with existing solutions often being cumbersome or inefficient in their operation.
Innovation Solution
A retractable covering system featuring a fabric with a support structure that includes a plurality of slats or vanes, where the movement of the vanes is dependent on the movement of the support structure, utilizing a lift mechanism to gather and stack the vanes when retracted, allowing for smooth extension and retraction across architectural openings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional retractable coverings are used, then the covering can be extended and retracted, but the operation is cumbersome and inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the support structure and vanes into an integrated fabric assembly where the vanes are attached to the support structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate mechanisms to control vanes and support structure, allowing both to move together as one unit, thereby simplifying operation while maintaining functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The fabric material serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, holds the vanes, and enables the retractable mechanism. The support structure simultaneously supports the vanes and connects to the roller system for retraction. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the overall operation.
2Loss of energy
If the covering is designed for effective insulation, then thermal performance improves, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a composite fabric structure combining support structure and vanes in a single integrated material assembly. This composite design provides insulation functionality while maintaining structural integrity, achieving thermal performance without requiring separate insulating layers or complex multi-component structures.
3Shape
If the covering is designed for aesthetic appeal, then visual appearance improves, but the mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of vanes and support structure into a single fabric assembly creates a unified aesthetic appearance. The combined structure eliminates visible seams or joints between separate components, providing a clean, streamlined look while simplifying the underlying mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
A retractable cellular shade is illustrated in various embodiments to consist of a support structure that could assume numerous forms including cellular material, flexible sheets of material, tapes or ribbons, or flexible monofilaments or similar cords of natural or synthetic fibers with the support structure supporting a plurality of vanes or slats in various configurations and orientations. The movement of the vanes or slats is totally dependent upon movement of the support structure. The fabric so formed can be incorporated into a covering for architectural openings with the covering including a headrail with means for gathering the fabric material within the headrail.