Roller Blind Coupling Device for Single-Step Function Switching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing window blinds for camping vehicles and truck cabs are cumbersome to handle, requiring two steps to switch between blackout and insect protection functions, and their coupling devices are difficult to operate, leading to potential gaps that allow insects to penetrate.
Innovation Solution
A window blind design where the first and second pull rods can be coupled by rotating one rod, canceling the braking effect and allowing both rods to be moved together with a single operating step, featuring a coupling device with latching elements that engage by rotating the rods and brake pads for friction-based braking, ensuring secure operation without gaps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two separate roller blinds are used for blackout and insect protection functions, then functional versatility is improved, but operation complexity increases requiring two separate handling steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate roller blind systems into a single integrated unit with a common pull rod. The coupling device merges the first and second roller blind webs onto one pull rod, allowing both blackout and insect protection functions to be operated simultaneously with a single handling action, thus reducing operation complexity while maintaining functional versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The single pull rod is designed to control both roller blind webs, making it a universal operating mechanism. The pull rod can simultaneously operate the blackout blind and the insect screen blind, allowing one component to perform multiple functions that previously required separate operating mechanisms.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a coupling device with latching elements is used to connect pull rods, then functional integration is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to skill-intensive rotational engagement
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring active rotational engagement to couple the latching elements, the design allows the latching elements to automatically engage when the pull rods are moved into the coupled position. The braking element's rotational movement releases the brake, and the latching elements passively lock into place through the natural movement of the rods, inverting the traditional active coupling mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism is designed to self-couple and self-lock. When the pull rods are moved together, the latching elements automatically engage with each other without requiring manual rotation or additional操作步骤. The system serves itself by using the movement of the rods to trigger the coupling action.
3Stability of the object's composition
If braking elements are used to fix pull rods in position, then position stability is improved, but ease of operation worsens when uncoupling requires separate braking release
Solution Approach 1:
The braking elements for both pull rods are integrated into a single rotational mechanism. Rotating the pull rod in the first direction simultaneously releases both braking elements, merging two separate braking release actions into one operation. This allows both pull rods to be uncoupled and moved together with a single rotational action.
Solution Approach 2:
The rotational movement of the pull rod preliminarily releases the braking effect before the latching elements disengage. By rotating the rod in the first direction, the brake is canceled in advance, preparing the system for smooth uncoupling and movement without resistance from the braking elements.
4Reliability
If pull rods are moved without gap for insect protection, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases requiring coupling mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device merges the two pull rods into a single operational unit, ensuring they move together without gaps. The latching elements and integrated braking mechanism combine the rods' movements, eliminating gaps that would compromise insect protection while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
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
Enables easy switching between functions with a single step, preventing insect penetration and simplifying operation by allowing the rods to be moved together without releasing the coupling, while the braking mechanism ensures secure locking and easy release.
Implementation Method 1
each having a braking element which, in order to fix the respective pull rod in any desired position, releasably engages at least one of the guide profiles
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The invention relates to a window roller blind with a frame having two lateral guide profiles (1), a first winding shaft (3) arranged at the upper end of the frame, a first roller blind section (4) wound on the first winding shaft (3), a first pull rod (5) arranged at the free end of the first roller blind section (4), which is movably guided on the guide profiles (1) and has at least one first braking element which engages at least one of the guide profiles (1) to lock the first pull rod (5) in a desired position, a second winding shaft (6) arranged at the lower end of the frame, a second roller blind section (7) wound on the second winding shaft (6), and a second pull rod (8) arranged at the free end of the second roller blind section (7) which is movably guided on the guide profiles (1). The object of the invention is to provide a window roller blind that is improved compared to the prior art.The invention solves this problem by means of a coupling device that detachably couples the first pull rod (5) to the second pull rod (8). In the coupled state, both pull rods can be moved together. This advantageously makes it possible to switch between two functions of the window blind with just one operating operation, for example between a blackout function and an insect screen function.