Fabric Roller Blind Coupling Mechanism for Handle Bar Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fabric roller blinds face issues with fabric tensioning, leading to incomplete closure, sudden handle bar returns, and poor aesthetics due to manual coupling mechanisms and machining requirements.
Innovation Solution
A fabric roller blind with a coupling mechanism that automatically retains the handle bar in the closed position using a rotatable hook and elastic means, eliminating the need for manual actuators and machining on the handle bar, allowing easy opening and closing without effort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If excessive tensioning is applied to the elastic means, then the fabric is properly tensioned and maintains its shape, but the handle bar returns suddenly towards the open position, imperiling user safety and causing incomplete closure
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling means are activated in advance by the user's closing action, creating a preliminary engagement that prevents the harmful sudden return of the handle bar. The coupling elements engage before the elastic means can cause dangerous rebound, thereby counteracting the harmful effect before it occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling means act as an intermediary mechanism between the handle bar and the take-up roller. This intermediary coupling mechanism transmits the closing force while providing controlled engagement and disengagement, mediating between the user's action and the fabric tensioning system to prevent harmful sudden movements.
2Reliability
If reduced tensioning is applied to the elastic means, then user safety is improved and sudden handle bar returns are prevented, but the fabric becomes loosened, creating poor appearance and incorrect windings
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling means provide dynamic engagement and disengagement capabilities, allowing the system to adapt between different tensioning states. The coupling elements can engage to maintain proper fabric shape during closed position, and disengage to allow safe handle bar movement, creating a dynamic response to different operational requirements.
3Reliability
If manual coupling mechanisms with hooks and actuators are used, then the handle bar can be retained in the closed position, but the device complexity increases and machining operations are required on the handle bar
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of providing manual actuators on the handle bar that require machining, the invention inverts the approach by providing coupling elements on the support frame that passively engage with the handle bar's natural movement. The coupling means are mounted on the stationary support frame rather than requiring modifications to the moving handle bar, simplifying the overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling means serve multiple functions: they retain the handle bar in the closed position, guide the handle bar movement, and provide coupling without requiring machining on the handle bar. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components and simplifies the overall device structure.
4Reliability
If coupling means are added to retain the handle bar, then safety is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling means are mounted on the support frame rather than requiring modifications to the handle bar, inverting the traditional approach. This inversion eliminates the need for machining operations on the handle bar and simplifies manufacturing, as the coupling elements can be directly attached to the support frame 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
The solution provides a structurally simple, aesthetically pleasing, and reliable fabric roller blind that ensures complete closure without manual effort, reducing the risk of handle bar return and maintaining a neat appearance.
Implementation Method 1
The first body also comprises elastic means 7, which are placed to connect between the hook 6 and the corresponding between the first lateral upright 21 and the handle bar 4, in order to push the hook 6 towards the coupling position A.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Fabric roller blind comprising a support frame (2) comprising a first lateral upright (21) and a second lateral upright (22), a handle bar (4) movable between an open position, in which it is side-by-side the second lateral upright (22) and a closed position, in which it is adjacent to the first lateral upright (21). The blind (1) also comprises coupling means (5), comprising a first body (51) mechanically connected to the first lateral upright (21) and a second body (52), mechanically connected to the handle bar (4), couplable to the first body (51), and comprising at least one coupling portion (520). The first body (51) comprises a hook (6), rotatably mounted on the first lateral upright (21), provided with a track (60) and movable between a coupling position (A) and a release position (B). The first body (51) also comprises elastic means (7), acting on the hook (6) in order to push it towards the coupling position (A), and at least one blocking element (8), mounted on the first lateral upright (21), rotatable around a first rotation axis (Z) and comprising a pin portion (80), which is mechanically engaged with the track (60) of the hook (6), in which it is susceptible of describing a closed trajectory. In particular the pin portion (80) is susceptible of assuming a first stop position, in which it blocks the rotation of the hook (6) towards the coupling position (A), and a free position, in which it allows the rotation of the hook (6) towards the coupling position (A).