Roller Blind End Segment Nesting for Light Gap Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Generic roller blind systems for motor vehicle rear windows suffer from aesthetic and functional issues, particularly a light gap in the functional state due to the design of the pull-out profile, which is exacerbated by a curved headliner, and the end segments' larger cross-sections when pushed onto the main segment.
Innovation Solution
The side sections of the cover surface move into a receiving space surrounded by the main segment when the pull-out profile's length is reduced, allowing the end segments to be partially or completely retracted into the main segment, reducing the visible length and preventing direct contact with the main segment, thus minimizing the light gap and enhancing aesthetic appeal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the end segments have a larger cross section and are pushed onto the main segment, then the covering effect in the stowed state is improved, but a light gap is caused in the functional state
Solution Approach 1:
The end segments are designed to be insertable into the main segment, allowing them to nest within the main segment's receiving space. This nesting mechanism enables the end segments to be concealed within the main segment in the functional state, eliminating light gaps, while still providing coverage in the stowed state when extended outward.
Solution Approach 2:
The pull-out profile transitions between two dynamic states: in the stowed state, the end segments are extended outward to provide covering; in the functional state, the end segments are retracted into the main segment to eliminate light gaps. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the system to optimize performance for different operational conditions.
2Shape
If the main segment has a curved side edge to match the curved headliner, then the aesthetic appeal in the functional state is improved, but the end segments cannot be fully retracted due to constant cross section requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The main segment features a curved side edge in the region that contacts the headliner to match the curved geometry and improve aesthetic appearance, while maintaining a constant cross section in the end regions. This localized curvature allows the end segments to be fully retracted into the main segment without geometric interference, resolving the conflict between aesthetics and retraction capability.
3Reliability
If the end segments are extended to provide covering surface, then the exit slot coverage is improved, but the visible presence of multiple parts is increased
Solution Approach 1:
The end segments can be extended outward to provide additional covering surface area for exit slot coverage, and when retracted, they nest within the main segment to create a streamlined, unified appearance. This nesting capability allows the system to provide adequate coverage when needed while maintaining aesthetic appeal when retracted.
Solution Approach 2:
The end segments dynamically extend to provide covering surface area when exit slot coverage is required, then retract into the main segment to minimize the visible presence of multiple parts. This dynamic behavior allows the system to optimize both coverage functionality and aesthetic appearance based on operational requirements.
Data Source
Figure 1a~2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
The system (20) has a trapezoidal shaped intended flexible sheet movable between a jam state and a functional state in an extension direction. Two guide rails (30) are reciprocally arranged in the flexible sheet. An extension profile (40) incorporates a covering surface that is directed in the jam state when the covering surface is in the extension direction. The covering surface covers an exit passage slot of the flexible sheet. Side sections (46b) of the covering surface enter into a receiving space enclosed by a main segment (42) when length of the extension profile is reduced.