Adjustable Roller Blind Mounting for Light-Proof Window Sealing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing window screen assemblies fail to provide a light-proof seal due to gaps between the screen and the window opening, and require accurate roller width matching, which can be challenging for irregularly sized openings.

Innovation Solution

The screen assembly features elongate support members and guide tracks with flanges that fit flush against the window frame, along with resilient seals and locking devices to ensure a light-proof seal, accommodating dimensional irregularities and allowing for easy installation by using mounting brackets and tensioned rollers.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If the roller width is accurately matched to the window opening width, then the screen assembly can be mounted within the window opening, but it requires precise manufacturing and installation which is challenging for irregularly sized openings

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveroller width matchingVSAvoidinstallation difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The support members are made vertically adjustable to change their effective length parameter, allowing them to accommodate different window opening sizes and irregularities without requiring precise initial manufacturing matching. The adjustment mechanism enables the same component to adapt to varying dimensional parameters.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting system transitions from a fixed rigid structure to a dynamically adjustable one, where the support members can be repositioned and reconfigured during installation to match the specific dimensions and irregularities of the window opening, making the system adaptable rather than static.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If gaps exist between the screen and window opening sides, then the screen assembly is easier to install, but light cannot be completely shut out when the screen is closed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation easeVSAvoidlight leakage
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

Flanges are introduced as intermediary elements that extend from the support members and guide tracks to bridge the gap between the screen assembly and the window opening. These flanges create an overlapping seal that eliminates light leakage while maintaining ease of installation through the bracket system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing solution extends into another dimension by adding flanges that protrude from the plane of the support members and guide tracks. This dimensional extension creates an overlapping barrier against light leakage without complicating the primary mounting structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If flanges are added to support members and guide tracks to eliminate gaps, then light-proof seal is achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight leakage preventionVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The flanges are merged with the support members and guide tracks as integral components rather than separate additions. This combining of functions (structural support plus sealing) into single elements achieves light-proof sealing without proportionally increasing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The flanges serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide structural support for mounting, create the light-proof seal, and guide the positioning of the screen assembly. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Ease of manufacture

If mounting brackets are used to attach support members to window opening sides, then installation is simplified, but vertical adjustment capability is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidvertical adjustment
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting brackets are designed with dynamic adjustment capability, allowing vertical repositioning of the support members after initial installation. This transforms the rigid fixed mounting into an adjustable system that maintains both installation simplicity and adaptability to dimensional irregularities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting system is segmented into adjustable components where the brackets can be repositioned independently along the support members, enabling vertical adjustment while maintaining the overall simplicity of the bracket-based mounting approach.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 reliable, light-proof seal by eliminating gaps between the screen and window frame, ensuring complete light blockage and easy installation, even with misaligned or irregularly sized window openings.

Implementation Method 1

Resilient sealing means, preferably defined by an elongate strip of resilient material, may be provided between abutting faces of the elongate support member and the window opening and/or between the guide tracks and the support opening

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The roller may be tensioned, for example by means of a spring, to bias the roller in a winding direction whereby the screen is biased towards a raised or open position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring tension: Spring

Implementation Method 3

The lower end of the screen may be provided with a bar such that the screen hangs from the roller under gravity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP2652229B1Vertically adjustable mounting assembly for a roller blind
Publication Date: 2015.07.08 FOURDS
  • EP2652229B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2652229B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2652229B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A screen assembly for a window comprising a screen supported by an elongate support member adapted to be mounted in an upper region of the window opening, a pair of mounting brackets being provided for attachment to respective sides of the window opening adjacent the top face of the window opening, each end of the elongate support member having means for engaging a respective mounting bracket, whereby the mounting brackets may be attached the sides of a window opening such that the support member may be engaged onto the mounting brackets to mount the support member in the window opening.