Roller Shade Bracket Design to Conceal Mounting Hardware
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current brackets and mounts for roller window shades are bulky and visible, detracting from the aesthetics of the shade system, necessitating an improved mounting solution that conceals the fastening elements from view.
Innovation Solution
A system of fastening devices, including disk-shaped mounting brackets and two-piece 'invisible mount' configurations, where the mounting plate is hidden within the bracket or obscured by the shade, using apertures and protrusions to secure the shade assembly and limit rotation, while being aesthetically harmonious with the shade tube.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional brackets and mounts are used for roller window shades, then the mounting function is achieved, but the brackets are bulky and visible, detracting from the aesthetics of the shade system
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting plate is nested within the bracket structure, with the bracket extending to cover the mounting plate completely. The fastening elements are positioned on the rear side of the mounting plate, hidden from external view by the bracket's coverage, creating a nested configuration where internal components are concealed within the external structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The aesthetic burden of the mounting plate and fastening elements is extracted from the visible exterior by positioning them on the rear side of the bracket, separating the functional mounting components from the aesthetic external appearance, allowing the bracket to serve as a clean covering element.
2Strength
If the mounting plate is made visible for structural support, then the mounting strength is improved, but the aesthetic appearance is degraded due to visibility of fastening elements
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket serves as an intermediary element between the mounting plate and the external environment. It provides structural support while simultaneously acting as a concealing cover that hides the mounting plate and fastening elements from view, mediating between the functional requirement of visible strength and the aesthetic requirement of hidden components.
3Reliability
If fastening elements are exposed for secure attachment, then the reliability of mounting is improved, but the visual appeal is reduced due to visible screws and mounts
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening elements are nested on the rear side of the mounting plate, which is itself nested within the bracket structure. This double-nesting arrangement ensures that fastening elements remain accessible for their function while being completely concealed from external view, maintaining both reliability and visual appeal.
Data Source
AI summary
A roller shade mounting element comprising: a bracket having a first end configured to couple to a support surface and configured to support a roller window shade assembly; a first surface carried by the first end configured to bear against the support surface; a second end included in the bracket substantially opposite the first end; a second surface carried by the second end disposed between the first end and the second end, the second surface configured to support an end of the roller window shade assembly; and a member coupled with the bracket and configured to engage the roller window shade assembly, and the member configured to limit rotation of at least a portion of the roller window shade assembly; and, wherein the combination of the bracket and the roller window shade assembly completely obscures at least a portion of the bracket to an observer.