Roller shade actuation device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current spring roller shades face challenges in controlling elastic force, leading to rapid shade movement and complex, costly structures due to the deformation of the entire coil spring, which can result in collisions and increased assembly complexity.
Innovation Solution
A roller shade actuation device featuring a middle shaft with a plane scroll spring and a pivot system that allows for controlled actuation of the winding drum, using a combination of shaft connections and a cover to manage the actuation force effectively, simplifying the structure and assembly process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a coil spring is used to provide elastic force for the winding drum, then the shade body can be automatically rolled up, but the elastic force is difficult to control effectively and the structure becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single coil spring into multiple segment springs arranged in parallel. Each segment spring is independently connected to the winding drum through limiters, allowing the elastic force to be distributed and controlled more effectively. This segmentation reduces the complexity of controlling a single large coil spring while maintaining the automatic rolling function.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using one large coil spring that deforms completely, the patent uses multiple segment springs that each deform partially. The limiters restrict the deformation range of each segment spring, preventing excessive action while collectively providing sufficient elastic force for automatic rolling.
2Force
If a coil spring is deformed completely to provide sufficient elastic force, then the shade body can be rolled up, but the elastic force is too large causing the shade body to rise rapidly and hit beams
Solution Approach 1:
The limiters are designed to restrict the deformation of each segment spring to a partial range, preventing the spring from fully deforming. This controls the elastic force release rate, preventing the shade body from rising too rapidly while still providing sufficient force to overcome gravity and roll up the shade.
Solution Approach 2:
By dividing the elastic force provision into multiple segment springs, each with controlled deformation through limiters, the patent achieves smoother force delivery. This segmentation prevents any single spring from releasing excessive force that would cause rapid rising and potential collisions.
3Ease of operation
If a damper is added to control the elastic force release, then the shade body can be held at any height, but the structure becomes more complicated and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the need for dampers by segmenting the spring system. The multiple segment springs with limiters create natural friction and resistance points during deformation, enabling the shade body to be held at various heights without requiring additional damping components. This maintains height positioning capability while avoiding the complexity and cost of dampers.
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 device provides a controlled actuation force for smooth operation of the roller shade, reducing the risk of collisions and simplifying the structure and assembly, while maintaining the shade at any desired height with balanced force distribution.
Implementation Method 1
a plane scroll spring mounted outside the middle shaft and axially parallel to the middle shaft
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment of the present invention provides a roller shade actuation device for actuating a winding drum with an outer surface mounted with an end of a shade body. Opposite ends of the winding drum are rotatably mounted to corresponding frames with the help of pivots. The roller shade actuation device is mounted between one of the frames and the winding drum. The roller shade actuation device includes a middle shaft rotatably mounted to an inner sidewall of the frame, and a plane scroll spring mounted outside the middle shaft and axially parallel to the middle shaft. The middle shaft is connected to a pivot of a corresponding end of the winding drum through shaft connection. An outer end of a reed of the plane scroll spring is fixed to an outer surface of the middle shaft.