Segmented Roll-Up Covering With Independent Panel Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing retractable coverings for architectural openings, such as windows and doors, lack flexibility and efficient control systems to manage multiple panels or segments independently, limiting their functionality and aesthetic options.
Innovation Solution
A retractable covering system utilizing a single or multiple roller assemblies with flexible material strips anchored to a rigid bar and secured to rollers, supported by a cord ladder system for independent extension and retraction, allowing for various configurations and combinations with additional covering components like sheer fabrics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single panel of material is used to cover the architectural opening, then the structure is simple, but the flexibility and aesthetic options are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The covering is divided into multiple independent panels or segments that can be individually controlled. Each panel is associated with its own roller assembly, allowing independent operation while maintaining overall system functionality. This segmentation provides flexibility in positioning and aesthetic options without requiring an overly complex centralized control system.
Solution Approach 2:
The covering system incorporates dynamic control mechanisms that allow panels to be independently extended or retracted. The roller assemblies enable each panel to move freely between retracted and extended positions, providing adaptability for different lighting and privacy needs while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple panels are used to increase flexibility, then the aesthetic options and functionality are enhanced, but the control system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into independent roller assemblies, each controlling a specific panel. This distribution of control functions eliminates the need for a complex centralized control mechanism, as each panel can be operated independently through its own roller assembly, thereby enhancing functionality without proportionally increasing control system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Each panel is equipped with its own roller assembly that provides self-contained control functionality. The panels can be independently operated without requiring coordination through a complex centralized system, allowing each segment to serve itself and reducing overall control system complexity while maintaining enhanced adaptability.
3Ease of operation
If panels are anchored at both sides and extended toward each other, then the covering can be fully retracted, but the ease of operation and control becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of anchoring panels at both sides and extending them toward each other, the invention inverts the approach by anchoring each panel at one side only and allowing it to roll out independently. This inversion simplifies the control mechanism, as each panel can be operated independently from a single anchor point, greatly improving ease of operation while maintaining the ability to achieve full coverage.
Data Source
AI summary
A covering for an architectural opening includes a roller assembly having a rotatable roller secured to one edge of a sheet of flexible material with the opposite edge secured thereabove to a fixed location. The roller assembly is cradled in a cord ladder or cord ladder type element so one vertical run of the cord ladder is anchored and the other vertical run is raised or lowered to raise and lower the cradle thereby causing the flexible material to be wrapped around or unwrapped from the roller. The roller assemblies can be used individually or in combination with like roller assemblies and can further be used in combination with other covering products such as sheets of translucent or transparent materials like sheer fabric. In addition to being able to roll and unroll the strips of flexible material onto or from their associated rollers, an entire assemblage of such roller assemblies can be raised or lowered with a closed loop lifting system that raises a bottom rail and accumulates each roller assembly thereabove to any desired degree between a fully extended position and a fully retracted position.