Selective Tilting Mechanism for Architectural Blinds
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional Venetian blinds lack the ability to selectively tilt open or close portions independently, limiting light control and privacy options, and do not effectively manage ultraviolet light exposure or provide an aesthetically pleasing pleated look.
Innovation Solution
A blind system with a tilter mechanism using co-axial or parallel drums and tilt cables/actuator cords allows for the tilting of entire blinds or portions thereof, enabling double pitch configurations and pleated looks by routing tilt cables and actuator cords to achieve desired positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the entire blind is tilted closed to block light and provide privacy, then light control and privacy are improved, but the ability to allow natural light and ventilation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The blind is divided into multiple independently controllable segments or sections. Each section can be tilted independently through separate tilt cords or actuators, allowing different portions of the blind to be in different positions simultaneously. This enables the user to close certain sections for privacy and light blockage while keeping other sections open for natural light and ventilation.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the blind are assigned different functional qualities based on local needs. For example, lower sections may be closed to block glare on computer screens or provide privacy, while upper sections remain open to allow natural light and ventilation. Each section can be optimized for its specific function rather than treating the entire blind uniformly.
2Area of moving object
If adjacent pairs of slats are moved together to stack against each other when tilted open, then the open area is doubled (double pitch arrangement), but the aesthetic appearance and standard spacing are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The blind system employs a dynamic mechanism that allows slats to change their spacing configuration based on the desired state. In the open position, slats can be brought together to create a double pitch arrangement for maximum open area. In the closed or intermediate positions, the mechanism maintains standard spacing for aesthetic appearance. The system dynamically transitions between these configurations as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The blind mechanism incorporates periodic action in the tilting motion to achieve different configurations. During the tilting cycle, slats pass through different spatial arrangements - at certain points in the periodic motion, they stack together for double pitch effect, while at other points they maintain standard spacing. This periodic transformation allows the blind to provide both aesthetic appearance and maximum open area at different times.
3Shape
If slats are tilted in alternating directions to create a pleated look, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but the uniformity and simplicity of the blind structure are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The blind mechanism incorporates asymmetric tilting where alternate slats are tilted in opposite directions to create a pleated appearance. This asymmetric arrangement is achieved through a specialized tilt mechanism that applies different tilt directions to different slats. The asymmetric configuration provides aesthetic appeal while the underlying mechanism maintains structural stability and uniformity through standardized components and predictable motion patterns.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A
AI summary
A tilter system for a window blind permits the slats of the blind to be tilted open or closed in a number of different configurations depending on the routing of tilt cables or actuator cords.