Adjustable Shade Band Connector for Alignment and Overload Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing roller shade systems face issues with damage from excessive force, chain breakage due to back-drive momentum, and difficulties in maintaining alignment and adjusting individual shade bands in multi-banded systems.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates a slip plate with protrusions that engage with slots in the drive mechanism to allow controlled rotation and prevent damage, tube adapters made of dampening material to absorb torque and prevent chain breakage, and a center-drive mechanism and adjustable support connectors to facilitate easy shade band removal and alignment adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional drive mechanism with clutch and sprocket is used, then the roller shade system can operate reliably, but the system is vulnerable to damage from excessive force and chain breakage due to back-drive momentum
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by incorporating a slip plate that can disengage from the drive mechanism before excessive force causes damage. The slip plate acts as a sacrificial component that slips or disengages under excessive load, preventing transmission of damaging forces to the clutch, sprocket, and chain. This protective mechanism is built into the system in advance to cushion against potential harmful forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The slip plate serves as an intermediary component between the drive mechanism and the clutch/sprocket assembly. It mediates the transmission of force by selectively engaging and disengaging based on load conditions, protecting the more valuable components from damage while allowing the system to continue operating through the slip plate's sacrificial movement.
2Area of stationary object
If a multi-banded shade system is used, then more window coverage is achieved, but alignment maintenance and individual band adjustment become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by providing individual support connectors for each shade band in the multi-banded system. Each support connector can be independently adjusted and positioned, allowing separate alignment control for each band. This segmentation enables maintenance of proper alignment across multiple bands while preserving the ability to adjust each band individually without affecting others.
Solution Approach 2:
The support connectors incorporate dynamic adjustment capabilities that allow users to modify the position and alignment of individual shade bands as needed. The connectors can be adjusted during installation and re-adjusted during operation to maintain proper alignment, providing the flexibility needed for multi-banded systems while keeping each band independently controllable.
3Strength
If the drive mechanism is designed for robust operation, then it can handle various loads, but it becomes difficult to remove and adjust individual shade bands
Solution Approach 1:
The drive system is segmented into modular components including individual support connectors for each shade band. Each connector can be independently removed from the robust drive mechanism without affecting the overall structural integrity or load handling capability. This modular segmentation enables easy removal and adjustment of individual bands while maintaining the strength and reliability of the complete system.
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 effectively minimizes damage from excessive force, prevents chain breakage, and allows for easy removal and adjustment of shade bands, enhancing the reliability and usability of roller shade systems.
Implementation Method 1
a drive hub having a tube adapter comprised of dampening material, wherein the drive hub engages with at least one of a shade tube or a brake hub
Data Source
AI summary
A support connector system comprising a shaft having a first portion configured to be received into a first shade band; and the shaft having a second portion configured to be received into a second shade band, wherein the first portion is configured to translate out of the first shade band and translate into the second shade band, and wherein the first portion is configured to be received into the second portion.