Shade Bracket Roller Support for Extended Tube Deflection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shade systems face challenges in supporting extended length shade tubes without deflection, requiring additional support that often results in complex installations and visually unpleasing assemblies with gaps.
Innovation Solution
A shade bracket and support system that includes bracket assemblies and roller assemblies to mount and support the shade tube along its longitudinal axis, allowing for uniform support and motorized retraction and deployment, with components like idler and driver connectors for smooth rotation and tension distribution.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If additional support brackets are added to support extended length shade tubes, then shade tube deflection is prevented, but device complexity and installation complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket system is divided into modular components including bracket bodies, roller assemblies, and mounting hardware that can be independently assembled and configured. This segmentation allows the complex support function to be achieved through simple, standardized modules rather than a monolithic complex structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket assemblies are designed to perform multiple functions: supporting the shade tube, preventing deflection, enabling rotation through integrated rollers, and providing adjustable mounting positions. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate specialized components, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
2Stability of the object's composition
If fascia and complex brackets are used to support extended length shade tubes, then adequate support is provided, but visual appearance deteriorates and installation becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket system incorporates rollers that rotate with the shade tube, transforming the static bracket structure into a dynamic system that moves with the shade. This dynamic design simplifies installation by allowing the bracket to self-adjust during shade deployment and retraction, eliminating complex alignment procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
Roller assemblies serve as intermediary elements between the bracket body and the shade tube, mediating the interaction between these components. The rollers simplify the connection mechanism, allowing easy attachment and detachment of the shade tube while maintaining adequate support, thereby improving installation ease.
3Stability of the object's composition
If multiple individual shade tubes are mounted side-by-side to span long distances, then deflection is prevented, but uniformity and visual appearance deteriorate due to gaps between shades
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of preventing deflection by dividing the shade into multiple horizontal segments (side-by-side tubes), the invention uses additional vertical support points along the length of a single continuous shade tube. This dimensional change in support strategy allows a uniform continuous shade appearance while preventing deflection through intermediate support.
Data Source
AI summary
A shade bracket and support system includes a shade, a shade tube, at least two bracket assemblies, and a plurality of roller assemblies. The shade is movable between a retracted position and an extended position. The shade tube is coupled to the shade and rotates in a first direction to retract the shade and a second direction to extend the shade. The bracket assemblies mount to a structure and support the shade tube and shade. The roller assemblies are provided between the bracket assemblies and support the shade and the shade tube along a longitudinal axis of the shade tube. At least one of the roller assemblies rotates in the same direction as the shade tube when the shade is being retracted or extended.