Roller Shade Support Connector With Slip Lock and Alignment Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Roller shade systems face issues with damage due to excessive force, chain breakage from momentum, and uncontrolled unrolling in multi-banded systems, as well as alignment challenges and inadequate adjustment mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates a slip plate with protrusions for controlled rotation, tube adapters for torque absorption, a center drive mechanism for obstacle-free access, a slide lock for preventing unrolling, and an adjustment arm with tactile feedback for precise alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional clutch system is used in multi-banded shade systems, then the shade can be operated, but the system is vulnerable to damage from excessive force and chain breakage from momentum
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by incorporating a slip plate mechanism that allows controlled slippage when excessive force is applied. The slip plate has protrusions that engage with slots in the clutch assembly, but are designed to disengage under excessive load, allowing the clutch to slip forward and absorb the shock before re-engaging. This prevents chain breakage and component damage by cushioning the impact of excessive force or momentum in advance.
2Stability of the object's composition
If a fixed support connector is used in multi-banded systems, then structural stability is maintained, but alignment adjustments are difficult and accessibility is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by designing a support connector with an adjustment arm that can be rotated to different positions. The adjustment arm includes a lockable mechanism that allows the connector to be dynamically repositioned for alignment adjustments, then locked in place to maintain structural stability. This enables the system to transition between a fixed stable state and an adjustable state as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary adjustment mechanism between the fixed bracket and the moving shade components. The adjustment arm acts as an intermediary element that can be rotated and locked at different angles, providing both structural support and alignment adjustment capability without compromising the stability of the overall system.
3Measurement precision
If a complex adjustment mechanism is used to achieve precise alignment, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by designing an adjustment mechanism with tactile feedback features. The adjustment arm includes protrusions that engage with indexed positions on the bracket, providing tactile feedback to the user during rotation. This allows the user to self-adjust the alignment by feel, achieving precise positioning without requiring complex measurement tools or complicated adjustment procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
An improved roller shade system provides increased support, additional adjustments and/or increased safety. The slip plate allows the brake to slip forward and minimize damage to the clutch spring when a user pulls too hard on the hembar. The center drive mechanism extends through a bracket to allow the drive shaft to distribute power in both directions and drive two shade tube simultaneously. The tube adapter absorbs force from the spinning shade tube to minimize damage to the other components and the bead chain. The sprocket has a back wall supporting the sprocket, allowing the sprocket 130 to rest on the back flange of the sun gear to minimize pressure on the gears. An adjustment arm is adjusted to help level the shade band. The shade bands may be removed without disturbing the other shade bands in the system. A height of a hembar may be adjusted by rotating a rod within the hembar.