Roller Shade Support Connector Lock for Controlled Band Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Roller shade systems face issues with damage from excessive force, chain breakage due to momentum, and uncontrolled unrolling in multi-banded systems, as well as alignment challenges and accessibility problems.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates a slip plate with protrusions for controlled rotation, tube adapters for torque absorption, a slide lock for shade band management, and a center-drive mechanism for improved accessibility and alignment, along with an adjustment arm for leveling and a hembar adjustment mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional clutch system is used in roller shade mechanisms, then the shade can be raised and lowered, but the system is vulnerable to damage from excessive force and chain breakage due to 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 mechanism, permitting the plate to slip forward and absorb momentum shocks before re-engaging. This prevents chain breakage and component damage by cushioning the impact of excessive force or rapid descent in advance, rather than waiting for damage to occur.
2Area of stationary object
If a multi-banded shade system is used to cover large windows, then coverage area increases, but alignment challenges and uncontrolled unrolling occur when clutch systems are removed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the multi-banded shade system into independent controllable sections. Each shade band has its own support connector with a lock mechanism that can be independently engaged or disengaged. This allows individual bands to be removed or adjusted without affecting the alignment and stability of other bands, solving the uncontrolled unrolling problem while maintaining overall system coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies dynamics by implementing a movable lock mechanism on the support connector that can transition between engaged and disengaged states. The lock includes a first opening that allows rotation and a second opening that restricts rotation, enabling dynamic control of shade band stability. This allows the system to adapt between secured and removable states as needed for maintenance or reconfiguration.
3Reliability
If support connectors are made secure to prevent unrolling, then shade band stability improves, but accessibility and ease of removal for maintenance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by designing the support connector lock as a movable mechanism that can switch between two stable states: engaged (providing stability) and disengaged (allowing removal). The lock includes a first opening that permits rotation when disengaged and a second opening that restricts rotation when engaged. This dynamic design allows users to easily transition between secured and removable states, maintaining both stability during operation and ease of maintenance.
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.