Roll-up Shade Strap and Connector Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional roll-up shades pose a risk of injury and death to children due to hanging cords, necessitating the development of cord-free or safer operational methods for rolling up and down shades.
Innovation Solution
A shade system featuring a plurality of slats attached by weaving cords, with thicker support cords and adjustable straps that can be securely wrapped around the rolled-up portion to maintain its position, eliminating the need for cords by using connectors like hooks, adhesives, or clips for attachment to the shade's support cords.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If hanging cords are used to roll up and down shades, then the operational simplicity is maintained, but the safety risk to children increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the hanging cord system entirely from the shade structure, extracting the dangerous element while preserving the rolling function through alternative mechanisms such as side-mounted or top-mounted reels that do not require suspended cords
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary components such as spring-loaded mechanisms, counterweights, or motorized systems that mediate between the user's input and the shade movement, eliminating the need for direct cord manipulation while maintaining operational control
2Object-affected harmful factors
If cords are eliminated from the shade system, then child safety is improved, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs self-regulating mechanisms such as spring tension systems or friction-based locks that automatically maintain shade position without requiring complex control systems, allowing the shade to service itself through inherent mechanical properties
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies key parameters of the rolling mechanism, such as changing from cord-tension-based positioning to spring-force-based or friction-based positioning, thereby achieving safety improvements through parameter optimization rather than fundamental redesign
3Strength
If thicker support cords are used to replace weaving cords, then the structural strength is improved, but the material consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the thicker support cords only at critical locations where structural strength is most needed, such as at the headrail attachment points and along the central support axis, while using standard thinner cords in less critical areas, thereby optimizing material distribution
Data Source
AI summary
A shade configured to be rolled up or down by a user includes a plurality of slats, a plurality of weaving cords which attach the plurality of slats together, at least one strap including a top end and a bottom end, the top end being attached to one of the plurality of slats at a back side of the shade and the bottom end being a free end including a connector. A method of using the shade includes rolling up the shade to a first rolled up position and securing the rolled up portion of the shade by wrapping the strap around the rolled up portion and securing the strap to a front side of the shade. A fastener may also be used to secure a rolled up portion of the shade.