Shade Covering Transmission With Tapered Shaft Force Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing architectural-structure covering transmissions are complex, costly, and time-consuming to assemble, with high production times and reduced quality due to numerous components and the need for lubrication, and they fail to provide consistent force across all positions of the covering.
Innovation Solution
A transmission system with a housing, drive shaft, and geared assembly, featuring a tapered driven shaft and intermeshed gears, which adjusts output force based on the position of the covering, reducing the need for lubrication and simplifying assembly by using precision manufacturing for gears and a modular design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If existing transmission designs with multiple components are used, then the transmission can move the covering between positions, but the assembly becomes complex and time-consuming with high production costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple transmission components into a single integrated housing structure. The housing contains the drive shaft, driven shaft, and transmission cord mechanism within one unified component, eliminating the need for separate housings and reducing the number of assembly steps. This merging of functions into a single manufacturable unit directly addresses the contradiction by reducing component count while maintaining transmission functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing serves multiple functions simultaneously: it contains the transmission mechanism, provides structural support, and acts as the outer casing. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional components and simplifies the overall design, resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and device complexity.
2Productivity
If existing transmission designs are used, then the covering can be moved, but production time increases and manufacturing quality decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission is designed as a modular unit that can be manufactured as a complete assembly in one production run. The housing, shafts, and internal components are configured to be produced together as a single integrated unit rather than as separate parts requiring sequential assembly. This segmentation approach reduces production time while maintaining functional complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If existing transmission designs are used, then the covering movement is achieved, but lubrication is required which adds to manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission mechanism is designed to operate without external lubrication. The housing and internal components are configured with self-lubricating features or dry-running surfaces that eliminate the need for additional lubrication systems, lubricant application steps, and maintenance. This self-service approach simplifies the manufacturing process by removing lubrication-related complexity.
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 transmission system provides consistent force across all positions, simplifies assembly and manufacturing, and improves operational smoothness by using precision gears and a modular design, reducing production time and costs while maintaining performance.
Implementation Method 1
a driven shaft (240) positioned within the housing (210), the driven shaft (240) including a tapered shaft portion (246)
Implementation Method 2
a geared assembly (300) coupled to a second end of the driven shaft (240), the geared assembly (300) including an intermediate member (310), a first gear (320) coupled to the intermediate member (310), a second gear (330) coupled to the intermediate member (310) and intermeshed with the first gear (320)
Data Source
AI summary
A transmission for use with an architectural-structure covering for moving a covering of the architectural-structure covering between an extended position and a retracted position is disclosed. The transmission may include a drive shaft, a driven shaft including a tapered shaft portion, a transmission cord operatively coupled to the drive shaft and the driven shaft for transferring rotation between the drive shaft and the driven shaft, and a geared assembly. The geared assembly may include an intermediate member, first and second gears coupled to the intermediate member, a first shaft, and an end cover coupled to the intermediate member and the housing.