Window Shade Wire Restriction via Segmented Hole Teeth

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional window shade restriction devices are complex and costly, with exposed wires that can be easily pulled out, posing safety risks, especially for children, due to the limited space between connection wires which affects the safety feature when the operation wires are pulled.

Innovation Solution

A window shade design featuring elongate holes with inner passages and teeth that restrict operation wires from being pulled out by engaging cross wires, simplifying the structure and reducing assembly costs, with connection wires extending through these passages and teeth preventing the operation wires from being fully extracted.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If multiple spaced wires, multiple operation wires and multiple support wires are used to restrict operation wires, then the safety feature is improved, but the device complexity and assembling cost are increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety featureVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hole is segmented into multiple functional regions: two passages for connection wires and a central tooth for restricting operation wires. This segmentation allows each region to perform its specific function independently, achieving safety restrictions without requiring multiple separate wire components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The restriction function is extracted from the wire assembly and integrated directly into the hole structure of the shade. The tooth extending into the hole cavity provides the restriction mechanism without needing separate external restriction components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 3:

The hole structure combines multiple functions: guiding connection wires through passages and restricting operation wires through the tooth. This merging of functions into a single component simplifies the overall device structure while maintaining safety features

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If the space between connection wires is limited to restrict operation wires, then the safety feature is improved, but the pulling action increases the space and affects the safety feature

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety featureVSAvoidspace stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The tooth is pre-positioned within the hole cavity to establish a fixed restriction point before any pulling action occurs. This preliminary positioning ensures that the operation wire cannot be pulled beyond the tooth's restriction point, maintaining safety regardless of pulling forces

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The tooth acts as an intermediary element between the connection wires and the operation wire. It mediates the interaction by providing a physical barrier that prevents the operation wire from being pulled out, while allowing the connection wires to move freely through their passages

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If a complex restriction device with multiple wires is used, then the operation wires are restricted, but the assembling cost is increased

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverestriction functionVSAvoidassembling cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The hole structure is self-sufficient in providing the restriction function. The tooth extends from the hole wall to automatically restrict the operation wire without requiring additional assembly steps or separate restriction components, thereby reducing manufacturing and assembling costs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The hole structure serves multiple purposes: it guides connection wires through passages and restricts operation wires through the tooth. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate restriction devices, simplifying manufacturing and reducing costs

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9995082B2Restriction device for restricting wires from being pulled out from shade
Publication Date: 2018.06.12 CHING FENG HOME FASHIONS CO LTD

AI summary

A window shade includes a top box, a bottom bar and a shade connected between the top box and the bottom bar. Multiple wire units extend through holes of the shade. Each wire unit includes two connection wires and multiple cross wires which are spaced and transversely connected between the connection wires. Each wire unit has an operation wire for controlling the shade, the operation wire alternatively extends between the cross wires along the longitudinal direction of the shade. The holes in the shade each include two passages formed at two inner ends thereof. The connection wires extend through the two passages. At least one tooth extends from each of two insides of each of the holes and located between the two passages. When the wire unit is pulled outward, the cross wires are restricted by the teeth so that the operation wire is restricted from being pull out.