Roof-Mounted Shading System With Sliding Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shading systems for glazed spaces, such as greenhouses, face difficulties in easy operation due to low roof inclination and large glass surface area, leading to friction issues and aesthetic concerns with added ropes and pulleys.
Innovation Solution
A shading system featuring a rotating shaft with a motor and a sliding mechanism, such as a cable, that allows the shade material to slide over a rounded piece on the roof edge, facilitating descent and ascent while hiding the cables above the rafters for an aesthetic appearance, and enabling programmable control for hourly operation and coverage percentage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional blinds with ropes and pulleys are used on a low inclination roof, then the shading function is achieved, but the operation becomes difficult due to friction and gravity
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the complex rope and pulley mechanisms from the shading system. Instead of using ropes wrapped around rotating shafts with pulleys, the patent employs a simple rotating shaft that pivots directly at the roof peak, with blinds attached that rotate with the shaft. This extraction of unnecessary components directly resolves the technical contradiction by simplifying the device while maintaining or improving operational ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention inverts the conventional approach by having the shaft rotate at the peak rather than having ropes wrap around shafts mounted elsewhere. The blinds are attached to the rotating shaft itself rather than being pulled by ropes. This inversion of the mechanical arrangement eliminates the need for pulleys and complex rope systems, thereby improving ease of operation while reducing device complexity.
2Ease of operation
If ropes and pulleys are added to facilitate blind movement, then the shading system becomes more functional, but the aesthetic appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the visually intrusive ropes and pulleys from the system. By using a rotating shaft mounted at the roof peak with blinds attached directly to it, the patent removes all external ropes and pulley mechanisms that would compromise aesthetic appearance. The shaft itself, being mounted at the peak, is naturally concealed by the roof structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the functional elements (shaft, blinds, and mounting mechanism) into a single integrated assembly where the shaft serves both as the rotational element and the mounting point. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate ropes and pulleys, achieving both functional capability and aesthetic simplicity by combining all necessary components into one clean, concealed structure.
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 system simplifies the operation of shading materials by reducing friction and visual clutter, allowing for efficient and aesthetically pleasing control of shade coverage on glazed or unglazed spaces, including verandas and pergolas.
Implementation Method 1
a motor (25) coupled to the rotating shafts (12) to rotate them in both directions
Implementation Method 2
at least one sliding means configured to be mounted on the roof so that the shade material slides over the sliding means as it moves between the two positions
Data Source
Figure 1~2A
Figure 2B~3A
Figure 3B~4
AI summary
The present invention relates to a shading system (20) configured to be mounted on the roof (2) of a glazed space (1), such as a greenhouse or conservatory, or of an unglazed space, such as a pergola. The system comprises a rotating shaft (12) configured to be located at the apex (3A) of the roof, and a shading material (9, 10) that can be wound around the rotating shaft in the raised position of the system and unwound onto the roof in the lowered position of the system. According to the invention, the system further comprises at least one sliding means (16, 21) configured to be mounted on the roof so that the shading material slides on the sliding means when moving between the two positions.