Sheer Fabric Panel Structure to Reduce Shadows and Wrinkles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sheer window coverings suffer from issues such as shadow formation, wrinkles, and creases due to single-layered vanes and vertical support members, which affect aesthetic appeal and functionality.
Innovation Solution
The use of sheer fabrics with angularly oriented yarns forming diamond or diagonal structures, particularly Tulle knit fabrics, for vertical support members, along with control mechanisms to manage vane orientation and movement, reduces shadow formation and prevents wrinkles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If single-layered vanes are used, then the structure is simple, but shadow formation occurs and aesthetic appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single-layer vane structure into multiple layers (front layer and rear layer), where each layer is spaced apart to allow light transmission while reducing shadow formation. The front layer blocks direct sunlight, and the rear layer provides additional shading without creating harsh shadows, thus resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and shadow reduction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a new dimension by spacing the front and rear vane layers at a distance from each other, creating a three-dimensional structure. This spacing allows light to pass through the gaps between layers, reducing shadow formation while maintaining shading effectiveness, thereby improving aesthetic appearance without significantly increasing structural complexity.
2Ease of operation
If flexible sheer fabrics are used for vertical support members, then ease of operation is improved, but wrinkles and creases form deteriorating aesthetic appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates support cords or tensioning elements that pre-tension the flexible sheer fabric vertical support members during installation. This preliminary tensioning prevents the fabric from developing wrinkles and creases during normal operation and roll-up cycles, maintaining aesthetic appearance while preserving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the physical parameters of the flexible sheer fabric by selecting materials with specific tensile strength, elasticity, and wrinkle-resistant properties. These parameter changes allow the fabric to maintain its flexibility for easy operation while resisting wrinkle and crease formation during use and storage.
3Illumination intensity
If clear or dyed white sheer materials are used, then light transmission is improved, but view-through becomes muted and milky
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses multiple layers of sheer material with varying transparency and color properties. The front layer may be clearer for light transmission, while the rear layer provides additional filtering. This segmentation allows the system to transmit sufficient light while maintaining better view-through clarity by distributing the filtering function across multiple layers rather than relying on a single muted material.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite sheer materials that combine different fiber types, treatments, or layer compositions to achieve both high light transmission and clear view-through properties. These composite materials may include anti-reflective coatings, specific weave patterns, or multi-layer constructions that reduce the milky appearance while maintaining brightness transmission.
4Adaptability or versatility
If vertical support members are made from flexible materials, then adaptability is improved, but structural strength deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials for vertical support members that combine flexible fabrics with reinforcing elements such as embedded steel cords, fiberglass mesh, or high-tensile polymer fibers. This composite construction provides the flexibility needed for roll-up operation while the reinforcing elements ensure structural strength and durability during installation and use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different material properties to different parts of the vertical support members. The main body of the support may use flexible fabric for adaptability, while critical areas such as attachment points, edges, or reinforcement zones use stronger materials to ensure durability where needed, thus resolving the contradiction between overall flexibility and localized strength requirements.
Data Source
AI summary
A sheer fabric for use in a fabric panel is disclosed where the sheer fabric is formed from a plurality of yarns having a denier from about 25 up to 35, wherein the plurality of yarns are configured and arranged as a plurality of diagonal structures each forming a diamond-shaped opening, wherein the sheer fabric has an openness factor of about seventy five percent (75%) and greater. In one or more embodiments the sheer fabric has properties that resist the formation of puckers, including in an embodiment an improved elongation percentage upon application of a force, and in one or more aspects, an improved variability of the elongation percentage upon application of the force. Additional and alternative properties of the sheer fabric are disclosed. The sheer fabric finds application in a fabric panel or assembly that can be used as a light-controlling covering.