Snap-Fit Corner Bracket for Blind Frames With Hidden Gap Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing window blind frame installations are time-consuming due to the need for individual screw tightening and incur additional costs, while push-fit brackets with rigid locking plates face issues with secure coupling and unsightly gaps.
Innovation Solution
A snap-fit corner bracket with angled connector assemblies, resiliently deformable arms, and skirts to ensure secure coupling and cover gaps, featuring engagement lugs and crushable ribs for enhanced stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a conventional window blind frame is used with separate corner pieces, then the frame structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the corner areas are difficult to clean and maintain due to trapped dirt and debris
Solution Approach 1:
The corner bracket merges the corner connection function with a integrated cleaning access feature. The bracket design combines the structural corner piece with a removable cover or access point that allows cleaning tools to reach the corner area, eliminating the need for separate cleaning operations while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a new dimensional aspect to the corner bracket by adding a removable cover or access mechanism that provides a pathway from the exterior to the interior corner area. This dimensional addition allows cleaning tools to access previously unreachable areas without complicating the basic frame structure.
2Productivity
If the frame is designed to be easy to assemble, then manufacturing and installation are simplified, but the corner brackets may create trapped spaces that accumulate dirt and are hard to clean
Solution Approach 1:
The corner bracket integrates the connection function with a built-in cleaning access feature, combining structural support with maintenance accessibility in a single component that does not slow down the assembly process.
Solution Approach 2:
The removable cover or access mechanism acts as an intermediary element that allows cleaning tools to reach the corner area without requiring disassembly of the frame structure, thus preventing dirt accumulation while maintaining quick assembly capabilities.
3Stability of the object's composition
If standard corner brackets are used, then the frame structure is stable, but the corners are hard to reach for cleaning and maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The corner bracket merges structural stability with cleaning accessibility by integrating a removable cover or access point directly into the corner connection piece, allowing maintenance without compromising structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The corner bracket is segmented into a fixed structural portion and a removable access portion, allowing the stable connection to remain in place while the access portion can be removed for cleaning purposes.
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b~2
Figure 3
AI summary
A snap-fit corner bracket for a window blind frame, the corner bracket including a central body element and extending from the central body element a first connector assembly and a second connector assembly, wherein the second connector assembly is angled relative to the first connector assembly; wherein each connector assembly includes a locating member; an engagement lug carried at the distal end of a resiliently deformable arm; a stop surface; and a skirt, wherein the resiliently deformable arm is spaced from the locating member and curves relative thereto; and wherein the skirt is spaced from the resiliently deformable arm and covers the stop surface.