Retractable Support Connector Lock for Multi-Band Shade Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Roller shade systems face issues such as damage from excessive force, chain breakage due to momentum, and uncontrolled unrolling in multi-banded systems, which existing technologies fail to adequately address.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a slip plate with protrusions that engage with slots in the drive mechanism to allow controlled rotation, tube adapters made of dampening material to absorb torque, and a slide lock to prevent unrolling, along with a center-drive mechanism and adjustable components for alignment and support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional clutch system is used in roller shade mechanisms, then the shade can be raised and lowered, but the system is vulnerable to damage from excessive force and chain breakage due to momentum
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a slip plate mechanism with protrusions that engage with slots in the drive mechanism. When excessive force is applied, the protrusions disengage from the slots, allowing the drive mechanism to rotate forward without transmitting the harmful force to the clutch system. This preemptive design cushions against damage before it occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The slip plate acts as an intermediary between the drive mechanism and the clutch system. It mediates the transmission of force by allowing controlled rotation when protrusions disengage from slots, preventing direct transmission of excessive force that would otherwise damage the clutch components.
2Area of stationary object
If a multi-banded shade system is used to cover larger windows, then more coverage area is achieved, but the system becomes prone to uncontrolled unrolling when bands are removed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the support connector into a first portion and a second portion, where the first portion can retract into the second portion. This segmentation allows individual shade bands to be removed or adjusted independently while the support connector maintains structural integrity and prevents uncontrolled unrolling of remaining bands.
Solution Approach 2:
The support connector features a dynamic retraction mechanism where the first portion can slide into the second portion. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to adapt when shade bands are removed, maintaining control stability by preventing uncontrolled unrolling while accommodating changes in the system configuration.
3Stability of the object's composition
If fixed support connectors are used in multi-banded systems, then structural stability is maintained, but individual shade bands cannot be removed or adjusted independently
Solution Approach 1:
The support connector transitions from a fixed structure to a dynamic one with retractable portions. The first portion can slide into the second portion, enabling individual shade bands to be removed or adjusted while maintaining structural stability through the interconnected design of the support connector portions.
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
These features enhance the safety and reliability of roller shade systems by minimizing damage from excessive force, preventing chain breakage, and allowing for the independent removal of shade bands without disturbing others, while ensuring smooth operation and alignment.
Implementation Method 1
a tube adapter made of dampening material to absorb torque
Data Source
AI summary
The support connector system includes a first shade band having a support connector and a lock that receives the support connector. The lock includes a first opening in a first position, wherein the first opening is configured to receive the support connector and configured to restrict rotation of the support connector. The lock includes a second opening in a second position, wherein the second opening is configured to receive the support connector and configured to allow rotation of the support connector.