System and method for supporting a privacy curtain including a swing arm wall mount and end stop cap support
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ceiling-mounted curtain systems for privacy are cumbersome to install, maintain, and repair due to their height, often obstruct doors, and require complex track systems that can malfunction and cause damage to the hanging material, with hooks sometimes failing to engage properly with grommets.
Innovation Solution
A swing arm wall mount system with a tubular swing arm and end stop cap support that allows the curtain to be suspended from a wall, enabling easy rotation and adjustment to accommodate doors and allow for easy access when moving large objects, and includes a curtain support and swivel assembly for smooth operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a ceiling-mounted track system is used to support privacy curtains, then the curtain can be hung and moved along the track, but the system becomes difficult to install, maintain, and repair due to ceiling height, and may obstruct doors and doorways
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a ceiling-mounted horizontal track system to a wall-mounted vertical swing arm system. This dimensional change allows the curtain support to be positioned on walls rather than ceilings, eliminating the need to reach high ceilings for installation and maintenance while preventing obstruction of doorways. The swing arm rotates within an arc between walls, providing curtain support without requiring ceiling height access.
2Reliability
If a ceiling-mounted track system is used, then the curtain can be hung from the ceiling, but the track must follow a path that does not block ceiling obstacles, limiting optimal room usage and increasing custom installation costs
Solution Approach 1:
By moving the mounting location from ceiling to wall, the system gains flexibility to adapt to various room layouts and ceiling obstacle configurations. The wall-mounted swing arm can be installed on any suitable wall segment, independent of ceiling conditions, allowing optimal positioning for room usage while accommodating doors, vents, and other obstacles that may be present in ceiling spaces.
3Reliability
If a ceiling-mounted track system is used, then the curtain can be moved along the track, but the height of the track makes it difficult to repair and clean, requiring a ladder for maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The wall-mounted swing arm system positions all components at accessible heights on vertical walls rather than high ceilings. This allows maintenance personnel to easily reach and service the mechanism without requiring ladders or special equipment, significantly improving safety and ease of repair while maintaining reliable curtain support functionality.
4Reliability
If a ceiling-mounted track system is used, then the curtain can be hung and moved, but the system is cumbersome to take down and dismantle when large objects such as medical equipment must be moved into a room
Solution Approach 1:
The swing arm system mounts on walls rather than ceilings, positioning the curtain support structure clear of doorways and entry points. The curtain hangs vertically from the swing arm, allowing doors to open fully and large objects to be moved into rooms without obstruction from overhead track structures, while still providing stable curtain support when closed.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for supporting a privacy curtain includes a swing arm wall mount and a swing arm that are coupled together. An end stop cap support may engage the swing arm when the swing arm is in a closed position. The swing arm wall mount allows the swing arm to rotate when the swing arm is in an open position and when the swing arm is not engaged with the end stop cap support. An end stop cap may couple with the swing arm. The end stop cap engages the end stop cap when the swing arm is in the closed position. And the end stop cap does not engage the end stop cap support when the swing arm is in an open position. The swing arm may comprise a pin at one end, wherein the pin engages the swing arm wall mount.