Temporary Guide Arrangement for Venetian Blinds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Large door and window openings often require guide rails for slat blinds and awnings, obstructing the view and being aesthetically undesirable, as existing solutions do not allow for a temporary removal of guide means from the field of vision.
Innovation Solution
A temporary guide arrangement using elongated bodies that can be deflected or lowered into the window opening, combined link chains, or a steel band to form a rigid guide that can be removed when not in use, and a wire rope or belt that can be tensioned to create a central guide, allowing for unobstructed views and stability during wind conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If guide rails are attached to side reveals or columns are set up in large openings, then the curtain is properly guided and held stable, but the view is obstructed and aesthetics are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The guide means are extracted from the permanent structure and made movable, allowing them to be removed from the field of vision when the curtain is open. The guide rails can be detached from columns and positioned only when needed for curtain operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide arrangement transitions from a static permanent installation to a dynamic temporary structure. The guide means can be lowered into position, used during curtain operation, and then raised or removed when not needed, changing their spatial configuration based on operational requirements.
2Reliability
If permanent guide rails are installed on columns in the clear cross-section, then the curtain is properly guided, but the unobstructed view is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The guide means are deployed periodically only when the curtain needs to be operated or is in the lowered position, and removed or raised when the curtain is open and the view is the priority. This periodic deployment aligns guide function with operational needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide system becomes dynamic rather than static, allowing it to appear and disappear from the visual field based on curtain position and operational requirements, thus providing both guidance when needed and unobstructed views when the curtain is open.
3Ease of operation
If temporary guide arrangements are used that can be removed from field of vision, then aesthetics and view are improved, but the guide must be reinstalled when needed
Solution Approach 1:
The guide means are automatically lowered or deployed as part of the curtain operation sequence, and automatically raised or removed when the curtain is opened, eliminating the need for manual installation and removal operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide means are combined with the curtain system itself, sharing the same drive mechanism and control system. The guide deployment is integrated with curtain lowering/opening operations, so one action accomplishes both functions simultaneously.
4Stability of the object's composition
If link chains are deflected downwards to form a temporary guide, then a stable rigid guide is created, but the guide occupies space in the opening
Solution Approach 1:
The guide means utilize flexible link chains or wire ropes that can be deflected into position to form a rigid guide structure when needed, and then collapsed or raised when not needed. These flexible elements provide the necessary rigidity for guidance while occupying minimal space when retracted.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide means are stored in a compact configuration above the curtain pack and deployed vertically into the opening only when needed. This dimensional transition from horizontal storage to vertical deployment minimizes the space occupied in the opening area.
Data Source
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AI summary
On large window and door openings frequently made today, the manufacturers of venetian blinds in particular cannot cover the whole opening with just one blind. Therefore, it is necessary to arrange two or more hangings. However, these must be guided on both sides, and therefore a lateral guide between the two jambs of the opening is necessary. Such a guide is, however, undesirable for aesthetic reasons. According to the invention a temporary guide is created for the edges which need not be guided in the jambs and does this by means of a guide arrangement which can be accommodated rolled-up above the elevating device and can be introduced into the door or window opening.