Thermoformable Slat Vane Covering for Rollable Architectural Shades
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cellular shades for architectural openings are limited in that they can only be stored in a vertically stacked position, which does not allow for complete hiding from view and exposes them to dust and sun damage when retracted.
Innovation Solution
A covering system featuring a panel with thermoformable slats or vanes that can be wound around a support tube, allowing for both retracted and stacked configurations, providing insulation and aesthetic benefits while being hidden from view and protected from damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If cellular shades are stored in a vertically stacked position, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the shades are exposed to dust and sun damage and cannot be hidden from view
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by allowing the cellular shade panel to be wound around and stored within a support tube. The panel is configured to wrap around the tube in a compact configuration, effectively hiding it from view and protecting it from environmental factors. This nested storage solution resolves the contradiction by providing both protection and compact storage while maintaining manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from traditional vertical stacking (one-dimensional storage) to wrapping around a support tube (two-dimensional cylindrical storage). This dimensional change allows the panel to be compacted more effectively and hidden from view, while the support tube provides structural protection against dust and sun damage during retraction.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If cellular shades are wound around a support tube, then the shades can be hidden from view and protected, but the cells may be damaged and prevented from opening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the vanes flexible and capable of changing configuration. The vanes are designed to collapse into a compact form when wound around the support tube for storage, yet automatically return to their extended, functional configuration when the panel is deployed. This dynamic transformation ensures both protection during storage and reliable cell opening during use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes by transforming the physical state of the vanes between collapsed and extended configurations. When retracted, the vanes are compressed into a compact state suitable for winding around the tube; when extended, they return to their operational state with proper spacing and orientation. This parameter transformation resolves the contradiction between compact storage and functional reliability.
3Volume of stationary object
If the panel is retracted to a stacked configuration, then storage space is required, but the panel cannot be fully hidden and remains visible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by winding the panel around a support tube, creating a compact cylindrical storage configuration. This nested arrangement significantly reduces the volume required for storage compared to traditional stacking, and completely hides the panel from view when retracted, resolving both the storage space and visibility concerns.
4Device complexity
If conventional cellular shades are used, then the structure is simple, but insulation and light control properties are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining multiple functional layers within the panel construction, including vanes with insulating properties and light-blocking materials. This composite structure enhances insulation and light control performance while maintaining relative structural simplicity through integrated design, resolving the contradiction between simplicity and performance.
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
The system allows for a compact, hidden storage and protection of the panel when retracted, maintaining a consistent appearance during extension and retraction, and offering improved insulation and light control properties.
Implementation Method 1
The vane includes a support member having elastic resilience to maintain the vane in an extended position away from the support sheet
Implementation Method 2
The support member may be a thermoformable material that may become partially or substantially resilient after being heated and molded around the support tube
Implementation Method 3
heating and molding around the support tube... Upon cooling, the support members may maintain the general shape of the support tube
Data Source
AI summary
A covering for an architectural opening including a support tube and a panel operably connected to the support tube and configured to be wound around the support tube. The panel includes a support sheet and at least one vane or slat connected to the support sheet. The at least one vane includes a vane material operably connected to a first side of the support sheet and a support member operably connected to the vane material and configured to support the vane material at a distance away from the support sheet when the panel is in an extended position with respect to the support tube.