Tilter Assembly Wand Connector Angled Orientation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional tilter assemblies for horizontal blinds often interfere with the slats due to size constraints within the head rail, causing operational inconvenience and packaging challenges, and the wand connector protrudes during packaging, increasing package size and potential damage risks.
Innovation Solution
A reconfigured tilter assembly with a wand connector positioned at an increased angle relative to the slats and a gear system that allows the tilt shaft to be positioned near the top of the head rail, enabling the wand connector to exit at an angle that clears the slats and allowing additional space for lift system components, with a removable wand connector for packaging efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the wand connector is positioned to exit the head rail at a conventional angle, then the tilter assembly fits within the head rail, but the wand connector interferes with the slats during operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the angular orientation of the wand connector from a conventional angle to an increased angle relative to the slats. This dimensional change in orientation allows the wand connector to exit the head rail at a steeper angle, clearing the slats during operation while maintaining compact fit within the head rail structure.
2Ease of operation
If the wand connector protrudes from the head rail, then the tilter assembly is accessible for operation, but the package size increases and damage risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the wand connector by changing its angular orientation relative to the head rail and slats. This allows the connector to maintain accessibility for operation while minimizing its projection during packaging, thereby reducing package size and damage risks.
Solution Approach 2:
The wand connector is designed as a separate, removable component that can be detached from the tilter assembly. This segmentation allows the connector to be stored separately during packaging, reducing the overall package volume and minimizing damage risks while maintaining operational accessibility when installed.
3Area of stationary object
If the tilt shaft is positioned at the top of the head rail, then additional space is created for lift system components, but the gear system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an idler gear as an intermediary component between the worm gear and the drive gear. This idler gear facilitates the repositioning of the tilt shaft to the top of the head rail while maintaining the functional integrity of the gear system, effectively mediating the spatial reconfiguration and enabling additional space for lift system components.
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 solution prevents interference with the slats during operation and reduces packaging complexity by allowing a smaller package size, minimizing damage risks and optimizing space within the head rail.
Implementation Method 1
a wand shaft operatively connected to a worm gear and having an axis of rotation
Implementation Method 2
A drive gear is operatively connected to a tilt shaft. At least one idler gear connects the worm gear to the drive gear
Data Source
AI summary
A window covering comprises a head rail and slats that are suspended from the head rail and have a plurality of edges that define a front plane. A tilter assembly is operatively connected to the slats for tilting the slats and comprises a wand shaft operatively connected to a worm gear. A drive gear operatively connected to a tilt shaft, and at least one idler gear connects the worm gear to the drive gear. The axis of rotation of the wand shaft is disposed at an angle relative to the plane to space a wand controller from the front plane. The wand shaft may include a wand connector that is releasably connected to the tilter assembly.