Translating Support Connector for Adjustable Multi-Band Roller Shades
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing roller shade systems face issues with damage from excessive force, chain breakage due to back-driving momentum, and difficulties in maintaining alignment and adjusting individual shade bands in multi-banded systems.
Innovation Solution
The improved roller shade system incorporates a slip plate mechanism to absorb excessive force, tube adapters made of dampening material to mitigate chain breakage, and a center-drive mechanism and adjustable support connectors to facilitate easier installation and adjustment of shade bands.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a traditional rigid support connector is used to maintain alignment, then structural stability is improved, but damage from excessive force increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support connector changes its structural parameters dynamically: it maintains a rigid aligned state during normal operation, but transitions to a slipped/misaligned state when excessive force is detected, thereby protecting the system from damage while maintaining alignment stability during normal use
Solution Approach 2:
The slip plate mechanism converts the harmful effect of excessive force into a protective feature: when excessive force is applied, the intentional misalignment or slipping of the support connector prevents transmission of damaging forces to other critical components, transforming potential harm into system protection
2Reliability
If a fixed support connector is used to maintain system integrity, then reliability is improved, but chain breakage due to back-driving momentum increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support connector transitions from a static fixed connection to a dynamic adjustable connection that can slip or misalign when subjected to back-driving momentum, allowing the system to absorb reverse forces without compromising overall integrity or causing chain breakage
3Adaptability or versatility
If individual shade bands are made adjustable, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support connector is divided into separable components (such as the slip plate and connection elements) that can be independently adjusted or removed, allowing individual shade bands to be adjusted without affecting the entire system, thereby achieving adaptability while keeping each segment relatively simple
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 effectively reduces damage from excessive force, minimizes chain breakage, and allows for easier installation and adjustment of shade bands, enhancing the overall reliability and usability of roller shade systems.
Implementation Method 1
tube adapters made of dampening material to mitigate chain breakage
Data Source
AI summary
A support connector system comprising a shaft having a first portion configured to be received into a first shade band; and the shaft having a second portion configured to be received into a second shade band, wherein the first portion is configured to translate out of the first shade band and translate into the second shade band, and wherein the first portion is configured to be received into the second portion.