Traverse Rod Ring-and-Carrier Layout Without Internal Tracks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing traverse rod systems are complex and costly to manufacture due to the need for internal tracks and additional supporting structures to conceal the cord and carriers, which also compromise the aesthetic appeal by creating a busy appearance.
Innovation Solution
A simplified traverse rod system where rings encircle the rod directly, with a cord carrier suspended through an opening in the tube, allowing the rings to slide along the rod's surface without external tracks, using edge guards or low-friction linings for smooth operation and aesthetic protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If internal tracks and additional supporting structures are added to conceal the cord and carriers, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and removes the internal tracks and additional supporting structures from the system. Instead of concealing the cord and carriers within the rod, the design allows them to be externally visible, thereby eliminating the complex internal track system and reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining aesthetic appeal through a different design approach.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention inverts the conventional approach by not concealing the operational components (cord and carriers) but rather designing them to be externally visible and aesthetically acceptable. This reversal eliminates the need for internal tracks and complex buttressing structures, simplifying the overall system.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If rings are held at a distance from the traverse rod using tracks and carriers, then the rod surface is protected from erosion, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the internal tracks and carrier structures that were previously used to hold rings at a distance from the rod. Instead, the rings are allowed to contact the rod surface directly, eliminating the need for complex supporting structures while accepting the trade-off of potential surface wear.
Solution Approach 2:
The rod surface serves its own function by providing the bearing surface for the rings to slide upon. The rod's own exterior surface is used to support ring movement without requiring additional tracks or carriers, thereby simplifying the system.
3Ease of manufacture
If external fascias or wooden rods are used to conceal the workings, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the device complexity and number of parts increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the external fascias and separate wooden rod components. The design accepts the operational components (cord and carriers) as visible elements and designs them to be aesthetically acceptable, thereby removing the need for additional concealing structures and reducing the total number of parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention merges the aesthetic and functional elements into a unified design where the operational components (cord and carriers) are designed to be both functional and aesthetically acceptable, eliminating the need for separate decorative fascias or outer rods.
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
This design simplifies the system, reduces manufacturing costs, and maintains aesthetic appeal by eliminating the need for internal tracks and additional structures, while ensuring smooth operation and protecting the rod's surface.
Implementation Method 1
The bearing surface may include one or more edge guards that envelop each of the first and second longitudinal edges. In this embodiment, the rings may bear upon the edge guards rather than directly upon the tube exterior, thereby protecting the tube exterior from wear during operation of the traverse rod system.
Implementation Method 2
In another embodiment, inner diameters of the rings may include low-friction linings to achieve a similar purpose.
Data Source
AI summary
A traverse rod system for manipulating one or more hanging objects is provided. The traverse rod system includes a hollow longitudinally extending tube having an opening that extends along an upper length of the tube as well as a number of rings that at least partially encircle the tube and that are directly or indirectly coupled with one or more hanging objects. A cord is suspended within the tube and secured by one or more cord carriers, each having a top portion that attaches to one of the rings and a bottom portion that is freely suspended through the opening and into the hollow tube such that other than the cord and the cord carriers, an interior of the hollow tube remains substantially free of structure relating to the traverse rod system. Movement of the cord causes the cord carriers to traverse an interior of the tube while the attached rings traverse an exterior of the tube. As a result, the hanging object(s) move in connection with the cord and the cord carriers in a desired direction or directions.