Twist Release Safety Stop Ball for Window Cord Entanglement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing window covering systems do not effectively prevent hanging or choking hazards when children or pets become entangled in lift cords, as they lack a mechanism to automatically release the cords in case of entanglement or contact with the stop ball.
Innovation Solution
A safety stop ball design that allows lift cords to be easily assembled and features a mechanism where the cords are released when an object pushes against the top lid or becomes entangled, using a post, nut, and spring system to automatically disengage the cords from the stop ball, preventing choking hazards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional stop ball design is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot automatically release lift cords when entanglement occurs, creating a safety hazard
Solution Approach 1:
The stop ball incorporates a dynamic release mechanism where the cord clamps can automatically transition from a locked to an unlocked state. The spring-loaded clamps are designed to move dynamically in response to force applied to the stop ball, enabling automatic cord release when pushed downward, thus transforming a static structure into a dynamic safety system.
Solution Approach 2:
The stop ball is designed to automatically release the lift cords through its own internal mechanism when force is applied to its exterior. The spring-loaded clamps self-actuate upon downward pressure on the stop ball body, eliminating the need for external intervention or complex control systems to achieve the safety function.
2Reliability
If lift cords are securely retained in the stop ball, then the window covering operates reliably, but the cords cannot be released in case of emergency
Solution Approach 1:
The cord retention system uses spring-loaded clamps that can dynamically adjust their grip on the lift cords. During normal operation, the springs maintain strong retention force. When downward force is applied to the stop ball, the clamps dynamically shift position to release the cords, providing both secure retention and emergency release capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded clamp design incorporates preliminary anti-action by pre-positioning the clamps in a locked state that actively grips the cords. The spring force is calibrated to maintain retention under normal conditions but to yield and release when sufficient external force is applied, thus preventing harmful entanglement effects.
3Ease of manufacture
If multiple lift cords are individually managed, then each cord can be controlled, but the assembly process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The stop ball design merges multiple cord management functions into a single integrated device. Multiple lift cords are simultaneously retained and controlled by a common set of spring-loaded clamps mounted on the stop ball, eliminating the need for separate management systems for each cord and simplifying both assembly and operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The stop ball serves multiple functions: it acts as a cord retention device, a control mechanism, and an emergency release system all in one component. The spring-loaded clamps universally secure multiple different cords simultaneously, and the same structure provides the emergency release function, reducing overall system complexity.
4Device complexity
If the stop ball requires direct contact to release cords, then the release mechanism is simple, but it cannot prevent hazards when objects become entangled in cords
Solution Approach 1:
The stop ball body acts as an intermediary between external force and the cord release mechanism. When an object becomes entangled in the cords, the downward force is transmitted through the cords to the stop ball, which then mediates this force to trigger the spring-loaded clamps to release, preventing direct contact between the object and the release mechanism while still enabling hazard prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
The design replaces a direct mechanical contact release system with an indirect force-transmission system. Instead of requiring direct contact between the releasing object and the clamp mechanism, the system uses the stop ball as a force transmission element that converts indirect force (from entangled objects) into the mechanical action needed to release the cords.
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 safety stop ball effectively releases lift cords when an object becomes entangled or pushes against the top lid, eliminating the risk of hanging or choking hazards without requiring direct contact with the stop ball, ensuring user safety.
Implementation Method 1
a nut is biased against the post head by a spring
Implementation Method 2
a nut is biased against the post head by a spring
Data Source
AI summary
A safety stop ball includes a post and a nut which travels along a spiral path relative to the post. The nut and the post are biased toward each other to retain the ends of lift cords. As the nut is displaced relative to the post, the lift cords are released.