Nested Two-Column Cellular Shade for Large Cells and Hidden Cords
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cellular shades face challenges in providing a unique aesthetic appeal while accommodating large cells and keeping drawstrings concealed, as most designs with large cells are aesthetically unpleasing when retracted and lack the insulating properties of traditional cellular shades, and exposed drawstrings pose safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
A cellular shade design featuring two columns of cell structures where the second column is offset and larger, allowing for a billowing front face and enhanced insulation, with lift cords integrated within the first column to remain enclosed, preventing exposure and enabling a compact retraction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the cell size is increased to provide better insulation and aesthetic appeal, then the insulating properties and visual appeal are improved, but the cells become too wide for the architectural opening when retracted
Solution Approach 1:
The cellular shade is divided into two distinct columns of cells with different functions. The first column contains smaller cells that provide structural support and house the lift cords, while the second column contains larger cells that provide insulation and aesthetic appeal. This segmentation allows each column to be optimized for its specific function without compromising the other.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a second column dimension to the traditional single-column cellular shade design. By adding this additional dimension, the larger insulating cells can extend further into the architectural opening without increasing the retracted stack width, as the larger cells are positioned in the second column rather than expanding the first column's width.
2Device complexity
If traditional single-column cellular shades are used, then the construction is simple, but the drawstrings are exposed on the backside creating safety hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The lift cords are nested within the cells of the first column, specifically enclosed within the cell structures. This nesting approach hides the lift cords from view and prevents exposure on the backside of the shade, eliminating the safety hazard while maintaining a clean aesthetic appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The first column of cells acts as an intermediary structure between the lift cords and the external environment. By positioning the lift cords within this intermediate column structure, the system mediates between the functional requirement of cord operation and the safety requirement of cord concealment.
3Shape
If Roman shades with large billowing front faces are used, then the aesthetic appeal is improved, but they do not provide insulating properties and have exposed drawstrings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the aesthetic benefits of Roman shades with the insulating properties of cellular shades by combining two columns of cells. The second column provides large billowing front faces for aesthetic appeal while maintaining the cellular structure for insulation, and the integrated cord system eliminates exposed drawstrings.
Solution Approach 2:
The two-column cellular shade structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: the first column provides structural support and cord concealment, while the second column provides insulation and aesthetic appeal. This multi-functionality allows a single product to achieve what previously required multiple different shade types.
Data Source
AI summary
An expandable and contractable shade assembly includes at least a first column of cell structures aligned vertically one above another and a second column of cell structures also aligned vertically one above the other. The second column of cell structures can be positioned offset and nested with the first cell structures such that each second cell structure may be positioned in between two adjacent of the first cell structures. One or more lift cords may be encased or contained within the first cell structures. The first cell structures not only have lift cords but also provide the product with added integrity.