Slim Venetian Blind Top Element with Rotatory Tilt Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Traditional Venetian blind mechanisms often result in a bulky top element due to the diameter of the tilting wheel, which limits the aperture for light admittance and is mechanically complex, making it less flexible for user operation.

Innovation Solution

A slim top element design featuring a rotatory member with an axis parallel to the height direction, interacting with a second assembly member that moves between end positions to rotate the rotatory member, utilizing a rack and pinion mechanism to minimize height and enhance operational simplicity, allowing for tilting slats with reduced mechanical complexity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a traditional tilting wheel mechanism is used, then the slats can be tilted effectively, but the top element becomes bulky and complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveslat tilting operationVSAvoidmechanical complexity of top element
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the essential tilting function from the complex traditional wheel mechanism. Instead of using a complete wheel with circumference, it employs a segmented tilting mechanism where individual tilting elements are distributed along the top element, each handling a portion of the slat tilting task. This extraction reduces overall mechanical complexity while maintaining operational effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The tilting mechanism is divided into multiple independent tilting elements arranged along the top element. Each tilting element can operate independently to tilt adjacent slats, rather than relying on a single large wheel. This segmentation allows for a slimmer profile and reduced mechanical complexity while preserving the ability to tilt all slats effectively.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If a traditional tilting wheel mechanism is used, then the slats can be tilted effectively, but the top element height increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveslat tilting operationVSAvoidheight of top element
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a circumferential wheel-based tilting mechanism to a linear arrangement of tilting elements along the longitudinal axis of the top element. By changing the dimensional approach from rotational (wheel circumference) to linear (distribution along length), the mechanism achieves the same tilting function with reduced height, allowing the top element to maintain a slim profile.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Area of stationary object

If a slim top element design is used, then light admittance is increased, but the mechanism for tilting slats becomes more constrained

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaperture for light admittanceVSAvoidconstraint on tilting mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies local quality by distributing multiple specialized tilting elements along the top element, each optimized for its local position. Instead of one complex centralized mechanism, each local tilting element is simple and tailored to its specific location, enabling effective slat tilting within the constrained slim profile while maximizing light admittance through the reduced top element height.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 reduces the height of the top element, maintaining flexibility in light regulation while simplifying the tilting mechanism, allowing for easier operation and increased light admittance without compromising the screening functionality.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing a rack and pinion mechanism to minimize height and enhance operational simplicity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRack and pinion mechanism: Rack and Pinion

Data Source

PatentEP2307653B1Screening arrangement with a rotatory member accommodating a tilt cord
Publication Date: 2014.08.20 VKR HOLDING AS
  • EP2307653B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2307653B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2307653B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a screening arrangement comprising a plurality of tiltable slats adapted to at least partly screening the aperture of the frame, and a tilt cord in connection with said slats, a mechanism in connection with said tilt cord in order to tilt said slats between a first and a second predetermined position, wherein said tilt cord being connected to a rotatory member accommodated in said top element, which rotatory member has an axis of rotation being substantially parallel to the height direction of said top element.