Vertical Blind Retainer Using Flexible Chain for Wind Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vertical blind retaining devices are inadequate in securely holding louvres in an open position against wind-induced movement, leading to noise, misalignment, and potential damage, and existing solutions are either unsightly, inflexible, or inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
A flexible retaining member, such as a ball chain, integrated with a base plate that can be fixed to a wall or window frame, allowing adjustable engagement to securely gather and compress louvres, while also managing pull-cords and tilt control chains to prevent tangling and strangulation hazards.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed bracket retaining device is used to secure blinds in open position, then the blind is secured against wind-induced movement, but the bracket becomes large and unsightly while protruding far enough to catch on clothing or scratch people
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible cord or string instead of a rigid bracket to secure the blind. This flexible element can be tied around the blind slats and anchored to the window frame, providing secure retention while maintaining a sleek profile that does not protrude into the room, thereby eliminating the safety hazards associated with large fixed brackets.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the retaining function from a large fixed bracket and implements it through a separate flexible cord system. This allows the blind to be secured effectively while removing the harmful protruding structure, as the cord can be tied compactly against the window frame rather than extending outward.
2Device complexity
If a fixed size bracket is used, then the device structure is simple, but the capacity to retain different numbers of slats is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a fixed-size bracket to a dynamic, adjustable cord system. The flexible cord can be wrapped around varying numbers of slats and tied at different positions, allowing the same device to adapt to blinds with different numbers of slats without requiring multiple fixed-size brackets.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible cord retaining mechanism serves multiple functions: it can secure different numbers of slats, accommodate various blind sizes, and be installed on different window frame configurations. This universal design replaces the need for multiple specialized fixed brackets.
3Ease of operation
If fabric tie-backs are used to gather vertical blind slats, then the blind can be secured in open position, but the tie-back is not convenient for vertical blinds and does not sit well with the modern style and clean lines
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a simple, minimalistic cord or string that can be easily tied and untied, replacing the more substantial fabric tie-back. This simpler element is more convenient for quick operation with vertical blinds and maintains the clean, modern aesthetic by being less bulky and more discrete.
Data Source
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Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
A device for securing the louvres of a vertical blind is provided. The device comprises a base plate that is adapted for fixing to a surface adjacent the blind and an integral retaining member which is adjustable to releasably secure a variable number of louvres against the base plate.