Vertical blinds
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vertical blinds structures have high manufacturing costs and complex assembly due to the need for pulleys and slide tracks that require precise matching, increasing packaging volume and difficulty in installation.
Innovation Solution
A vertical blind structure featuring an adjustable upper track with inner and outer tracks connected by a connecting track, equipped with clamping members and sliding tracks with positioning and limiting grooves, using hook-and-loop fastening strips for curtain trim and elastic buffering pieces for secure blade mounting, allowing for adjustable length and easy assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If pulleys and slide tracks are used in conventional vertical blinds, then the blinds can slide smoothly, but the manufacturing costs increase and packaging volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the pulley component from the system entirely. Instead of using pulleys that slide within tracks, the invention uses a direct sliding mechanism where the blind rail itself slides along the mounting track through integrated sliding blocks, eliminating unnecessary components and reducing packaging volume.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the rail and sliding mechanism into a single integrated structure. The sliding blocks are directly attached to the rail, merging the function of separate components (pulley, track, mounting hardware) into a unified assembly that reduces overall volume and simplifies packaging.
2Reliability
If pulleys and slide tracks with precise matching are used, then the blinds can operate reliably, but the assembly difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the blind system into modular segments including separate rails, sliding blocks, and mounting brackets that can be assembled independently. Each component has standardized connection interfaces that simplify assembly while maintaining reliable operation through precise geometric fitting.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses sliding blocks as intermediary components that facilitate the connection between the rail and mounting track. These blocks serve as mediators that transfer motion and force while accommodating slight variations in manufacturing tolerances, ensuring reliable operation without requiring extremely precise matching between all components.
3Reliability
If conventional slide track structures are used, then the blinds can function properly, but the manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs simple, easily manufactured sliding blocks made from common materials that can be produced cost-effectively. Rather than using complex pulley mechanisms requiring precision machining, the invention uses straightforward geometric forms that are cheaper to manufacture while maintaining adequate functional performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the design parameters from complex curved pulley surfaces to simple linear sliding surfaces. This parameter change simplifies the manufacturing process, reduces material requirements, and lowers production costs while maintaining the essential sliding function through alternative geometric configurations.
Data Source
AI summary
A vertical blind structure has: an upper track, at least one track set and a plurality of blades. The upper track with an adjustable length has an inner track and an outer track, and the inner track and the outer track are disposed on a same side and connected to each other with a connecting track. The inner and outer tracks of the upper track respectively have an engaging portion and further have a plurality of clamping members. The at least one track set has a plurality of sliding tracks parallel with each other, and each sliding track has a positioning groove and a corresponding limiting groove at two opposite sides and a storing groove at a bottom side. An end of each positioning groove of the sliding track comprises a sliding block.