Winding Roller Blocking Elements for Screen Cord Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for winding and unwinding raising cords of window coverings require mutual alignment of multiple winding rollers before assembly, which complicates the assembly process and necessitates fixed mounting on a shaft for use.

Innovation Solution

Incorporation of movable blocking elements on each winding roller that can be switched between an assembly position blocking rotation and a position of use blocking translation, allowing for simplified alignment and secure mounting on a shaft.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If winding rollers are made freely rotatable on the shaft, then the device is ready for use, but mutual alignment of winding rollers becomes necessary prior to assembly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereadiness for useVSAvoidalignment requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking elements are pre-positioned on the winding rollers in the assembly position, automatically blocking rotation before the rollers are mounted on the shaft. This preliminary action ensures that all rollers are pre-aligned during manufacturing, eliminating the need for alignment during assembly while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of manufacture

If blocking elements protrude from the housing in assembly position, then winding roller alignment is facilitated, but housing longitudinal opening must be wider

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment facilitationVSAvoidhousing opening width
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking function is segmented from the main housing structure and integrated directly onto the winding rollers as separate components. This allows the blocking elements to protrude only as much as necessary for alignment during assembly, while the housing itself maintains a narrow profile. The blocking elements become part of the roller assembly rather than the housing structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Extent of automation

If blocking elements are movable between assembly position and position of use, then winding rollers can be automatically aligned and securely fixed, but device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic alignmentVSAvoidmovable blocking mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking elements are designed as movable components that can transition between two positions: protruding from the roller in the assembly position to block rotation and facilitate alignment, and retracted into the roller in the position of use to allow free rotation. This dynamic behavior is achieved through simple spring-loaded or cam-based mechanisms that automatically shift the blocking elements as the roller is mounted on the shaft, providing automatic alignment without complex control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Facilitates easier and more streamlined assembly by ensuring automatic orientation of winding rollers and secure fixation on the shaft, enhancing usability and aesthetic appeal by maintaining a narrow housing design.

Implementation Method 1

each blocking element is provided with resilient legs provided with barbs

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2405096B1Device for winding up and unwinding raising cords of a screen such as a window covering
Publication Date: 2013.08.28 COULISSE
  • EP2405096B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2405096B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2405096B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a device (1) for winding up and unwinding raising cords of a screen, comprising: an elongate housing (2); a shaft (3) intended for rotation in the housing; a number of winding rollers (4) which are coaxially mountable on the shaft for winding up and unwinding the raising cords (5) and which are adapted for releasable fastening of the raising cords; a number of winding roller holders (6) for bearing-mounted support of the winding rollers, which winding roller holders are adapted to be received in the housing. The device further comprises a number of blocking elements (10), each arranged on one of the winding rollers, for blocking one of the degrees of freedom of movement of the winding rollers, wherein each blocking element is movable between an assembly position, in which the respective winding roller is blocked against rotation, and a position of use in which the respective winding roller is blocked against translation, wherein the blocking elements are adapted for releasable fastening of one of the raising cords.