Concealed Fastener Mounting for Window Actuator Buttons
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing window covering systems face challenges in securely and inconspicuously mounting actuator buttons on rails, with visible fasteners and complex precise location requirements for brake mechanisms, which complicate the assembly and aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
A cordless window covering system with concealed fasteners and a brake mechanism that allows the actuator button to function regardless of its precise location relative to the brake, using a housing base, slide element, coil spring, and splined sleeve to secure the brake to the rail, with a cover that snaps onto the base for firm mounting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If fasteners are used to secure the actuator button onto the rail, then the button is securely mounted, but the fasteners are visible and compromise aesthetics
Solution Approach 1:
The fasteners are extracted from the visible exterior and relocated to the interior of the rail. The button housing includes interior fastening elements that engage with the rail from inside, completely hiding the fastening mechanism from external view while maintaining secure mounting.
Solution Approach 2:
The fastening mechanism is nested within the button housing structure. The housing contains internal fastening elements that are housed within the rail's interior space, creating a nested arrangement where the mounting hardware is contained within the overall assembly rather than being exposed on the exterior.
2Reliability
If the brake mechanism requires precise location relative to the actuator button, then the braking function is accurate, but the assembly becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The brake mechanism is made dynamic rather than fixed. The brake portion can slide along the rail to different positions, and the actuator button can be located at various points along the rail. The system adapts to different configurations while maintaining functional reliability through the slide element that connects the button to the brake mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator button serves multiple functions: it acts as the user interface for operating the brake and simultaneously serves as a mounting element that can be positioned at various locations along the rail. The universal design allows the same button structure to function regardless of its precise location relative to the brake mechanism.
3Reliability
If the actuator button is firmly secured to the rail, then the mounting is reliable, but the installation process becomes time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The button housing is pre-assembled with the fastening elements attached to the interior of the rail before the button itself is installed. This preliminary action allows the housing to be positioned and secured to the rail first, and then the button is simply snap-fit or inserted into the housing, significantly reducing the overall installation time while maintaining secure mounting.
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
The solution provides a simple, secure, and aesthetically pleasing method for mounting actuator buttons on window covering rails, ensuring reliable operation while hiding fasteners from view and allowing flexible brake placement, enhancing user convenience and assembly efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a coil spring biased within the component housing to bias the slide element
Implementation Method 2
a snap-fit connection to snap the cover onto the base of the component housing
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
An arrangement for mounting an actuator button (120,214) to a bottom rail (102) of a window covering wherein the fastener (138,218) for securing the button housing (118,220) to the rail (102) is hidden from view of the user.