Slim Window Blind Bracket With Resilient Tab
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing window blind mounting brackets for 'in-recess' positions are bulky and require additional securing means, making them difficult to position correctly for varying architectural opening sizes and blind head rail heights, and are not easily adaptable to different measurements.
Innovation Solution
A slim, versatile bracket design featuring a stopper flange and positioning flange that allows the blind head rail to slide vertically or horizontally, with a resilient tab that flexes to secure the blind and prevent rotation, and an optional through opening for attaching to existing posts, eliminating the need for additional securing means.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional brackets are used for in-recess mounting, then the blind assembly can be securely mounted, but the brackets become bulky and require additional securing means
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated bracket structure. The bracket includes a mounting surface for securing to the fixed surface, a blind carrying surface for supporting the blind assembly, and an integrated securing mechanism through the resilient tab that engages with the blind head rail. This eliminates the need for separate side guiding profiles and multiple securing components, resolving the contradiction between mounting security and structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket is designed to perform multiple functions: mounting to the fixed surface, carrying the blind assembly, providing lateral guidance, and preventing downward movement. The resilient tab serves both as a positioning element and a securing mechanism. This multi-functionality allows the bracket to achieve reliable mounting without requiring additional specialized components, thus reducing device complexity while maintaining security.
2Reliability
If traditional brackets with side guiding profiles are used, then the blind assembly can be prevented from sliding back, but the installation becomes more difficult and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the anti-sliding function directly into the bracket structure through the resilient tab mechanism. The tab is resiliently engaged to the bracket body and can be flexed to allow insertion of the blind head rail, then automatically secures it in position. This eliminates the need for separate side guiding profiles that would require additional installation steps, thus improving installation speed while maintaining anti-sliding capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient tab provides self-securing functionality. As the blind head rail is inserted and passes the tab, the tab automatically flexes and locks into position, preventing the blind from sliding back without requiring additional manual securing operations. This self-service mechanism simplifies installation and increases productivity while ensuring reliable anti-sliding performance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If bulky brackets are used to accommodate various opening sizes, then adaptability is improved, but the brackets become more visible and aesthetically less desirable
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket incorporates a resilient tab that can flex dynamically to accommodate different blind head rail positions and opening sizes. The resilience allows the tab to adapt to varying measurements without requiring multiple bracket sizes or bulky adjustment mechanisms. This dynamic property enables the bracket to maintain a slim, aesthetically pleasing profile while remaining adaptable to different architectural openings.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket design allows for parameter changes in the position and orientation of the resilient tab relative to the bracket body. This enables the same slim bracket structure to accommodate various opening sizes and blind heights by adjusting the engagement point, rather than requiring bulky brackets with fixed geometries. The parameter adaptability maintains both aesthetics and versatility.
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 bracket allows easy and precise installation of window blinds in 'in-recess' positions without visible securing elements, accommodating various architectural opening sizes and blind heights, and can be adapted to existing window frames without requiring removal of posts, ensuring proper positioning and stability.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient tab (11) formed on the base and resiliently flexing between a secured position in which the tab secures the blind to the bracket and a release position in which the tab releases the blind from the bracket
Data Source
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AI summary
A bracket (1,101,201) for supporting a covering assembly for an architectural opening such as a window. The bracket comprises a base mountable (9,109,209) to a fixed surface adjacent the architectural opening (5A,105A) and a tab (11,111,211) projecting from the base and capable of supportably engaging a first or horizontal surface (43) at a first end (39) of the covering assembly when mounted to the bracket.