Universal Window Covering Operating Device With Radial Unidirectional Couplings

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing window covering operating devices, such as chain operations, are vulnerable to wear and not suitable for heavy loads, and lack intuitive operation for upward and downward movements, posing safety and usability issues.

Innovation Solution

The operating device features two independent mechanisms with unidirectional couplings and toothed wheels, allowing for compact and child-proof operation with separate pull cords for upward and downward movements, utilizing flexible arms and activators for radial action and secure locking, and is universally applicable for various window coverings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a chain operation with a chain loop is used, then the screen shaft can be rotated in two opposite directions, but the transmission is vulnerable to wear and not suitable for heavy loads

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmission durabilityVSAvoidoperational intuitiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The operating device is divided into two independent operating mechanisms (first and second), each with its own operating element, movement transfer element, and unidirectional coupling. This segmentation eliminates the wear-prone chain loop while providing intuitive separate control for upward and downward movements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using a bidirectional chain loop that pushes axially, the invention uses unidirectional couplings with flexible arms that act in radial direction. The activators bend the arms outward to engage toothed wheels, inverting the action direction from axial to radial for more robust transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Ease of operation

If a chain operation is used, then the screen can be moved upward and downward, but it lacks child-proof features and intuitive operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational intuitivenessVSAvoidchild-proof safety

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The invention uses simple, robust components like pull cords, cord reels, and unidirectional couplings with flexible arms that are durable and child-proof, replacing the vulnerable chain loop structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If axial direction unidirectional coupling is used, then the transmission can operate, but it is vulnerable to wear and not suitable for heavy load

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetransmission robustnessVSAvoidtransmission compactness

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using axial direction action, the unidirectional couplings act in radial direction. The flexible arms are bent outward by activators to engage toothed wheels on the drive element, providing robust heavy-load capability in a compact radial arrangement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The transmission action is changed from axial direction to radial direction. The flexible arms extend radially from the central body, and activators bend them outward in the radial plane to engage the toothed wheels, achieving compactness while maintaining robustness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP3623567B1Universal operating device for a screen, such as a window covering

Publication Date: 2023.09.06 COULISSE

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AI summary

The invention relates to an operating device (1) for a screen, comprising: a first operating mechanism with a first operating element (7) which is connected to a first movement transfer element connected by means of a first transmission to a drive element (60) for a screen shaft. The first operating mechanism is configured to convert a linear movement of the first operating element to a rotational movement of the drive element for operating the screen shaft in a first rotational direction (R). The operating device (1) further comprises a second operating mechanism comprising a second operating element (8) which is connected to a second movement transfer element connected by means of a second transmission to the drive element (60). The second operating mechanism is configured to convert a linear movement of the second operating element to a rotational movement of the drive element for operating the screen shaft in a second rotational direction (L) opposite to the first rotational direction.