Window Covering Spring Motor Brake Synchronization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cordless window covering systems face challenges in balancing the load of window panels due to varying forces exerted by spring motors, brakes, and system friction, limiting their use to custom blinds and being expensive, while size-in-store window coverings require a more cost-effective and easily balanced solution.
Innovation Solution
An operating system comprising a spring motor, brake, and lift spool assembly synchronized by an effective shaft, with a one-way clutch and adjustable band brake, allowing for precise control of forces to balance the panel load, enabling use in both custom and size-in-store window coverings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If spring motors and brakes are used to balance window panel load, then panel stability is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the spring motor and brake into a single integrated operating system that shares common components such as the shaft, housing, and mounting structures. This merging reduces the overall system complexity while maintaining the load-balancing function between the spring motor and brake mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The operating system is designed to perform multiple functions using shared components. The shaft serves both the spring motor and brake, the housing provides both structural support and component mounting, and the system as a whole handles both load balancing and panel positioning functions, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
2Ease of operation
If adjustable band brake is used, then ease of adjustment is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism for the band brake is extracted as a separate, accessible component that can be adjusted independently from the main brake assembly. This allows users to make adjustments without disassembling the entire brake system, improving ease of operation while keeping the overall device structure relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The band brake adjustment mechanism is designed to be user-adjustable through accessible adjustment slots, allowing end users to perform maintenance and calibration themselves without requiring specialized tools or expert intervention. This self-service capability improves ease of operation while avoiding the need for complex external adjustment systems.
3Ease of operation
If one-way clutch is used, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The one-way clutch uses simple ball bearings and cam surfaces that can be manufactured with standard tolerances rather than requiring high-precision machining. The design accepts some wear and variation, relying on the fundamental one-way mechanical principle rather than precision-critical features, thereby reducing manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining ease of operation.
4Productivity
If shaft synchronizes multiple components, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple components including the spring motor, brake, and lift spool assembly are synchronized through a single common shaft, merging their rotational motion into one unified element. This eliminates the need for separate drive shafts and synchronization mechanisms for each component, thereby improving operational efficiency while actually reducing overall system complexity through component integration.
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 system effectively balances the load of window panels, allowing for easy adjustment and use in various sizes, reducing costs and expanding applicability beyond custom blinds to size-in-store window coverings, while maintaining panel stability and preventing sagging or creeping.
Implementation Method 1
at least one spring motor
Implementation Method 2
The brake applies a brake force to the shaft that resists movement of the one end of the panel
Implementation Method 3
The one-way clutch may comprise an inner race that is fixed for rotation with the effective shaft and that is selectively coupled for rotation with the outer race
Data Source
AI summary
A window covering includes a head rail that supports a panel by lift cords such that one end of the panel may be raised and lowered relative to the head rail. An operating system controls movement of the panel and includes spools coupled to the lift cords such that rotation of the spools retracts and extends the lift cords. A shaft is connected to a spool of the lift spool assembly and to a brake and a spring motor. The spring motor applies a motor force to the shaft and the brake applies a brake force to the shaft such that the forces generated by the spring motor and brake hold the panel in the desired position.