Window Shade Brake Actuating System for Reduced User Effort
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing window shades require increased user effort due to the braking force of the arrester creating resistance against the rotation of the drive axle when raising the bottom part, necessitating a higher pulling force.
Innovation Solution
An actuating system for window shades that includes a transmission axle, a braking spring with an engaged and release state, a brake actuating mechanism with a switching actuator, and a detent mechanism to reduce internal friction and facilitate easy operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a braking spring is used to hold the transmission axle in position, then the window shade can be held at any desired position, but the braking force creates resistance against rotation when raising the bottom part, requiring increased user effort
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically switches the braking spring between an engaged state (when the bottom part is stationary) and a disengaged state (when the bottom part is being raised). The switching actuator allows the braking spring to be temporarily disengaged during operation to reduce resistance, then re-engaged to maintain position, thus resolving the contradiction between position holding capability and ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The detent mechanism applies a biasing force that assists the switching actuator in overcoming the braking force during operation. This preliminary assistance reduces the user effort required to switch the braking spring state and operate the window shade, addressing the ease of operation concern while maintaining the position holding function
2Stability of the object's composition
If the braking spring is continuously engaged to prevent rotation, then the window shade remains stable, but the user cannot easily raise or lower the bottom part
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from a static braking state to a dynamic switching mechanism where the braking spring can be temporarily disengaged during operation. This allows the window shade to be stable when stationary while enabling smooth operation when the user wants to raise or lower the bottom part
Solution Approach 2:
The switching actuator serves as an intermediary between the user's operation and the braking spring. It mediates the transition between engaged and disengaged states, allowing smooth operation by temporarily removing the braking resistance while maintaining stability when engaged
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 reduces the effort required to operate the window shade by minimizing friction during the raising and lowering of the bottom part, enhancing user convenience.
Implementation Method 1
a braking spring having an engaged state adapted to prevent rotation of the transmission axle and a release state allowing rotation of the transmission axle
Implementation Method 2
The detent mechanism is switchable between a first biasing state where the detent mechanism applies a first biasing force that assists in keeping the switching actuator in the first position, and a second biasing state where the detent mechanism applies a second biasing force that assists in keeping the switching actuator in the second position
Implementation Method 3
which can be transmitted to a drive axle so that the drive axle can rotate for winding a suspension cord connected with the bottom part. When a user rotates the wand, an arrester coupled to the wand can release the drive axle, which can accordingly rotate as the bottom part lowers under gravity action
Data Source
AI summary
An actuating system for a window shade includes a transmission axle, a braking spring having an engaged state adapted to prevent rotation of the transmission axle and a release state allowing rotation of the transmission axle, a brake actuating mechanism including a switching actuator operable between a first and a second position to switch the braking spring between the engaged state and the release state, the first position corresponding to the engaged state, and the second position corresponding to the release state, and a detent mechanism coupled to the brake actuating mechanism. The detent mechanism is switchable between a first biasing state where the detent mechanism applies a first biasing force that assists in keeping the switching actuator in the first position, and a second biasing state where the detent mechanism applies a second biasing force that assists in keeping the switching actuator in the second position.