Window Slat with Pressure Contact Part for Tool-Free Installation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional blinds have fixed slat sizes and require complex installation processes, making it difficult for users to adjust the number of slats according to window size and requiring tools for assembly, while also being prone to wind-induced noise and damage due to uniform slat operation and lack of flexible shielding options.

Innovation Solution

A standalone slat system with a pressure contact part, featuring an extendable and retractable tension rod or screw mechanism, allowing users to adjust the slat length and angle manually, enabling flexible assembly and operation without tools, and preventing wind-induced issues.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional blinds use fixed slat sizes and require bracket installation, then the blind structure is stable and complete, but it becomes difficult for users to adjust the number of slats according to window size and requires tools for assembly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustability of slat number to window sizeVSAvoidinstallation process complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The blind system is divided into independent slat units, each with its own pressure contact part. Users can selectively install the required number of slats according to window size without needing to assemble a complete blind set, thereby improving adaptability while maintaining simple installation procedures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If conventional blinds cover the entire window surface with multiple slats, then the shielding is complete, but the number of slats increases making cleaning and maintenance difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflexibility in shielding coverageVSAvoidcleaning and maintenance ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The blind is composed of independent slat units that can be selectively installed. Users can install only the number of slats needed for their window, reducing the total number of slats compared to conventional blinds that cover the entire window surface. This segmentation makes cleaning and maintenance easier while still providing flexible shielding coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The pressure contact part allows each slat to be independently adjusted and positioned. This dynamic adjustment capability enables users to optimize the number and position of slats for both shielding effectiveness and ease of maintenance, rather than being fixed with a predetermined full-coverage configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If conventional blinds have slats configured to open or close simultaneously at the same angle, then the operation is simple, but the slats cannot be adjusted to partially open or close for partial shielding

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of operationVSAvoidpartial shielding capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

Each slat is equipped with an independent pressure contact part that allows individual adjustment. Users can open or close each slat independently to different angles, enabling partial shielding of specific window areas while maintaining simple manual operation without requiring complex synchronized mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The pressure contact part provides dynamic adjustment capability for each slat, allowing users to set different opening angles for different slats according to their needs. This maintains operational simplicity while achieving versatile partial shielding functionality that conventional synchronized blinds cannot provide.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Weight of moving object

If conventional blinds use slats made of thin metal plates or cloths, then the slats are lightweight and easy to manufacture, but cleaning and maintenance needs delicate care

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveslat weightVSAvoidmaintenance delicacy

Core Design Contradiction:

Weight of moving objectVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The blind system uses a reduced number of independent slat units rather than numerous thin slats covering the entire window. This segmentation approach maintains lightweight construction while reducing the total number of delicate components that require careful maintenance, thereby improving ease of cleaning and repair.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

5Reliability

If conventional blinds are installed by securing the headrail to a bracket, then the blind is stable and secure, but a tool such as a driver is required and the bracket tends to be installed in high places making installation difficult for general users

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation stabilityVSAvoidinstallation ease for general users

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The pressure contact part is designed to enable tool-free installation by users themselves. The self-adjusting mechanism allows users to easily install and adjust slats according to their own needs without requiring professional installation tools or skills, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining reliable installation through the pressure contact mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

6Adaptability or versatility

If conventional blinds have slats likely to be fanned by winds when window is opened, then the slats provide complete coverage, but they make unpleasant sounds when colliding with nearby sash and potentially causing damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomplete window coverageVSAvoidwind-induced noise and damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The blind uses a reduced number of independent slat units with pressure contact parts rather than numerous thin slats. This segmentation provides sufficient coverage to prevent wind from fanning through while reducing the number of slats that can collide with the sash, thereby minimizing noise and potential damage while maintaining complete window coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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

Enables users to customize the number and arrangement of slats to fit any window size, facilitating DIY assembly, reducing noise and damage from wind, and allowing for adjustable shielding and design flexibility.

Implementation Method 1

The pressure contact part is constituted by a commercially-available extendable and retractable tension rod

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTension: Tension

Implementation Method 2

a hollow cylinder is provided for housing the tension rod biased along a longitudinal direction of the wing portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS10538960B2Slat with pressure contact part and blind using same

Publication Date: 2020.01.21 BUNKA INC

AI summary

A slat for use in a window frame having opposing walls may include a wing portion structured to block light, the wing portion having a first end in a longitudinal direction and a second end opposite to the first end; and a first pressure contact part provided at the first end and a second pressure contact portion provided at the second end, the first pressure contact part and the second pressure contact part being structured to press the wing portion against the opposing walls of the window frame to thereby hold the wing portion in place.