Roller Blind Sound Dampening End Caps
Problem
The bedroom roller blind bangs against the window frame in the breeze, creating an intermittent noise that detracts from sleep.
Cause
The window is deliberately kept open to moderate temperature and freshen the room.
The roller blind cannot be completely raised because it will let in too much light pollution which will also detract from sleep.
Solution
Redesigned end caps that use an o-ring as a dampener to reduce the intensity of the sound.
Proof of Concept
In the video below, the original end caps are compared against the new design where the blind is drawn and released from the same position each time. Make sure the sound is enabled so you can hear the difference.
The impact sound of each end cap was recorded, revealing a 21% peak reduction and a qualitatively ‘softer’ sound for the new end cap design.
Outcome
The sound is no longer loud enough to be a nuisance.
Further reductions could be achieved by using a softer, lower density type of foam.
An alternate design could prevent the sound by fixing the blind in position, but it would impact on the current level of functionality.
Overall this new design succeeds at reducing the noise sufficiently so that it no longer affects our sleep, and that is the very definition of a success!
