Retractable Screen System With Adjustable Tracks for Building Openings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional storm screens are available only in fixed sizes, leading to increased costs and inventory requirements, as well as assembly difficulties due to mismatched sizes of penetrations.
Innovation Solution
A retractable screen system with adjustable side rails and a mounting track that allows for flexible sizing, using brackets and spindle supports to accommodate various penetration sizes and lengths, and a motorized reel for automated deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional storm screens are available only in fixed sizes, then manufacturing and inventory management are simplified, but cost increases and assembly difficulty increases due to size mismatches with penetrations
Solution Approach 1:
The screen system is divided into modular components: a standardized track structure and detachable screen panels. The track can be configured in different lengths and the screen panels can be attached at various positions along the track, allowing custom size configurations while using standardized manufacturing processes for each component type.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from static fixed-size screens to a dynamic adjustable configuration system. The track allows the screen to be positioned at different locations and the screen panels can be detached and reattached at various positions, enabling the screen size and position to be dynamically adjusted to match different penetration sizes.
2Device complexity
If conventional storm screens come in fixed sizes, then production is simplified, but inventory requirements increase due to the need for multiple size variants
Solution Approach 1:
The standardized track and screen panel design creates a universal system where a single track component can accommodate multiple screen panel configurations. This multi-functional design allows one track to serve multiple penetration sizes by simply changing the position or number of attached screen panels, eliminating the need for separate inventory items for each size configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows screen panels to be detached from the track and reused at different positions or with different tracks. This recoverability of components reduces the need to manufacture and store multiple dedicated screen assemblies for different sizes, as the same components can be reconfigured and reused.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional storm screens are fixed size, then manufacturing is easier, but assembly time and difficulty increase when the screen size does not match the penetration size
Solution Approach 1:
The track is pre-manufactured as a standardized component with predetermined mounting features and attachment points. The screen panels are pre-fabricated with corresponding attachment mechanisms. This preliminary preparation of standardized components allows for rapid assembly by simply attaching the appropriate number and position of screen panels to the track, significantly reducing on-site assembly time compared to custom fabrication.
Solution Approach 2:
The separation of the track and screen panel into distinct modular components allows each to be manufactured independently using standardized processes. During assembly, the screen panels can be quickly attached to or detached from the track at various positions, enabling fast adjustment and installation without requiring complex custom fabrication or lengthy assembly procedures.
Data Source
AI summary
A screen system is disclosed for use in protecting a building penetration. The screen system may include a first side rail having a first end and a second end, and a second side rail having a first end and a second end. The screen system may also include a screen having a first edge configured to slide along the first side rail, and an opposing second edge configured to slide along the second side rail. The screen system may further include a mounting track extending between the first ends of the first and second side rails, and at least one bracket moveable within the mounting track to any location along a length of the mounting track. The at least one bracket may be configured to operatively connect the screen to the mounting track.