Concealment Device Wedge Retaining Stop
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing concealment devices for fences, such as screen-slat devices, face challenges with lengthy assembly times and the need for additional parts like screws to secure slats to the lattice panel, which complicates the mounting process.
Innovation Solution
A concealment device with a flat lattice panel and slats, where the wedge acts as a retaining stop, eliminating the need for additional retaining elements and simplifying assembly by using elastically deformable wedges and blades that cooperate through abutments to prevent axial displacement, allowing for quick and secure slat positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If additional retaining elements like screws are used to secure slats to the lattice panel, then the reliability of slat retention is improved, but the device complexity and assembly time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the wedge (used for securing slats) with the lattice panel structure itself. The wedge is integrated into the housing formed by the folds of the lattice panel, eliminating the need for separate retaining elements like screws. This integration maintains reliable slat retention while reducing device complexity and assembly steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The wedge serves multiple functions: it secures the slat to the lattice panel, provides a stop to limit axial displacement, and is structurally integrated into the lattice panel housing. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional dedicated retaining elements, reducing both complexity and assembly time while maintaining reliability.
2Reliability
If additional retaining elements like screws are used to secure slats, then the reliability of slat retention is improved, but the assembly time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The wedge is pre-integrated into the lattice panel housing structure during manufacturing. This preliminary integration means that during assembly, the wedge is already in position and functional, eliminating the need for separate installation steps for retaining elements. The slat can be directly secured using the pre-positioned wedge, reducing assembly time while maintaining reliable retention.
3Ease of operation
If the wedge is made elastically deformable, then the ease of operation during slat mounting is improved, but the strength of the retaining structure may be reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The wedge is designed with elastic deformability, allowing it to dynamically adapt during slat mounting. The elastic property enables the wedge to deform under load during installation, facilitating easy positioning of the slat, and then return to its original shape to provide secure retention. This dynamic behavior combines ease of operation with maintained structural strength.
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 solution significantly reduces assembly time and eliminates the need for additional parts, ensuring secure slat retention on the lattice panel without additional operations, enhancing the efficiency and simplicity of the mounting process.
Implementation Method 1
the wedge and/or the blade are at least partially elastically deformable. Thus, the mounting of the slats on the lattice panel can take place by simple axial displacement of the slat in a direction orthogonal to the horizontal wires, associated with a deformation of the wedge and/or of the slat during said displacement.
Data Source
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AI summary
A screening device (1) comprising blades (2) and a flat lattice panel (3) comprising horizontal wires (4) and vertical wires (5), at least part of which has a reinforcing fold (6) extending outward from the flat panel (3), at least part of the folds (6) being arranged to delimit a housing (7) for receiving a wedge (8), the blades (2) being positionable on the panel (3) between the wedge (8) and the plane defined by the horizontal wires (4) of the panel (3) parallel to at least part of the vertical wires (5) of the panel (3), the device (1) comprising means (9) for limiting the axial displacement of at least one blade (2).The said limiting means (9) comprise a first part (91) of means formed by the wedge (8) and a second part (92) of means provided on the blade (2), the first part (91) of means forming a stop (911) cooperating with the second part (92) of means provided on the blade (2) to oppose an axial displacement of the blade (2).