Rollable Fly Screen Tensioning With Curved Edge Equalization
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Horizontally moving screen assemblies face challenges in maintaining a flat appearance due to sagging, as they are unsupported at the bottom edge and experience increasing tension issues when extended, leading to difficulty in operation and potential damage to the screen material.
Innovation Solution
The screen material is cut or formed with a curved top and bottom edge to create a tension equalizer, allowing for balanced tension and preventing sagging, using a combination of springs and pulley systems to maintain even tension across the screen.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the screen material is supported only at two vertical edges for horizontal movement, then the screen can be rolled up about a vertical rod, but the screen material sags under gravity and loses its flat appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The screen material is cut or formed with a curved top and bottom edge to create a tension equalizer. This curvature is designed so that when the screen is installed and subjected to gravitational force, the curved edges straighten out, creating even tension across the screen material and preventing sagging, thereby maintaining a flat appearance while preserving roll-up capability
2Area of stationary object
If the screen material is extended across large openings, then the screen covers the required area, but the tension becomes excessive and can damage the screen material
Solution Approach 1:
The curved edge design acts as a tension equalizer that distributes the gravitational load more evenly across the screen material. This prevents excessive concentration of tension at any single point, allowing the screen to span large openings without damaging the material while maintaining structural integrity
3Shape
If the screen material is pulled taut to prevent sagging, then the flat appearance is maintained, but the operation becomes difficult and the mechanism may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The curved edge configuration creates a mechanical advantage by distributing tension forces more evenly across the screen material and its supports. This reduces peak tension values, making the screen easier to operate while preventing sagging and maintaining a flat appearance throughout the range of motion
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
This solution ensures a flat, taut appearance of the screen material, reducing sagging and operational difficulties, while preventing damage from excessive tension and maintaining a neat roll-up mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
The screen material is cut or formed with a curved top and bottom edge to create a tension equalizer, allowing for balanced tension and preventing sagging
Implementation Method 2
using a combination of springs and pulley systems to maintain even tension across the screen
Implementation Method 3
using a combination of springs and pulley systems to maintain even tension across the screen
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A screen assembly for a window or door opening, the assembly comprising: a flexible screen material having two opposed side edges and an upper edge and a lower edge; a first at least substantially rigid edge member to which one of the two opposed edges of the screen material is attached; a second at least substantially rigid edge member to which the other of the two side edges of the screen material is attached, the screen material able to be wound onto and off the second edge member; and a tensioner to tension the screen material. The upper edge and the lower edge are formed such that when the screen material is under tension, the upper edge and the lower edge are substantially straight.