Hidden Screen Assembly Edge Retention for Clearer Fenestration Views
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fenestration assemblies with moveable glass panels and screens suffer from screen obstruction due to detritus accumulation, which impairs visibility and requires frequent cleaning, and existing screen systems are not effectively hidden or integrated with the window mechanism.
Innovation Solution
A hidden, actuatable screen assembly that moves with the window sashes, featuring a roller assembly, screen material, and edge retention features that keep the screen tucked away within the frame slots, with optional magnetic coupling and enhanced damping mechanisms for smooth operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a screen is installed in a fixed position to keep out insects, then insect protection is improved, but viewing clarity deteriorates due to detritus accumulation on the screen
Solution Approach 1:
The screen is transformed from a fixed static structure to a dynamic movable one that can be repositioned between a deployed state (providing insect protection) and a retracted state (hiding in the head or sill to eliminate visual obstruction and prevent detritus accumulation). The screen moves vertically along guide slots in the jambs, allowing it to adapt its position based on operational needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The screen is extracted from its traditional fixed position within the frame and relocated to a hidden storage location (head or sill) when not in use. This extraction eliminates the screen's visual obstruction and prevents detritus accumulation while maintaining insect protection capability when deployed.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a screen is continuously exposed to the elements, then insect protection is maintained, but detritus accumulation increases, obscuring the view
Solution Approach 1:
The screen's continuous exposure is eliminated by introducing dynamic movement capability. The screen can be retracted into the head or sill when not needed, reducing its exposure time to environmental elements and thereby minimizing detritus accumulation while maintaining protection when deployed.
Solution Approach 2:
The screen is preliminarily positioned in a hidden state within the head or sill when not in use, preventing detritus accumulation before it occurs. This preliminary retraction minimizes exposure to elements and maintains viewing clarity through the glass panel.
3Illumination intensity
If the screen is hidden in the head or sill, then viewing clarity is improved, but screen rethreading becomes necessary when edges become loose
Solution Approach 1:
A rethreading slot is introduced as an intermediary feature in the jamb, providing a dedicated pathway for the screen edge to be rethreaded back into the guide slot. This intermediary structure simplifies the repair process by providing a clear access route without requiring complete disassembly of the fenestration assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide slot is segmented into functional portions: a main guide portion for normal operation and a rethreading slot portion for maintenance. This segmentation allows the screen to be easily rethreaded through the dedicated rethreading slot when edges become loose, facilitating simple repair while maintaining the hidden screen configuration.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the screen edge is retained in the slot, then screen position stability is improved, but screen installation and removal becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The rethreading slot serves as an intermediary access point that simplifies screen installation and removal. By providing a dedicated pathway through the jamb, the rethreading slot allows the screen to be easily threaded into and removed from the guide slot without complex manipulation, reducing installation complexity while maintaining position stability through the guide slot retention features.
Data Source
AI summary
A fenestration assembly includes a sash, a frame surrounding the sash, and at least one screen assembly mounted in at least one of: the top portion and the bottom portion. The frame includes a top portion, a bottom portion, and two jambs forming first slots extending lengthwise along at least a portion of the jamb. The first slots each include a screen edge retention feature. The screen assembly includes a roller assembly substantially hidden from view, a screen material attached to the roller assembly, and a plurality of raised features. Edges of the screen material extend into the first slots. The raised features are attached to each of the edges of the screen material. The raised features are configured to engage the screen edge retention features and retain each of the edges of the screen material at least partially within the first slot of each of the two jambs.