Self-Closing Insect Screen With Mechanical Cable Actuator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing insect protection screens for door, window, and wall openings require complex and failure-prone electrical systems for automatic closure, and visible cable routing in mechanical solutions complicates installation and aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical actuating device with a cable and counterweight system is integrated into the screen frame, allowing for automatic self-closing without electrical components, featuring a deflection pulley and sliding slide for efficient guidance and reduced friction, enabling easy installation and robust construction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If an electric motor with electrical limit switches is used to actuate the protective grille, then automatic closure is achieved, but the structure becomes complex and failure-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electrical actuation system (motor, limit switches, electrical connections) with a purely mechanical actuating device. This mechanical system uses a cable, deflection pulley, and counterweight to achieve automatic closure without any electrical components, thereby simplifying the structure and eliminating electrical failure points while maintaining automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical actuating device is designed to be self-activating through gravity. When the grille is opened, the counterweight automatically rises and stores potential energy, which then automatically pulls the cable to close the grille when released, without requiring external power sources or control systems.
2Extent of automation
If a cable is routed horizontally outwards through the door frame to provide closure force, then automatic closure is achieved, but the cable becomes visible in the open position and creates aesthetic issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the spatial arrangement by moving the counterweight from a horizontal external routing to a vertical internal positioning within the lattice frame. The cable runs vertically along the side profile of the lattice frame rather than horizontally outward, keeping it hidden within the door structure while maintaining the automatic closure function.
Solution Approach 2:
The counterweight is positioned within the lattice frame structure itself, nesting the actuating components inside the door assembly. This integration hides the cable and counterweight within the door's existing structure, eliminating visible external cables while preserving the closure mechanism.
3Extent of automation
If connection elements with through-openings are used to guide the cable, then the closure mechanism functions, but the door frame assembly becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the cable guidance function from the door frame structure itself and relocates it to the actuating device components. The sliding slide with its bearing and the lattice frame's side profile serve as the cable guides, eliminating the need for through-openings in the door frame's connection elements and simplifying the overall assembly.
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 mechanical actuating device ensures quick and reliable automatic closure of the insect protection screen, reducing maintenance needs and maintaining a clean appearance by eliminating visible cables, while being economically favorable and highly reliable.
Implementation Method 1
one end 16 of which has a counterweight 17 that can be moved in a profile groove 8' in the longitudinal profile 8 of the lattice frame 7 hangs
Implementation Method 2
the actuating device has a cable 14 run around a deflection pulley 13
Implementation Method 3
the cable pull is guided through a sliding slide 18 that can be fastened in the lattice frame 7 and is provided with a bearing for the deflection roller 13
Data Source
AI summary
The grill has a grill frame (7) moved between an open position and a closed position. A mechanical actuator device (5) is formed in the grill frame for automatic return of the grill into the closed position. The actuator device is active in the open position when releasing the grill frame. The actuator device comprises a Bowden cable (14) guided at a deflection roller (13). An end (15) of the deflection roller is fastened at an upper running rail (12) for the grill frame. A counter weight (17) is freely moved in the grill frame and suspended at another end (16) of the deflection roller. The cable is formed by a nylon cord.