Insect Screen Frame Locking Mechanism for Concealed Gauze Edges

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing insect screen mounting methods result in aesthetically compromised screens due to excess gauze edge material projecting beyond the locking mechanism, compromising the appearance of the screen.

Innovation Solution

A method where excess edge material is removed after partial insertion of the locking part into the channel, ensuring the cutting edge is hidden within the base part, and utilizing cooperating locking members for stable positions to ensure full assembly and concealment of the gauze edge, with optional snap locks or frictional engagement for secure mounting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the locking part is fully inserted into the channel to secure the gauze, then the assembly is secure and complete, but the outermost part of the gauze edge projects beyond the locking part compromising aesthetics

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly securityVSAvoidaesthetics
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The excess edge material is removed in advance before the locking part is fully inserted into the channel. This preliminary cutting action ensures that when the locking part reaches its final position, there is no protruding gauze edge to compromise aesthetics, while still maintaining secure assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The excess edge material of the gauze is extracted or removed from the assembly before final locking. This extraction eliminates the aesthetic defect of protruding edges while preserving the functional integrity of the secured gauze within the frame.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Shape

If excess edge material is removed before inserting the locking part, then aesthetics may be improved, but the cutting operation becomes more difficult and less precise

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveaestheticsVSAvoidcutting difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The cutting operation is performed as a preliminary step before the locking part insertion, but at a stage when the locking part is partially inserted. This timing provides better support and positioning for the gauze during cutting, making the operation easier and more precise compared to cutting before any insertion occurs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The partially inserted locking part acts as an intermediary support structure during the cutting operation. It provides a reference position and mechanical support that facilitates more accurate and easier cutting of the excess edge material compared to having no support structure in place.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of manufacture

If the locking part is partially inserted to allow cutting, then cutting access is improved, but the assembly remains incomplete and potentially unstable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecutting accessVSAvoidassembly stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The partial insertion of the locking part is a deliberate preliminary state that provides sufficient stability for the cutting operation. The locking part is inserted enough to provide mechanical support and positioning, but not fully inserted to allow access for cutting the excess edge material.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The assembly process is made dynamic and sequential rather than static and simultaneous. The locking part is first partially inserted to establish a stable working position for cutting, then the cutting operation is performed, and finally the locking part is fully inserted to complete the assembly. This dynamic approach allows each operation to be optimized independently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2143871B1Method for the production of an insect screen, and insect screen
Publication Date: 2016.11.16 HUNTER DOUGLAS IND BV
  • EP2143871B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2143871B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2143871B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A method is provided for the fabrication of an insect screen of the type for mounting in a window opening and comprising a surrounding frame (1) defining a central opening (2) and a gauze (8) spanning said central opening, wherein the frame comprises a base part (4) provided with a channel (9) which opens toward one side of the frame and wherein a circumferential edge of the gauze is received in said channel and locked therein by a locking part (5). The method comprises a step of partially entering the locking part into the channel of the base part, a step of removing excess edge material (8'') of the gauze and a step of fully entering the locking part into the channel, wherein the step of removing excess edge material is carried out before the locking part has fully entered the channel. Further an insect screen is provided.