Interchangeable Appliance Members for Window Screening Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing window systems face challenges in easily upgrading and maintaining operation assisting appliance members, such as solar cell panels and rain sensors, due to their permanent exposure to weathering and the need for tailored connections, which limits flexibility and increases costs.
Innovation Solution
A window system with interchangeable appliance members that use a releasable connection system, where appliance members can be easily removed from window components and reinstalled in a screening device's track, featuring an external longitudinal track on the top element of the roller shutter that protects internal parts and allows for flexible placement and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If appliance members are permanently connected to window components using adhesives or fastening means, then the connection is stable and reliable, but the flexibility for upgrading, maintenance, and exchange is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The appliance member connection system is divided into separable components: a connection element on the appliance member and a corresponding receiving structure on the window component. This segmentation allows the appliance member to be reliably connected during operation while enabling easy disconnection for maintenance, upgrading, or exchange without damaging either component.
2Ease of manufacture
If appliance members are tailor-made and integrated into the screening device, then the integration is optimized, but the cost increases and the ability to exchange or upgrade members is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The connection element and receiving structure are designed as universal, standardized components that can be used with different types of appliance members (solar cells, rain sensors, heating elements, etc.) and different window components. This universality allows any appliance member to be exchanged or upgraded without requiring custom-tailored connection solutions, reducing costs while maintaining optimized integration.
3Reliability
If the screening device is mounted externally on the window, then the screening function is effective, but the appliance members on the window are covered and the complexity of connection increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is extracted from the traditional integrated design where appliance members are permanently fixed to window components. Instead, the appliance members are designed with self-contained connection elements that can engage with receiving structures on either the window component or the screening device, simplifying the overall connection architecture while maintaining effective screening function.
4Productivity
If appliance members are exposed outdoors on the window, then they can perform their functions, but they are permanently exposed to weathering which reduces their durability
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system enables dynamic repositioning of appliance members between the window component and the screening device. This allows the appliance members to be moved to protected positions under the screening device when not in use, reducing exposure to weathering while maintaining functionality when needed, thereby improving durability without sacrificing productivity.
Data Source
AI summary
The window system comprises a window (2) and a screening assembly (1) including a screening device which may be a roller shutter (10), and at least one appliance member (100, 120). The appliance member or members is/are releasably connected with a track in a component of the window or the screening device, and is interchangeable between them.