Modular Curved Screen Segment Cover for Reduced Footprint and Handling
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing covers are cumbersome to handle and have a significant footprint due to the need to lift and reposition them for conversion between open and closed states, and they lack modularity and intuitive assembly methods.
Innovation Solution
A cover comprising modularly interconnectable curved screen segments that pivot relative to each other, allowing conversion between open and closed states without lifting, with features like rotary and driving connections for ease of use and assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a cover is designed as a single rigid unit, then it provides complete shielding, but it requires lifting and repositioning to convert between open and closed states, increasing handling complexity and footprint
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is divided into multiple screen segments that can be independently positioned. These segments are interconnected through rotary connections, allowing the cover to be converted between open and closed states by rotating segments relative to each other without lifting the entire cover off the object.
2Ease of operation
If a cover is designed as a single rigid unit, then it provides complete shielding, but it occupies significant storage space when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The cover consists of multiple screen segments that can be folded or nested when not in use. This segmentation allows the cover to occupy minimal storage space while maintaining complete shielding capability when assembled in the closed state.
Solution Approach 2:
The screen segments are designed to nest within each other when the cover is in its open state, similar to nested dolls. This nesting arrangement minimizes the footprint and storage space required while preserving the full shielding function when the segments are assembled into the closed domed configuration.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple covers are kept for different shielding needs, then various shielding purposes are covered, but the stock requires extensive space and management
Solution Approach 1:
The cover system uses standardized screen segments that can be assembled in different configurations to serve multiple shielding purposes. The same modular segments can be used for different objects and applications, providing universal adaptability without requiring separate specialized covers for each purpose.
Solution Approach 2:
The modular screen segment design allows for flexible assembly configurations that can adapt to various shielding needs. By selecting different numbers and arrangements of segments, the cover can be customized for different object sizes and shielding requirements, eliminating the need to maintain an extensive stock of different cover models.
4Reliability
If a cover is designed as a single piece, then it provides complete shielding, but it is difficult to convert between open and closed states without lifting
Solution Approach 1:
The cover is segmented into multiple screen segments connected by rotary joints, enabling state conversion through simple rotation movements. This segmentation maintains shielding completeness when closed while dramatically improving ease of operation during state transitions, as segments can be rotated into place without lifting the entire cover.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover transitions from a static single-piece design to a dynamic segmented structure with rotary connections. This dynamic design allows the cover to easily convert between open and closed states through controlled rotation of segments, maintaining complete shielding when closed while enabling simple state changes without lifting.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a cover for temporarily shielding objects that may be converted from an open state exposing the object to a closed covering state covering the object and vice versa. The invention further relates to a container including such a cover and to an assembly method for such a cover. In order to provide a cover with better handling and reduced footprint, it is proposed that the cover comprises at least two modular interconnectable or interconnected curved screen segments that are at least pairwise movable about a common pivot axis relative to each other when interconnected, wherein the screen segments, in the open state of the cover, are covering each other and, in the covering state of the cover, overlap each other, abut against each other, or are spaced apart from each other such that they form an domed cover. The result is a cover that is adaptable to various purposes and requirements.