Motorised Screen Assembly with Adjustable Racks for Non-Vertical Windows
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing motorized screen assemblies for windows and doors fail to operate smoothly when not mounted vertically, require manual operation, and are limited in size due to fixed rack lengths.
Innovation Solution
A screen assembly with adjustable toothed racks formed from multiple sections, coupled by T-shaped couplings, allowing length adjustment and smooth operation, powered by an electric motor through pinions engaging the racks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a fixed-length toothed rack is used in the guide track, then the screen assembly can be motorized with a rack and pinion drive system, but it only fits a specific size of window or roof light
Solution Approach 1:
The toothed rack is divided into multiple detachable sections that can be coupled together in end-to-end relationship. Each section has coupling formations at its ends that engage with corresponding coupling formations on adjacent sections, allowing the rack to be assembled in different lengths to fit various window or roof light sizes while maintaining the motorized rack and pinion drive system
Solution Approach 2:
The rack system transitions from a fixed-length configuration to a dynamically adjustable length configuration. The detachable sections with coupling formations enable the rack to be extended or reduced in length according to the specific dimensions of the window or roof light, providing adaptability without requiring a completely different system design
2Extent of automation
If manual locking devices are used in the screen assembly, then the screen can be locked in any desired position, but the assembly requires manual operation
Solution Approach 1:
The manual locking mechanism is replaced with a motorized rack and pinion drive system. The electric motor rotates the pinion, which engages with the toothed rack to move the control bar and screen vertically. The locking function is integrated into the motorized system, allowing automatic positioning and locking at any desired height without manual intervention
Solution Approach 2:
The motorized drive system performs both the movement and locking functions automatically. When the motor drives the pinion along the rack to the desired position, the system self-locks in place through the engagement of the pinion teeth with the rack teeth, eliminating the need for separate manual locking operations
3Extent of automation
If a tensioned roller system is used for non-vertical windows, then the screen can be raised and lowered, but it requires manual operation with locking devices
Solution Approach 1:
The manual tensioned roller system is replaced with a motorized rack and pinion drive system. The electric motor provides the driving force to rotate the pinion, which engages with the toothed rack in the guide track to move the control bar and screen. This substitution automates the screen movement while maintaining the fundamental mechanical advantage of the rack and pinion mechanism
Solution Approach 2:
The motorized rack and pinion system serves multiple functions: it provides automated screen movement, positioning, and locking capabilities in a single integrated system. The same drive mechanism that moves the screen also inherently provides positioning control through the toothed engagement, eliminating the need for separate tensioned roller and manual locking device systems
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
Enables smooth and motorized operation of screen assemblies on non-vertical surfaces and accommodates various window sizes without manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
a toothed rack extending along a side wall of the respective guide track, a respective pinion being mounted at each end of the control bar in operative engagement with the toothed rack
Implementation Method 2
said pinions being rotatable by means of a drive assembly to move the control bar up and down the guide tracks
Implementation Method 3
a spring tensioned roller mounted at an upper side of the frame, around which a suitable screen is wound
Implementation Method 4
The screen may be lowered and raised by rotating the roller. The lower end of the screen may be provided with a bar such that the screen hangs from the roller under gravity
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~7
AI summary
A toothed rack comprising two or more sections coupled together in end to end relationship by cooperating coupling formations, at least one section of the toothed rack includes regions of reduced thickness to allow said at least one section to be adjusted in length by snapping off portions thereof, and a screen assembly comprising a tensioned screen moveable between a pair of spaced guide tracks, a control bar being mounted on a free end of the screen between said guide tracks, wherein each of said pair of spaced guide tracks includes a toothed rack, a respective pinion being mounted at each end of said control bar in operative engagement with the toothed rack of the respective guide track, said pinions being rotatable by means of a drive assembly located within the control bar to raise and lower the screen.