One-Piece Screen Attachment Assembly for Tool-Free Installation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing screen attachment assemblies require multiple components and tools, leading to a labor-intensive and cumbersome installation process.

Innovation Solution

A one-piece screen attachment device comprising a cover, base, and spline integrated as a single piece, allowing for a snap-fit arrangement and a range of motion greater than 90 degrees, which simplifies installation and reduces the need for tools.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If multiple separate components (cover, base, spline) are used in screen attachment assembly, then the structural integrity and functionality are maintained, but the installation process becomes labor-intensive and cumbersome

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation processVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the cover, base, and spline into a single integrated one-piece attachment device. The cover portion and base portion are formed as one unitary structure with the spline pre-attached, eliminating the need to handle and assemble multiple separate components during installation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of manufacture

If multiple separate components require assembly in a particular order, then proper configuration is achieved, but the installation process requires tools and becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly processVSAvoidassembly sequence
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The spline is pre-attached to the one-piece attachment device during manufacturing, so that the spline insertion step is eliminated during installation. The device is prepared in advance with all components properly positioned and secured together as a single unit

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If traditional screen attachment assemblies use separate components, then reliability of screen enclosure is maintained, but the installation time and labor intensity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvescreen enclosureVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The cover, base, and spline are merged into a single integrated component that performs all functions of traditional multi-component assemblies. The one-piece design maintains screen enclosure reliability while reducing installation time by eliminating multiple assembly steps

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS12529261B2One-piece screening system
Publication Date: 2026.01.20 ILPEA IND INC
  • US12529261B2 patent drawing
  • US12529261B2 patent drawing
  • US12529261B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A screen attachment assembly is provided and includes a cover extending between a first cover end and a second cover end, a base extending between a first base end and a second base end, and a spline. The cover includes a lip extending from a cover body at the second cover end and an arm extending from the cover body. The base includes a first leg and a second leg extending from a base body in the same direction. The spline is disposed between the first and second legs. The first cover end of the cover is pivotally connected to the first base end such that the cover and base are integrated as a single piece. The cover is movable between an open position and a closed position such that the lip is positioned adjacent to the second leg and the arm abuts the first leg in the closed position.