Building Partition Screen Coupling Unit for Wind-Stable Beam Attachment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing building partition screens, such as roof window awnings, experience uncontrolled movement of the screening material beam due to wind and gravity, leading to detachment from couplers.

Innovation Solution

A building partition screen coupling unit with a beam and beam coupler system that includes control means, such as sprung shelves, magnets, or labyrinth-shaped traverse paths, to maintain the beam's position and prevent uncontrolled movement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the screening material beam is attached to beam couplers using simple hooks, then the device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but the beam becomes detached in windy conditions due to uncontrolled movement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebeam attachment stabilityVSAvoidcoupling unit structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling unit incorporates a dynamic control means that allows the beam to move freely during installation and operation, but automatically stabilizes and holds the beam in position when wind loads or gravitational forces attempt to displace it. This dynamic response resolves the contradiction by providing both ease of operation and reliable attachment stability without requiring complex permanent fixation structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control means within the coupling unit automatically detects and responds to forces attempting to move the beam, such as wind pressure or gravity, and self-adjusts to maintain proper beam positioning. This self-regulating mechanism eliminates the need for complex external control systems while ensuring reliable attachment under various operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Stability of the object's composition

If control means such as sprung shelves or magnets are added to the beam coupler, then the beam position stability is improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebeam position stabilityVSAvoidcoupling unit assembly
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The control means utilizes changes in physical parameters such as spring deflection, magnetic field strength, or friction coefficients to achieve beam position stability. By adjusting these parameters within standard manufacturing tolerances, the system achieves reliable beam holding without requiring precision-engineered complex components, thus maintaining ease of manufacture while improving stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If the beam traverse path is shaped to prevent uncontrolled decoupling, then the reliability of beam attachment is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebeam coupler engagementVSAvoidbeam installation and removal
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The beam traverse path employs asymmetric geometry where the engagement direction (installation) follows a guided path that naturally prevents uncontrolled decoupling, while the disengagement direction (removal) allows for controlled release when force is applied in the opposite direction. This asymmetric design resolves the contradiction by providing both reliable attachment during normal operation and ease of removal when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

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

The coupling unit effectively prevents uncontrolled movements of the screening material beam, ensuring stable operation even in windy conditions.

Implementation Method 1

a magnet in the beam coupler and/or in the beam

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

a sprung shelf in the beam coupler or on the beam

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

filling elements which block beam movement as a result of friction between the beam and the beam coupler

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP4603652A1Building partition screen coupling unit and a building partition screen with that unit
Publication Date: 2025.08.20 FAKRO-WDF SP ZOO
  • EP4603652A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4603652A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4603652A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The subject-matter of the invention comprises a building partition screen coupling unit with screening material (5), comprising beam (2) designed to be attached to the moving end of screen screening material (5), at least one beam coupler (4) designed to be attached to a building partition and to hold screening material (5) in an unwound position, wherein the unit features beam (2) position in coupler control means (42).