Shaft-Free Pleated Insect Screen With Elastic Drawstring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing insect screens and roller shutter systems are complex to assemble and handle, requiring winding shafts and intricate mechanisms, which complicates the integration of insect-proof and sun protection features.

Innovation Solution

A protective device using a pleated fabric with a rubber-elastic drawstring, guided through openings in the fabric folds and held by end strips, which eliminates the need for winding shafts and employs a simple, shaft-free extension and retraction mechanism, allowing for easy assembly and operation as an insect screen.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If winding shafts and intricate mechanisms are used in roller shutter systems, then the insect screen can be integrated with sun protection features, but the assembly and handling become complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintegration of insect-proof and sun protection featuresVSAvoidassembly and handling complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into two independent functional components: a roller shutter curtain for sun protection and a pleated fabric for insect protection. Each component operates independently with its own simple mechanism, avoiding the need for complex integrated winding shafts while maintaining both functions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The insect screen function is extracted from the traditional roller shutter mechanism. Instead of integrating both functions into one complex system, the pleated fabric is taken out as a separate element that attaches to the roller shutter, simplifying the overall device while providing dual functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If a rubber-elastic drawstring is used in the pleated fabric, then the fabric maintains tension in extended position and retracts without forming loops, but the mechanism requires elimination of winding shafts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetension maintenance and loop-free retractionVSAvoidmechanism simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The traditional mechanical winding shaft system is replaced with an elastic drawstring mechanism. The rubber-elastic material provides the necessary tension and retraction forces through its elastic properties, eliminating complex mechanical components while maintaining reliable operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The physical state of the drawstring is changed from rigid (traditional cords) to elastic (rubber-elastic material). This parameter change allows the drawstring to automatically maintain tension and retract without forming loops, achieving reliable performance through material property modification rather than complex mechanism design

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 solution provides a straightforward, easy-to-assemble insect screen that maintains tension in the extended position and retracts without forming loops, ensuring a simple and reliable protective device with reduced housing dimensions.

Implementation Method 1

A protective device using a pleated fabric with a rubber-elastic drawstring, guided through openings in the fabric folds and held by end strips, which eliminates the need for winding shafts and employs a simple, shaft-free extension and retraction mechanism

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3266974B1Protection device, in particular as device providing protection against insects
Publication Date: 2020.01.08 M A C S HLDG
  • EP3266974B1 patent drawingFigure 1a
  • EP3266974B1 patent drawingFigure 1b
  • EP3266974B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a protective device (7), in particular as an insect screen, for mounting on a roller shutter curtain (2) guided in vertical roller shutter tracks (6) with a number of roller shutter slats (3, 3') articulated to each other, with a pleated fabric (9) whose opposing fabric ends (92a, 92b) are held on each end slat (14, 15), wherein the pleated fabric (9) is guided on at least one rubber-elastic pull cord (13) running between the end slats (14, 15), and wherein a first of the two end slats (14) can be attached to a roller shutter end slat (3') of the roller shutter curtain (2) and the second end slat (15) can be attached to at least one of the roller shutter tracks (6) and held in the mounted state.