Screen attachment apparatus and method of positioning a screen adjacent a work surface

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing privacy and modesty screens lack adjustable mechanisms to provide varying levels of privacy and modesty, as they are typically fixed in position and do not allow for easy repositioning to accommodate different user preferences or work surface configurations.

Innovation Solution

A screen attachment apparatus with a system of recesses and connectors that allows the screen to be adjustably positioned along a work surface, enabling the user to reposition the screen by decoupling and re-coupling fasteners to change the visibility barrier's height and position, providing options for both privacy and modesty screening.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed position screen is used, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the adaptability to different user preferences and work surface configurations is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustability of screen positionVSAvoidcomplexity of attachment mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The screen body is divided into multiple segments with recesses at different heights, allowing the screen to be positioned at various levels. The attachment mechanism is segmented into connectors that can be independently positioned at different recess locations, enabling flexible adjustment while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The screen attachment system transitions from a fixed static position to a dynamic adjustable position. Connectors can be moved between different recesses on the screen body, allowing the screen height and position to be dynamically adjusted according to user needs while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If a fixed position screen is used, then the manufacturing process is simple, but the ease of operation for repositioning is poor

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of repositioning screenVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity of adjustable mechanism

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The screen incorporates multiple recesses segmented at different heights along its body, allowing connectors to be positioned at various levels. This segmentation enables easy repositioning by simply moving connectors between pre-defined recess locations without requiring complex adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The recesses are pre-positioned and pre-formed on the screen body during manufacturing, allowing for quick and easy repositioning of connectors later. This preliminary preparation of attachment points simplifies the operation of repositioning the screen while the initial manufacturing remains relatively straightforward.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If connectors are positioned in multiple recesses, then the adaptability for different privacy levels is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvevariability of privacy barrier positionVSAvoidnumber of connectors and recesses

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The screen body is segmented with multiple recesses at different heights, and connectors are segmented to be independently positionable. This segmentation allows for varied privacy levels by positioning connectors at different recess locations without requiring a completely different screen for each configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The same screen body with multiple recesses can serve multiple functions by accommodating connectors at different positions. A single screen design provides universal adaptability for different privacy and modesty needs, eliminating the requirement for multiple specialized screens.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Adaptability or versatility

If the screen is made adjustable with multiple positions, then the adaptability to different work surface configurations is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with different work surfacesVSAvoidprecision of recess positioning

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The screen incorporates segmented recesses at predetermined positions that provide adequate adaptability for different work surface configurations. The segmentation allows for practical adjustment options without requiring extremely precise manufacturing tolerances, as the recesses are positioned to provide functional rather than micrometer-level precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11304526B2Screen attachment apparatus and method of positioning a screen adjacent a work surface

Publication Date: 2022.04.19 KNOLL INC

AI summary

A privacy screen attachment apparatus can include a screen body having a plurality of elongated recesses. The recesses can be positioned to define locations at which a connector is positionable to adjustably position the screen body adjacent to a work surface at multiple different locations along the screen body for providing different degrees of privacy and/or modesty. A plurality of connectors can be connected to the screen body via the recesses for connecting the screen body to an article of furniture, such as a counter, a table or a desk.