Pull-Across Roll-Up Screen Assembly with Balanced Tensioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing screen assembly systems require complex assembly and precision, necessitating manufacturer installation, and are difficult to rebalance if the balance is disrupted, leading to increased installation time and challenges in maintaining balance.
Innovation Solution
A pull across roll up screen assembly with a flexible screen, a vertical supporting member, biasing devices, and a line member that can be wound onto and off a drum, utilizing an attachment assembly with a line connection device, slide block, and elongate connector to achieve balanced tensioning, allowing for quick and simple installation and adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the screen assembly uses a complex design to achieve continuous balance at all positions, then the balance is maintained, but the assembly complexity and installation time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The screen assembly is divided into modular components: a drum assembly with brake mechanism, a stile assembly with spring tensioning, and a screen material section. This segmentation allows for simpler individual components that can be independently assembled and adjusted, reducing overall assembly complexity while maintaining balance functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The brake mechanism is pre-configured on the drum assembly before installation, and the spring tensioning system is pre-assembled in the stile assembly. This preliminary preparation of critical balance components simplifies the final installation process and ensures proper balance is achieved more easily during assembly.
2Reliability
If the screen assembly requires precision assembly to maintain balance, then the balance is achieved, but the installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded tensioning system in the stile assembly automatically adjusts and maintains screen tension as the screen is extended or retracted. The brake mechanism on the drum assembly self-regulates to maintain balance at any position. These self-adjusting features eliminate the need for precise manual adjustment during installation, reducing installation time while maintaining balance.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring tensioning system allows for easy adjustment of tension parameters by simply adjusting the spring preload, rather than requiring precise mechanical adjustments. The brake mechanism parameters can be easily modified to change balance characteristics. These parameter changes can be made quickly during installation without complex procedures.
3Reliability
If the line member becomes dislodged from the drum, then the balance is disrupted, but it is extremely difficult to rebalance
Solution Approach 1:
The brake mechanism is designed with a self-latching or friction-retentive feature that prevents the line member from accidentally dislodging from the drum. This protective feature is built into the design beforehand to prevent balance disruption. If dislodgement occurs, the modular design allows for easy reattachment of the line member to the drum, simplifying rebalancing procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The brake mechanism acts as an intermediary component between the line member and the drum, providing a secure connection point that is easier to attach and detach than direct line-to-drum attachment. This intermediary mechanism simplifies both the initial assembly and any necessary rebalancing operations.
4Reliability
If the manufacturer assembles and balances the screen assembly before delivery, then the balance is ensured, but the installation time at site increases
Solution Approach 1:
The screen assembly is segmented into pre-assembled modules (drum assembly with brake, stile assembly with spring tensioning) that can be independently manufactured and tested for balance. This allows the manufacturer to ensure balance of critical components before delivery, while the modular design enables quick final assembly at the installation site without requiring extensive balancing adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The self-adjusting spring tensioning system and brake mechanism maintain balance automatically during installation, eliminating the need for manufacturer-pre-assembled balanced units. The system self-regulates during site installation, allowing for rapid assembly without compromising balance quality.
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 enables the screen to be balanced at multiple positions with reduced complexity and increased ease of installation, allowing for quick and precise balancing, minimizing sagging and resistance, and maintaining tension without requiring extensive redesign.
Implementation Method 1
at least one biasing device associated with the stile to create a tension in the flexible screen
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates generally to a screen assembly that can be used in a window or door cavity, or any other area which may benefit from the assembly and which contains a flexible sheet like member (for instance an insect screen) wound about substantially vertical rod (for example), which can be pulled across the window or door cavity such that the screen extends and retracts in a horizontal direction and particularly to a system and method allowing more straightforward installation on site, quickly and easily.