Retrofitable Retractable Screen With Cord Tensioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing screen systems for windows and doors are often permanently installed, obstructing views, requiring two separate doors or panels, and complicating maintenance and access for cleaning.
Innovation Solution
A retrofitable retractable screen system that includes a screen support assembly, roller assembly, spindle, and guide assembly, allowing the screen to be easily inserted, removed, and adjusted for tension, enabling it to be wound onto a spindle for retraction, thus providing unobstructed views and easy access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a permanent screen system is installed in a window frame, then the screen can prevent ingress of insects or debris, but the screen obstructs the view and restricts access for cleaning or maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the screen retractable rather than fixed. The screen can be extended to cover the window opening when needed to prevent insect ingress, and retracted to provide unobstructed access for cleaning and maintenance. This dynamic configuration allows the screen to transition between covering and non-covering states, resolving the contradiction between protection and accessibility.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a permanent screen system is installed in a window frame, then the screen can prevent ingress of insects or debris, but the screen obstructs the view through the window
Solution Approach 1:
The retractable screen mechanism allows the screen to be dynamically positioned. When extended, it provides insect protection; when retracted, it provides an unobstructed view. This resolves the contradiction by allowing the user to have both protection and clear visibility at different times as needed.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a sliding door with screen is installed, then the screen can prevent ingress of insects or debris, but it requires a second door which increases complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the universality principle by making a single door serve multiple functions. The door includes both the primary function of providing access and the secondary function of insect screening through the retractable screen mechanism. This eliminates the need for a separate screen door, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining both access and protection functions.
4Ease of operation
If a retractable screen system is made removable from the window frame, then maintenance and cleaning access is improved, but the reliability of the screen installation may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The removable screen system applies the dynamics principle by allowing the screen to transition between installed and removed states. When installed, the screen provides reliable insect protection; when removed, it facilitates maintenance and cleaning. This dynamic capability resolves the contradiction between installation reliability and maintenance accessibility.
Data Source
AI summary
A retrofitable retractable screen system for use with windows or doors. Instead of using a spring based tensioning arrangements to rewind the screen onto the roller assembly, the arrangement uses a pulley located on the spindle, around which is wrapped a cord. A guide assembly guides the cord around a tension adjustment arrangement that adjusts the tension in the cord as the screen is wound and unwound from the spindle to provide a smooth mechanism to extend and retract the screen. When the screen is extended, pushing the edge of the screen to force retraction of the screen is translated into a pulling action on the cord to unwind the cord off a pulley, which drives rotation of the spindle to wind the screen back on. Conversely, pulling the distal edge to extend the screen rotates the spindle and pulley to wind the cord back onto the pulley.