Retractable Screen Guide Cover for Quiet, Smooth Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing retractable and extendable covering devices for architectural openings generate significant noise during retraction and extension, and there is a need to improve ease of operation.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a flexible covering member made of elastic material between the flexible guide member and guide member deflector to dampen vibrations and reduce contact noise, while allowing the guide member to change shape and be connected to outer ends, with chain links designed to minimize direct contact and noise generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a flexible guide member is used to allow substantial reduction in height of the bottom guide rail, then ease of operation is improved, but sound generated during retraction and extension increases
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible covering member is introduced as an intermediary element between the flexible guide member and the guide member deflector. This covering member absorbs vibrations and dampens sounds generated during the retraction and extension of the guide member, while still allowing the guide member to perform its function of reducing height at the bottom rail.
2Strength
If rigid members are used for guide member deflector and guide member, then structural strength is improved, but contact noise between components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible covering member serves as a mediator between the rigid guide member deflector and the flexible guide member. It prevents direct contact between rigid components, thereby reducing contact noise while maintaining the structural integrity provided by the rigid deflector and the flexibility needed for operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible covering member is implemented as a flexible element that drapes over the guide member. This flexible shell approach allows the system to maintain the strength benefits of rigid components while eliminating the noise problems through the vibration-dampening properties of the flexible material.
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 flexible covering member significantly reduces noise and enhances the ease with which the covering device can be retracted and extended, providing a smoother operation.
Implementation Method 1
sound generated by the covering device when retracting and/or extending the covering device is reduced. Sound may for example be reduced when the flexible covering member dampens vibrations of the flexible guide member
Implementation Method 2
The flexible covering member prevents or reduces contact between the flexible guide member and the guide member deflector, both of which are typically rigid members
Data Source
AI summary
Retractable and extendable covering device for an architectural opening, comprising:first and second substantially parallel, in particular vertical, posts, each having a hollow interior, and at least one of the first and second posts being movable toward and away with respect to the other of the first and second posts;a retractable and extendable substantially rectangular screen member having first and second pairs of opposite parallel edges and being mounted between the first and second parallel posts at the first pair of parallel edges;a first flexible guide member coupled to the covering member and arranged to be at least partially moved into the hollow interior of the first post;wherein the covering device further comprises a flexible covering member covering at least part of the first flexible guide member.