Rollable Screen Zip Attachment for Straight Split-Tube Extension
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing Split Tube Extendable Member (STEM) technology experiences vertical displacement and twisting/buckling issues when a screen panel is attached, leading to puckering and creasing due to uneven distribution of forces and misalignment of zip teeth during the transition between rolled and extended states.
Innovation Solution
The use of elasticated stretchable zip halves with ±1% length and tooth count tolerance, attached using a rigid jig to ensure correct alignment and distribution of forces, along with zip teeth orientation on the outside face of the screen panel to prevent billowing, addresses the issues of zip attachment and orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a screen panel is attached to split tubes using conventional zip attachment methods, then the screen can be deployed and retracted, but the split tubes experience vertical displacement and twisting/buckling due to uneven force distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-aligning the zip teeth on the screen panel edges before attachment. The method involves marking and positioning the zip teeth to ensure they are perfectly aligned with the split tube edges before the zippering process begins. This preliminary alignment prevents misalignment forces that would otherwise cause twisting and buckling of the split tubes during deployment and retraction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of zip attachment by transitioning from conventional zip attachment to elasticated stretchable zip halves with specific tolerance specifications (±1% length and tooth count tolerance). This parameter change allows the zip connection to accommodate slight variations while maintaining even force distribution, thereby preventing split tube deformation.
2Ease of manufacture
If conventional zip attachment is used without precise alignment, then assembly is simpler and faster, but zip teeth misalignment causes puckering and creasing of the screen panel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action through a systematic alignment process where zip teeth positions are marked and verified before attachment. The method includes measuring and marking the center lines of zip teeth on screen panel edges, ensuring they are equidistant from adjacent edges, and verifying alignment with split tube edges before zippering. This preliminary preparation ensures precise alignment while maintaining manufacturing efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary alignment reference system consisting of marked center lines and reference points on the screen panel. These markings serve as intermediaries that guide the positioning and alignment of zip teeth, making the precision alignment process more manageable and less prone to error during assembly.
3Ease of operation
If zip teeth are oriented on the inside face of the screen panel, then attachment is easier, but the screen panel experiences billowing and reduced straightness
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies inversion by reversing the conventional zip teeth orientation. Instead of placing zip teeth on the inside face of the screen panel for easier attachment, the method specifies orienting zip teeth on the outside face. This inverted approach, while requiring slightly different attachment technique, eliminates the billowing problem and maintains screen panel straightness during deployment and retraction.
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
This solution improves the straightness and stability of the screen panel by reducing tensile and compressive deformations, minimizing puckering and creasing, and allowing for tighter coiling and reduced vertical displacement of the split tubes.
Implementation Method 1
The use of elasticated stretchable zip halves with ±1% length and tooth count tolerance, attached using a rigid jig to ensure correct alignment and distribution of forces
Data Source
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AI summary
This present invention relates to innovative structures improving the straightness in the vertical plane of a rollable screen (22) attached within a frame comprising a Split Tube Extendable Member (STEM) (5). Such structures create a large rollable, retractable surface which can act as a screen and/or room divider. In order to improve the straightness of such surface, the preferred structure employs elasticated zips (10) to attach the screen (22) to the STEM (5), rigid rods (26) extending between STEMs (5) and/or a non-rectangular screen (22).