Roof Window Insect Screen with Gravity-Locking Corner Assemblies
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Solution Overview
Problem
Installing an insect screen on a roof window is complex due to limited accessibility and the need to control the entire screen simultaneously, often requiring two people, and existing solutions are limited to specific mounting positions.
Innovation Solution
The insect screen design includes connection pieces with ledges that engage via gravitational force, allowing easy installation by connecting to the roof window first, with movable extension elements that facilitate handling and secure fastening within the screen's periphery, enhancing ease of use and aesthetic appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the insect screen is installed on a roof window using conventional methods, then the screening function is achieved, but the installation complexity increases and requires two people due to limited accessibility and the need to control the entire screen simultaneously
Solution Approach 1:
The insect screen is divided into a main screen body and separate corner assemblies. Each corner assembly includes a corner element with extension element and an associated connection piece. This segmentation allows the connection pieces to be installed independently on the roof window first, then the screen body is attached to these pre-installed connection pieces, eliminating the need for two people to hold and install the entire screen simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection pieces are designed to be pre-installed on the roof window structure before the main screen body is attached. The connection pieces include ledges that extend into the room, providing predetermined attachment points. This preliminary installation simplifies the subsequent attachment of the screen body, as installers only need to connect the extension elements to the pre-positioned ledges.
2Shape
If the connection pieces and corner elements are kept within the outer periphery of the insect screen, then the aesthetic appearance is improved with no protruding parts, but the mounting position flexibility is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The connection pieces are designed with ledges that extend into the room but remain nested within or aligned with the outer periphery of the screen frame. The extension elements of the corner assemblies nest onto these ledges, creating a compact configuration where no parts protrude beyond the screen's outer boundaries in the mounted condition, maintaining aesthetic appearance while enabling flexible mounting.
3Ease of manufacture
If the extension elements engage with the ledges by gravitational force, then the fastening mechanism is simplified and easier to install, but the stability under load may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The extension elements are designed to engage with the ledges using gravitational force, converting the potential instability of gravity-dependent fastening into a beneficial self-aligning mechanism. The extension elements naturally orient themselves toward the ledges under gravity, facilitating easy engagement during installation. The geometric interlocking between the extension elements and ledges, combined with the screen's tensioned screening body, provides sufficient stability to counteract gravitational effects during normal use.
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 design enables single-person installation of the insect screen with improved stability and a secure, gap-free fit, reducing installation complexity and ensuring a neat, inconspicuous mounting.
Implementation Method 1
each corner element comprises an extension element configured to extend at least partly over to overlap and engage with the ledge of the associated connection piece by gravitational force in a mounted condition of the insect screen
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A flat roof window or inclined roof window insect screen (1) for shielding a window opening of a flat roof window or an inclined roof window mounted in a roof of a building. The insect screen (1) comprises at least two corner assemblies (20, 30, 40, 50) each comprising one or more corner elements (21, 31, 41, 51) and one or more associated connection pieces (22), wherein the at least two corner assemblies (20, 30, 40, 50) form corners of the insect screen (1). Each connection piece (22) is configured to be connected to part of the flat roof window or the inclined roof window. Each corner element (21, 31, 41, 51) comprises an extension element (211, 411) configured to extend at least partly over to overlap and engage with a ledge (221) of the associated connection piece (22) by gravitational force. All components of the insect screen (1) are comprised within the pre-defined outer periphery of the rectangular frame formed by first to fourth elements (11, 12, 13, 14).