Screen Device Beam Coupling with Internal Cavities

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing screen devices require complex and costly methods to couple beams, often necessitating external fastening means that are aesthetically undesirable and laborious, making them unsuitable for DIY installations.

Innovation Solution

The use of coupling pieces with mounting cavities and screw channels allows for easy and secure beam coupling without external fastening, enabling one-person assembly and aesthetic coordination, reducing the need for multiple persons and minimizing labor and costs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If external fastening means such as angle sections and bolts are used to couple beams, then the beams can be securely fastened, but the aesthetic appearance deteriorates due to visible fastening means

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebeam coupling strengthVSAvoidaesthetic appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the visible external fastening means (angle sections and bolts) from the exterior of the beam coupling. The fastening function is extracted and relocated to internal mounting cavities within the beam structure, where fastening elements are hidden from view. This allows the beams to be securely coupled while maintaining clean aesthetic lines without external brackets or visible hardware.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements nesting by placing mounting cavities and fastening elements inside the beam structure itself. The coupling mechanism is nested within the beam's internal geometry, with mounting cavities formed inside the beam bodies and fastening elements positioned within these cavities. This nested arrangement conceals the fastening means while maintaining structural integrity and aesthetic appearance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Strength

If complex fastening methods with multiple fastening means are used to couple beams, then the coupling strength is improved, but the device complexity and labor requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebeam coupling strengthVSAvoidfastening system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges multiple fastening functions into a single integrated coupling system. Instead of using separate angle sections, multiple bolts, and additional support elements, the invention combines the coupling and fastening functions into beam-mounted coupling pieces with integrated mounting cavities. This unified approach reduces the number of discrete components and simplifies the overall fastening system while maintaining adequate coupling strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling pieces mounted on the beams serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide structural support, enable beam coupling, and conceal fastening elements. The mounting cavities within the beams serve both as structural features and as housings for the fastening mechanism. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated fastening components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Strength

If beams are welded or bolted together in workshops to form large construction elements, then the structural integrity is improved, but the ease of transportation and on-site assembly deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural integrityVSAvoidon-site assembly ease
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the screen device into separate beam components that can be manufactured and transported independently. Instead of assembling large pre-welded framework sections in workshops, the invention uses individual beams with integrated coupling pieces that can be easily transported to the installation site and assembled on-site through simple mounting operations within the mounting cavities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling pieces are pre-mounted onto the beams during manufacturing, creating beams with built-in coupling capability. This preliminary action eliminates the need for complex on-site welding or bolting operations. During installation, workers simply need to position the beams and secure them within the pre-formed mounting cavities, significantly simplifying on-site assembly while maintaining structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3303726B1Screen device
Publication Date: 2019.10.16 RENSON SUNPROTECTION SCREENS NV
  • EP3303726B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3303726B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3303726B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

Screen device in which two beams (1, 2) in the mounted state of the screen device are mutually coupled with the aid of: - a first coupling piece (3), comprising a first mounting cavity (4) for the fitting herein of a first part of the first beam (1); and a second mounting cavity (5) for the fitting herein of a first part of the second beam (2); - and a second coupling piece (6), comprising a first mounting cavity (7) for the fitting herein of a second part of the first beam (1), extending opposite the first part; and a second mounting cavity (8) for the fitting herein of a second part of the second beam (2), extending opposite the first part.