Screen Enclosure Beam Connectors for Large Opening Stability
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing screened enclosures face issues with structural integrity, particularly in large openings, due to sagging or shifting of self-mating beam systems, and require precise installation, leading to gaps and compromised durability.
Innovation Solution
A one-piece extruded beam system with internal supports and spline grooves for secure screen panel attachment, along with inserts for connecting beams across large openings, providing enhanced structural integrity and ease of installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If self-mating beam systems are used without additional connectors, then ease of installation is improved, but structural integrity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the beam and connector into a single integrated self-mating beam system. The connector is built into the beam structure itself, eliminating the need for separate connection components while maintaining ease of installation. The T-shaped or L-shaped beam profiles with integrated connection features allow adjacent beams to mate directly, providing both ease of assembly and structural integrity through the unified design.
2Device complexity
If self-mating beam systems are used without additional connectors, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The beam and connector functions are merged into a single component. The self-mating beam system integrates connection features directly into the beam structure, reducing the total number of parts and simplifying the overall system while maintaining reliability through the engineered integration of connection capabilities within the beam itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The beam is designed to be self-connecting through its integrated profile features. The T-shaped or L-shaped configurations with built-in connection surfaces and engagement features allow the beam to connect to adjacent beams without requiring external connectors or complex assembly procedures, making the system self-sufficient and reliable.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional posts and beams are used for large openings, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The beam system is designed as modular, extruded sections that can be cut to various lengths and configured in different orientations. This segmentation allows the same basic beam profile to be adapted for different opening sizes, including large picture window openings, while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through standardized extrusion processes and consistent connection mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The self-mating beam system uses a universal connection design that works across different beam sizes and configurations. The integrated connection features accommodate various spanning requirements and opening dimensions, allowing the same basic beam type to serve multiple functions from small residential openings to large commercial picture windows, thereby achieving adaptability without sacrificing manufacturing simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A beam system for a screened enclosure that includes one piece support beams having an internal channel and three or more spline grooves on one or more exterior sides. The spline grooves are designed to accept and secure screen material. Inserts positionable within the interior channel of adjacent beams may provide increased structural support for larger openings in the screened enclosure. The inserts generally include a central pillar having angular caps attached to opposing lateral edges thereof so that an insert fits snugly within the interior channel of the support beam. The inserts may be secured within the support beams by fastening elements.