Screen Assembly With Resilient Edge Retainer for Tool-Free Covers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing screen assemblies for office environments face difficulties in installation and portability due to cumbersome frames and the need for extraneous fastening devices, making them less suitable for desks and other locations.
Innovation Solution
A screen assembly design featuring a core with a retainer system that includes resilient limbs with a mouth configuration, allowing for easy installation of covers without additional fasteners and enabling a lightweight, portable structure with integrated support for accessories.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional frames and fastening devices are used to attach covers to screens, then the covers are securely retained, but the installation becomes difficult and the overall weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes traditional extraneous fastening devices and complex frame structures, extracting only the essential retention function. The retainer members are integrated directly into the screen assembly, eliminating the need for separate fasteners, splines, or caps that traditionally complicated cover installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer members are designed to automatically perform the retention function without requiring additional fastening devices. The resilient limbs with mouths self-adjust to capture and hold the cover edges, providing self-service retention that simplifies installation while maintaining secure attachment.
2Shape
If traditional peripheral frames are used to provide finished appearance and cover edges, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the overall weight increases and portability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces heavy rigid frames with thin, resilient retainer members that have a U-shaped cross-section. These thin-walled structures provide the necessary edge coverage and finished appearance while minimizing weight, enabling easy portability and desk-mounted installation.
3Ease of operation
If resilient limbs with mouths are used to retain covers, then tool-free installation is enabled, but the structural complexity of the retainer increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer members incorporate resilient limbs that can dynamically flex between retained and unretained positions. This dynamic capability allows the limbs to easily open for cover insertion and automatically spring back to secure the cover, enabling tool-free installation without requiring complex mechanical fastening systems.
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 solution facilitates quick and tool-free installation of covers and screen supports, providing a uniform appearance and increased portability while allowing for easy attachment of accessories, enhancing usability and aesthetics.
Implementation Method 1
The first and second resilient limbs are biased toward the retention configuration
Data Source
AI summary
A screen assembly includes a core having an edge and first and second opposite side surfaces. A retainer, or edge treatment, is coupled to the edge of the core and extends outwardly from the core. The retainer includes first and second resilient limbs having respective edge portions defining a mouth. First and second cover portions overly the core and exterior surfaces of the retainer. The first and second cover portions wrap around the first and second limbs and are disposed through the mouth such that the edges of the first and second cover portions are retained by the limbs. Various screen supports and accessory interface members also are provided.