Universal Screen Frame with Interchangeable Adapters for Variable Sockets
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing screen frame systems require a large number of stock-keeping units (SKU) to accommodate various sizes and thicknesses, leading to increased costs and warehouse space requirements due to the need for multiple extruded length parts in different colors and thicknesses to fit different window and door sockets.
Innovation Solution
A combination frame and adapter system, where the frame is designed with recesses to accommodate adapters that adjust the thickness, allowing the same frame to fit different socket sizes, reducing the need for multiple frame sizes and colors by using adapters to achieve the required thickness for different socket widths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple extruded length parts are stocked in different colors and thicknesses to accommodate various window and door sockets, then the adaptability to different socket sizes is improved, but the quantity of parts to be stocked increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the screen frame system into two independent components: a universal frame and separate adapters. The frame is segmented from the thickness adaptation function, which is now performed by interchangeable adapters. This segmentation allows the frame to remain standardized while adapters provide the necessary variation for different socket thicknesses.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal frame design serves multiple functions: it provides the structural support for all screen sizes and serves as a standardized base that can accommodate various adapters. The frame itself becomes multi-functional by working with different adapter types to fit various socket configurations, eliminating the need for multiple frame variants.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a family of different sized rectangular screens is created using 14 extruded length parts in seven colors, then the versatility of screen sizes and colors is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The thickness variation requirement is extracted from the frame design and assigned to separate adapter components. This extraction simplifies the frame to a single standardized design while the adapters handle the complexity of matching different socket thicknesses, reducing the overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Adapters serve as intermediary components between the universal frame and the various socket thicknesses. These intermediaries absorb the complexity of adaptation, allowing the frame to remain simple and standardized while still achieving compatibility with diverse socket configurations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If three different frame thicknesses are used to accommodate larger sized frames, then the adaptability to different frame sizes is improved, but the quantity of parts to be stocked triples
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the frame and adapter into a combined assembly that provides thickness adaptation. Instead of creating three different frame thicknesses, the standardized frame is combined with appropriate adapters to achieve the required thickness for different socket sizes, consolidating the part family.
Solution Approach 2:
The system becomes dynamic by allowing adapters to be added or removed from the frame based on the specific socket requirements. This dynamic configuration enables a single frame design to adapt to various thickness requirements, replacing the static approach of manufacturing multiple frame thicknesses.
Data Source
AI summary
A particularly formed frame and corresponding adapters permit installation of a screen assembly into different windows or doors having different socket widths, reducing the required number of SKUs that need to be stocked. The adapter includes: a base portion; a stem portion; and a bulb portion. The frame includes a plurality of recesses, each configured to slidably receive an adapter therein. The width of the frame is sized to be received in a first door/window socket having a first socket width. When a first sized adapter having a first bulb size is installed in each recess, the width of the frame and the protruding distance of the first bulb size are configured to be received in a second door/window socket having a second socket width. A second sized adapter having a second bulb size may instead be installed for use in a second door/window socket having a second socket width.