One-Piece Screen Support Frame With Integrated Snap-Fit Spline
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing screen attachment assemblies require multiple components and tools, leading to a labor-intensive and cumbersome installation process.
Innovation Solution
A one-piece screen support frame with integrated base, cover, and spline, featuring flexible hinges and snap-fit mechanisms, allowing for a streamlined installation process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple separate components (base, cover, spline) are used in screen attachment assembly, then the structural integrity and functionality are maintained, but the installation process becomes labor-intensive and cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the base, cover, and spline into a single integrated one-piece frame structure. The base portion and cover portion are formed as one continuous piece, eliminating the need for separate components and manual assembly operations. This merging directly addresses the technical contradiction by reducing component count while maintaining the structural functions of each original component.
Solution Approach 2:
The one-piece frame structure performs multiple functions simultaneously: the base portion provides support and attachment functionality, the cover portion provides enclosure and protection, and the integrated spline performs screen retention. This multi-functionality within a single component resolves the contradiction by consolidating what previously required multiple specialized components into one universal structure.
2Productivity
If multiple separate components require assembly with tools, then the screen attachment can be securely installed, but the installation process becomes time-consuming and labor-intensive
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the base, cover, and spline into a pre-assembled one-piece unit, the patent eliminates the time required for on-site assembly operations. The integrated structure arrives ready-installed, removing the labor-intensive step of assembling multiple components with tools during installation, thereby directly improving productivity and reducing time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The base, cover, and spline are pre-assembled into a single integrated structure during manufacturing before delivery to the installation site. This preliminary assembly action eliminates the need for on-site assembly operations, allowing installers to simply install the complete unit rather than spending time assembling multiple separate components, thus significantly improving installation efficiency.
3Ease of manufacture
If a one-piece integrated structure is used, then the installation process is streamlined and efficient, but the manufacturing complexity and material requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the base, cover, and spline into a single molded one-piece structure. This combining approach simplifies the overall manufacturing process by eliminating multiple separate manufacturing operations and assembly steps, despite the increased complexity of creating the integrated geometry. The single-piece construction reduces the number of manufacturing stages required.
Solution Approach 2:
The one-piece frame is designed to perform multiple functions within a single manufactured component. The base portion, cover portion, and spline are all formed in one manufacturing process, creating a universal structure that delivers support, enclosure, and screen retention functions simultaneously. This multi-functionality is achieved through integrated design that consolidates manufacturing operations.
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
Facilitates efficient and efficient attachment of screens to openings with reduced components and tools, enhancing installation efficiency and durability.
Implementation Method 1
each of the cover hinge and the spline hinge being one of a flexible hinge and a living hinge
Implementation Method 2
The cover is movable between an open cover position and a closed cover position such that the first flange engages the first barb
Data Source
AI summary
A screen support frame element includes a base having a base body and a first leg and a second leg. The first leg includes a first barb and the second leg includes a second barb. A cover includes a lip and an arm. The arm includes a first flange that extends towards the lip. An integrated spline has a spline body extending between a first spline end and a second spline end having a spline protrusion. The cover is movable such that the first flange engages the first barb, and the lip extends over and is decoupled from the second leg, the integrated spline is movable such that the spline protrusion engages the second barb The base, and integrated spline are integrated as a single piece.