Screen Device Lateral Guides Segmented Rail Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Modern house-building trends, such as minimalist architecture and increased wall thickness for insulation, make it difficult to access the protective casing of screen devices for maintenance and repairs, as existing openings are not concealed and require additional space for access.

Innovation Solution

The use of two separate rails, where one rail is optimized for guiding the screen roller during assembly and the other for guiding the screen's lateral sides, allows for concealed installation and simplified access by forming a second rail from two further profiles that can be connected and disconnected without rendering the first rail unusable, enabling easy assembly and maintenance without visible openings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of repair

If an opening is provided in the protective casing for access, then maintenance and repairs can be carried out, but the aesthetic appearance is compromised and additional space is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess to protective casingVSAvoidaesthetic appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The protective casing is segmented into a fixed outer casing and a movable inner access cover. The access cover can be opened independently to provide maintenance access without compromising the overall aesthetic appearance of the fixed outer casing, which remains closed and continuous.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The access cover is made movable rather than fixed, allowing it to be opened for maintenance and then closed to restore the aesthetic appearance. This dynamic element enables the system to switch between two states: closed for aesthetics and open for access.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Loss of energy

If the wall thickness is increased for insulation, then energy efficiency is improved, but access to the protective casing becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveheat loss through wallVSAvoidaccess to protective casing
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The access system is segmented into an outer fixed casing that maintains the thick wall structure for insulation, and an inner movable access cover that provides maintenance access. This allows the thick wall to be preserved for energy efficiency while the segmented access cover provides a practical maintenance pathway.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The movable access cover acts as an intermediary element between the thick outer wall and the internal components. It provides a controlled access point through the thick wall structure, enabling maintenance without compromising the wall's insulating properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If two separate rails are provided for guiding, then assembly and maintenance are simplified, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly and maintenanceVSAvoidnumber of rails
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The guiding system is segmented into two separate rails: a first rail for guiding the screen roller assembly and a second rail for guiding the screen fabric. This segmentation allows each rail to be optimized for its specific function, simplifying assembly and maintenance procedures while keeping the overall structure organized and manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Both rails are designed with standardized connection mechanisms and mounting features, allowing them to be installed and adjusted using similar procedures. This universality reduces the operational complexity despite having two rails, as the same tools and methods can be applied to both components.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3936695B1Lateral guides
Publication Date: 2023.12.06 WILMS ERIK
  • EP3936695B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3936695B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3936695B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Screen device comprising a screen roller and a screen rollable onto and unreliable from this screen roller and attached on one of its sides to the screen roller, wherein the screen device comprises a frame with at least a protective casing and two lateral guides, wherein the lateral guides each comprise a first profile having a first rail for guiding the screen roller and each comprise two further profiles which, when the two further profiles are connected to said first profile, together form a second rail for guiding the lateral sides of the screen when the screen is rolled up and unrolled.