Screen Profile Extension Device for Greenhouse Drive Assembly Flexibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing screen assemblies in greenhouses and warehouses lack flexibility in arranging screen cloths and drive assemblies, as the drive assembly is typically directly connected to the screen profile, limiting the ability to vary the distance between screen cloths and drive assemblies.

Innovation Solution

A device with integrated locking features is inserted into a channel of the screen profile to extend its height, allowing the drive assembly to be positioned at a different level, and connected via a device channel with locking mechanisms that prevent accidental disengagement without requiring separate fastening means like screws or bolts.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the drive assembly is directly connected to the screen profile, then the connection is simple and stable, but the flexibility to arrange screen cloths and drive assemblies at different levels is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility to arrange screen cloths and drive assembliesVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device is inserted into the channel of the screen profile, with the device channel nested within the screen profile channel. This nesting arrangement extends the effective height of the screen profile while maintaining a compact overall structure, allowing drive assemblies to be positioned at different levels without adding external complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The device extends the screen profile in the vertical dimension by inserting an extension device into the channel. This creates additional vertical space, allowing drive assemblies to be arranged at different heights while maintaining horizontal alignment, thus adding dimensional flexibility to the system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If separate locking means like screws or bolts are used, then the locking is secure, but the installation requires tools and may damage screen cloths

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking securityVSAvoidinstallation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The locking features are integrated directly into the device structure, combining the extension function and locking function into a single component. The integrated locking features engage with the channel walls to provide secure anchoring without requiring separate fastening elements, thus maintaining reliability while simplifying installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The device is designed to lock itself into the channel through its integrated locking features that engage with the channel walls upon insertion. This self-locking mechanism eliminates the need for external tools or separate fastening operations, making the installation tool-free and damage-free while maintaining secure locking.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4410093A1Device and method for extending a screen profile in a screen assembly
Publication Date: 2024.08.07 VAN DER VALK SYSTN
  • EP4410093A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2A
  • EP4410093A1 patent drawingFigure 2B~3A
  • EP4410093A1 patent drawingFigure 3B~3E

AI summary

A device for extending a screen profile in a screen assembly in a greenhouse or warehouse is provided. The device comprises a device channel with a device channel opening, and is configured to be arranged in the channel of a screen profile to extend a height of the screen profile. The device is configured to be inserted into the channel through the channel opening and comprises integrated locking features configured to lock the device inside the channel.