Screen Retainer Strip Assembly That Prevents Cover Tearing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing screen retainer systems damage screen covers during installation or removal, leading to frequent replacements and aesthetic issues, especially when using thin, clear plastic covers for winterization.

Innovation Solution

A low-profile retainer strip assembly comprising a cap strip and a base strip with grooves and channels to securely hold splines, screen covers, and cover strips, made from resilient plastic or metal, which prevents damage to screen covers by using a cap strip that covers the base strip and holds the spline and cover in place without tearing or fraying.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a retaining strip is used to securely fasten screen covers to framing, then the screen covers are held in place effectively, but the retaining strip tears or frays the screen covers during installation or removal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescreen cover retentionVSAvoidscreen cover damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a removable cap strip as an intermediary component between the base strip and the screen cover. The cap strip has a smooth interior surface that contacts the screen cover, preventing tearing and fraying, while the base strip provides the secure fastening to the framing. This mediator allows the screen cover to be held securely without direct contact with the potentially damaging base strip edges or fasteners.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The retaining strip system is divided into two separate components: a base strip that is permanently fastened to the framing and provides structural support, and a removable cap strip that contacts the screen cover and can be easily removed for installation or replacement. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while reducing damage to the screen cover.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If screen covers are tightly fitted to mesh screens for effective climate control, then thermal performance is improved, but the screen covers become more susceptible to damage during installation or removal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclimate control effectivenessVSAvoidscreen cover damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cap strip serves as a protective intermediary between the tight-fitting screen cover and the framing structure. It allows the screen cover to be fitted tightly against the mesh screen for effective climate control while the cap strip's smooth interior surface prevents the tight fit from causing tearing or fraying during installation or removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If traditional framing with nails or tacks is used to attach screening, then the screening is securely attached, but the framing is damaged during removal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescreen attachment securityVSAvoidframing damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical fastening system of nails or tacks with a strip-based system that is fastened to the framing and then holds the screen through grooves and channels. This substitution eliminates the need to drive nails or tacks into the framing, thereby preventing damage to the framing during installation and removal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Reliability

If screen covers are frequently replaced due to damage, then functional integrity is maintained, but time and resources are lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvescreen cover functionalityVSAvoidreplacement frequency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The protective cap strip prevents damage to screen covers during installation and removal, allowing them to be reused across multiple seasons. This reduces the frequency of replacement and saves time and resources, while the removable design maintains easy functionality for when replacement is needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent provides protection that exceeds the minimum requirement by including the removable cap strip that actively prevents damage during handling. This excessive protective action ensures screen covers last through multiple installation cycles, reducing replacement frequency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentUS8056602B1Screen cover retainer strip assembly

Publication Date: 2011.11.15 MARHAYGUE LLC

AI summary

A retainer strip assembly for securing screening and screen covering and the like to a framing member comprises a base strip, cover strip and cap strip fastened to the framing member, the cap strip covering the base strip and holding in place the screening and screen covering, and the cover strip contained within the base strip for avoiding the tearing or fraying of screen covers when the cap strip is placed on or removed from the base strip while installing or removing screen covers.