Screening Device Bracket With Hidden Electrical Contacts

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing supporting means for electric screening devices do not effectively hide electrical contact points when the device is not in use, exposing them and affecting the aesthetic appearance and mounting compatibility with various screening devices.

Innovation Solution

A bracket member with a releasable cover that conceals electrical contact points, maintaining the distance between bracket members and allowing for hidden electrical connections, reducing manufacturing costs by not requiring changes in coupling member designs for electric or non-electric devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If electrical contact points are exposed on the bracket member, then electrical connection with the screening device is facilitated, but the aesthetic appearance is degraded and the mounting process is complicated when no screening device is installed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connectionVSAvoidaesthetic appearance

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The bracket member is divided into two functional segments: a visible cover portion that provides aesthetic appearance, and a hidden contact portion that enables electrical connection. The cover can be removed or moved to expose the contact points when needed, while maintaining a clean appearance when not in use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The electrical contact points are extracted from the visible surface and positioned in a hidden location beneath the cover. This separation allows the cover to provide aesthetic appearance while the contact points remain accessible for electrical connection when the cover is removed or moved.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If customized coupling members are designed for electric and non-electric devices, then electrical connection is ensured, but manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connectionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The bracket member is designed with universal functionality to accommodate both electric and non-electric screening devices. The same bracket member with its hidden contact points can serve both purposes, eliminating the need for separate customized coupling members and reducing manufacturing costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The bracket member incorporates adjustable or reconfigurable contact points that can be positioned or exposed based on the specific application. This flexibility allows a single bracket design to work with different screening devices without requiring customized manufacturing for each type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If the distance between bracket members is reduced to accommodate intermediate electric connection pieces, then electrical connection is enabled, but the structural integrity and engagement are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connectionVSAvoidstructural integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical contact points are nested within the bracket member structure itself, specifically positioned beneath the cover portion. This integration eliminates the need for separate intermediate connection pieces and maintains the structural integrity of the bracket while enabling electrical connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The electrical contact function is merged with the bracket member structure, combining the support function and electrical connection function into a single integrated component. This eliminates the need for separate intermediate connection pieces and maintains structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

The solution provides a hidden electrical contact point that maintains the structural integrity and aesthetic appeal, ensuring compatibility with various screening devices and reducing manufacturing costs by keeping the engagement between bracket and coupling members unchanged.

Implementation Method 1

a coupling member with a resilient electrical terminal that facilitates connection with the bracket member's contact points

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS8256491B2Bracket member and a coupling member for supporting a screening device in a window or door frame, a window or door and a screening device

Publication Date: 2012.09.04 VKR HOLDING AS

AI summary

A screening device for mounting in a frame structure, which has at least one pair of opposed frame pieces, has two opposite ends and carries at each end a coupling member for supporting the screening device in the frame structure, wherein at least one of said coupling members has a recess having at least one coupling member engagement side for engaging a bracket member in a frame structure and an electrical terminal in the recess. The electrical terminal is resilient and movable in directions towards and away from a body part of the screening device, and the resilience of the electrical terminal is configured so that retaining of the coupling member on the bracket member may, at least in part, be fulfilled by the resilience of the resilient electrical terminal.