Screening Device Cord Restraint for Fail-Safe Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing screening devices face challenges in restricted space and overview, making correct and fail-safe installation difficult, especially for non-experts, and are prone to unintended demounting during use, which can cause damage.

Innovation Solution

A screening arrangement with a cord system featuring U-shaped engagement members and protrusions that move in a single direction for easy installation, providing a secure connection between the cord restraint and reception means, ensuring the screening device can withstand frequent and violent use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a cord restraint with a ball and cord system is used to connect the screening device to the bracket, then the screening device can be mounted to the screening arrangement, but the mounting process becomes difficult due to restricted space and poor overview, especially for non-experts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of mountingVSAvoidmounting complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cord restraint is divided into distinct functional segments: a U-shaped engagement member for connecting to the bracket, a cord receiving portion for securing the cord, and a positioning element for alignment. This segmentation allows each component to be independently optimized and simplifies the overall mounting process by making the function of each part clear and manageable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The U-shaped engagement member acts as an intermediary component between the bracket and the cord system. It provides a clear mechanical interface that facilitates connection without requiring complex alignment or specialized knowledge, thereby simplifying the mounting operation for non-experts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a traditional cord restraint is used, then the screening device can be mounted, but it is prone to unintended demounting during use, causing damage to parts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoiddamage risk
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cord restraint incorporates a pre-designed engagement mechanism with the bracket that actively prevents unintended demounting. The U-shaped engagement member is configured to securely latch onto the bracket, and the cord positioning element ensures proper tension and alignment, creating a fail-safe connection that resists accidental release during use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The design includes built-in safety features that cushion against potential failure modes. The secure engagement mechanism and proper cord positioning prevent excessive movement or tension that could lead to damage, thereby protecting the screening device and bracket from harm before problems occur.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the cord restraint allows free movement, then the screening device is flexible in use, but the connection becomes insecure under excessive pull forces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveflexibility in useVSAvoidconnection strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The cord restraint is designed with dynamic characteristics that allow controlled movement during normal operation, providing flexibility in use. However, under excessive pull forces, the engagement mechanism engages fully with the bracket, automatically increasing the connection strength to prevent failure. This dynamic response adapts to the operational conditions without requiring external intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2231986B1Screening device as add-on for a screening arrangement
Publication Date: 2015.05.06 VKR HOLDING AS
  • EP2231986B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2231986B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2231986B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a screening arrangement (1) and a method for installation thereof, comprising a first screening device (100) having a screening body (106) adapted for screening an aperture of a frame and comprising an upper end edge and a lower end edge, said lower end edge being fastened to a first lower operating element (172) extending in a first longitudinal direction defining, in a condition of use, a width direction, said first longitudinal direction being substantially perpendicular to a second longitudinal direction defining a height direction, said screening arrangement furthermore comprises a second screening device (200) having a screening body (206) and said screening arrangement comprises reception means (411) facing downwards in a second longitudinal direction, and said second screening device comprises engagement means (455, 456) adapted to be moved upwards in said second longitudinal direction to cooperate with said reception means.