Snap-Fit Security Screen Frame Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current security screen systems are labor-intensive and costly to manufacture, requiring manual construction and traditional fasteners that do not meet modern automation standards.
Innovation Solution
The development of a security screen system that utilizes a fastening assembly comprising an outer sash, an inner sash, and an insulator, which can be assembled using automated or semi-automated processes, enhancing the strength and security of the mesh or infill within the frame.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional fasteners (screws, rivets, wedges, tape, glue) are used to secure the mesh in the frame, then the security strength is maintained, but the manufacturing process becomes labor-intensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical fasteners (screws, rivets, wedges) with a snap-fit engagement system where the inner sash features protrusions that engage with recesses in the outer sash. This substitution enables automated assembly while maintaining security strength through the distributed engagement points of multiple protrusions and recesses around the perimeter.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame is divided into an outer sash and an inner sash as separate components that can be manufactured independently and then assembled through automated processes. The segmentation allows each component to be optimized for automated manufacturing while the engagement features (protrusions and recesses) provide the necessary security strength when assembled.
2Reliability
If manual construction methods are used for assembling security screens, then assembly strength can be controlled, but manufacturing time and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The snap-fit engagement system replaces manual fastening operations with an automated mechanical engagement process. The protrusions on the inner sash automatically engage with recesses in the outer sash during assembly, providing consistent and reliable assembly quality without requiring manual intervention, thereby reducing manufacturing time while maintaining assembly reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The engagement features are designed to self-align and self-engage during the assembly process. The protrusions on the inner sash automatically find and engage with the recesses in the outer sash, providing inherent quality control without requiring manual inspection or adjustment, thus enabling automated assembly with consistent reliability.
3Reliability
If current fastening systems are used, then security standards are met, but the assembly process requires significant labor and complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex multi-step fastening operations with a simple snap-fit engagement system. The protrusions and recesses are designed to engage automatically without requiring multiple fasteners, alignment tools, or complex assembly sequences, thereby reducing assembly complexity while meeting security standards through the distributed engagement points.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple fastening functions into a single integrated engagement system. Instead of using separate screws, rivets, or adhesives, the protrusion-recess engagement system performs both the mechanical connection and the security function in one integrated mechanism, reducing assembly complexity while maintaining security standard compliance.
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a security screen system. The system may include a mesh/infill and a frame including a plurality of frame assemblies surrounding the mesh/infill. At least one of the frame assemblies may include: an outer sash including a first sidewall and a second sidewall defining a channel therebetween, each sidewall including a first engagement feature; an inner sash received in the outer sash, the inner sash including a first leg and a second leg for engagement with the first and second sidewall, respectively, each leg including a second engagement feature for engagement with the first engagement feature of a sidewall to facilitate retention of the inner sash within the channel; and an insulator received, at least in part, in the inner sash, and engaging an end of the mesh/infill in the insulator. There are also provided methods of assembling a security screen system.