Window Screen Element for Light-Proofing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing window screening arrangements, such as roller shutters and blackout blinds, face challenges in achieving sufficient light-proofing, particularly at the bottom end, where light leakage can occur, despite efforts to minimize external light entry.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a screen element mounted on the bottom member of the window sash, extending between the side rails, with a height that matches or exceeds the distance from the sash plane to the underside of the screening body, enhancing light-proofing without requiring special precautions at the side rails.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a traditional roller shutter or blackout blind is used without additional screen elements, then the mounting flexibility is maintained, but light-proofing at the bottom end is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight leakageVSAvoidscreening arrangement structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The screening arrangement is divided into separate functional elements: the main screening body (roller shutter or blackout blind) and an additional screen element mounted on the bottom member. This segmentation allows each element to address specific light leakage areas independently, improving overall light-proofing without requiring complete redesign of the entire screening system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The screen element extends in a direction perpendicular to the sash plane, creating an additional dimensional barrier against light leakage. By projecting the screen element outward from the sash plane, the solution addresses light leakage from a different spatial dimension, effectively blocking light paths that would otherwise penetrate through the gap between the screening body and the bottom member.

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

2Object-affected harmful factors

If curved sections are added to the side rails to force the end element downwards, then light-proofing is improved, but the mounting flexibility and design simplicity are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelight leakage at side railsVSAvoidmounting flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The light-proofing function is extracted from the side rail structure and transferred to a separate screen element mounted on the bottom member. This extraction allows the side rails to maintain their simple, flexible mounting design while the screen element independently addresses light leakage at the bottom end, preserving mounting adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The screen element acts as an intermediary component between the bottom member and the screening body, providing light-proofing without requiring modifications to the side rails or mounting structure. This intermediary element mediates the light leakage problem while leaving the original mounting system unchanged and flexible.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2920395B1A window comprising a screening arrangement and having improved light-proofing
Publication Date: 2017.05.10 VKR HOLDING AS
  • EP2920395B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2920395B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2920395B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

In order to improve the light-proofing of the window, the screening arrangement includes a screen element (92) mounted at the bottom member (71) of the sash (7), said screen element (92) extending between the side rails (3, 4). The screen element (92) has such a height (hse ) in a direction perpendicular to the sash plane that it at least corresponds to or exceeds the distance (hsb ) between the screening body and the screening plane.