Actuation Assembly for Motorized Glazed Doors

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Solution Overview

Problem

The installation of awnings on windows or French doors with motorized actuators is cumbersome due to interference and accessibility issues, especially in hard-to-reach locations like lofts, and the complexity of electrical connections for motorized roller awnings.

Innovation Solution

An actuation assembly that integrates a roller-type awning device with a roller and unwinding/winding means for cable tension, positioned in mutually opposite sides of the glazed area, within an enclosure that houses electromechanical and electronic components, allowing for simplified installation and control of both the actuator and awning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If a chain-operated actuator with containment box is used to move the window, then the window can be motorized, but the installation of awning becomes awkward due to interference from the actuator components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotorized window operationVSAvoidawning installation
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The awning device is nested within the containment box of the chain-operated actuator. The roller for the awning and the unwinding/winding means for the cable are arranged inside the same enclosure that houses the motor and reduction unit, allowing the awning to be integrated with the actuator structure without adding external interference elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The actuator and awning device are merged into a single integrated assembly. Both the window actuation mechanism and the awning rolling mechanism share the same containment box and mounting structure, eliminating the need for separate installations and reducing overall interference.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Extent of automation

If the box is fixed to the leaf to enable actuation, then the window can be moved, but the application of awning becomes particularly awkward due to interference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewindow actuationVSAvoidawning application
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The awning roller and cable winding mechanism are nested within the actuator box that is fixed to the window leaf. This nested arrangement ensures that the awning components occupy the same spatial envelope as the actuator, eliminating additional external attachments that would complicate awning application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Adaptability or versatility

If windows are arranged in lofts or skylights for architectural design, then aesthetic goals are achieved, but installation becomes difficult due to hard-to-reach locations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvearchitectural placement flexibilityVSAvoidinstallation accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The actuator and awning device are merged into a single self-contained unit that can be installed as one assembly. This integration reduces the number of separate installation steps and components that need to be handled in hard-to-reach locations, simplifying the installation process for loft or skylight windows.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated actuator-awning assembly is designed to be universally applicable to various window types and locations, including loft and skylight windows. The compact self-contained design allows it to be installed in confined spaces that would be difficult to access with separate, larger components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Extent of automation

If motorized roller awnings are installed for automated awning operation, then convenience is improved, but wiring complexity and installation difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotorized awning operationVSAvoidelectrical wiring
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical systems for both the window actuator and the motorized awning are merged into a single wiring arrangement. Since both devices are housed in the same containment box and share common mounting points, the electrical connections can be consolidated, reducing the overall wiring complexity compared to separate motorized systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP1953323B1Actuation assembly for moving doors or windows
Publication Date: 2010.08.18 TOPP
  • EP1953323B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1953323B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1953323B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An actuation assembly for moving glazed doors or windows, of the type comprising an enclosure (11, 111, 211, 311, 411) for containing the electromechanical components for actuation (13, 113, 213, 313, 413) and the electronic components for management and control. The actuation assembly further comprises a roller-type awning device (22, 122, 222, 322, 422), which in turn comprises a roller (23, 123, 223, 323, 423) for rolling up/unrolling the awning (24, 124, 224, 324, 424), means (25) for actuating the rotation of the roller (23, 123, 223, 323, 423), unwinding/winding means (27) for at least one cable (28, 128) for keeping the awning (22, 122, 222, 322, 422) under tension during its movement. The roller (23, 123, 223, 323, 423) for rolling up/unrolling the awning and the unwinding/winding means (27) for the at least one cable (28, 128) are arranged in mutually opposite positions, with respect to the area to be covered, which are formed on the leaf (B) or casing frame (T) or on both (B, T). The roller (23, 123, 223, 323, 423) or the unwinding/winding means (27) are rigidly coupled to a preset position of the enclosure (11, 111, 211, 311, 411).