Adapter Fitting for Window Auto-Ventilation Retrofit

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing window and door systems without an economical ventilation function require the entire drive rod fitting to be replaced to add this feature, leading to increased manufacturing costs and inventory complexity, especially for windows with shallow depths or those without a flap.

Innovation Solution

An adapter fitting that can be detachably attached to an existing drive rod fitting, incorporating an adapter profile and auxiliary locking pin, allowing for the retrofitting of windows with economical ventilation functionality without replacing the entire espagnolette fitting, using a driver plate to create a driving connection between the main and auxiliary locking pins.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the entire locking bar mechanism is replaced to retrofit ventilation function, then ventilation functionality is achieved, but manufacturing costs and inventory complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveventilation functionalityVSAvoidproduct range
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking bar mechanism is divided into separate functional components: the existing locking bar assembly and a separate adapter fitting. The adapter fitting contains the auxiliary locking bolt and drive plate, which can be attached to the existing locking bar to provide ventilation functionality without replacing the entire locking bar mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The adapter fitting is designed to be universally compatible with existing locking bar mechanisms, allowing the same adapter to be used across different window and door applications. This enables manufacturers to maintain a single product range while providing both standard and ventilation-enabled configurations through the optional adapter attachment.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If strike plates with two offset mounting grooves are used, then ventilation position is secured, but installation depth requirement increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveventilation positionVSAvoidinstallation depth
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of requiring additional depth in the strike plate dimension, the invention introduces the auxiliary locking bolt in a different spatial arrangement - offset perpendicular to the sash plane rather than parallel. This dimensional change allows ventilation functionality without increasing the depth requirements of the existing locking mechanism.

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

3Ease of operation

If auxiliary locking bolts are firmly connected via sheet metal pieces, then synchronous actuation is achieved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesynchronous actuationVSAvoidlocking mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The drive plate merges the actuation function by providing a common attachment point for both the main locking bolt and auxiliary locking bolt. When the drive plate is actuated, it simultaneously moves both locking bolts, achieving synchronous actuation through a unified component rather than separate connection mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Ease of manufacture

If the adapter fitting is detachably attached, then retrofitting effort is minimized, but connection stability may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveretrofitting effortVSAvoidconnection stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter fitting is pre-configured with the auxiliary locking bolt and drive plate assembly before attachment to the existing locking bar. This preliminary preparation ensures that once attached, the connection is immediately functional and stable, eliminating the need for complex on-site adjustments while maintaining ease of installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4223965B1Adapter fitting for a window or a door for the realization of an auto-ventilation function
Publication Date: 2024.02.21 MACO TECHNOLOGIE GMBH
  • EP4223965B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4223965B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4223965B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The present invention relates to an adapter fitting for attachment to a locking bar of a window or door to implement a trickle ventilation function. The adapter fitting comprises an adapter profile for detachably fixing the adapter fitting to a faceplate of the respective locking bar and at least one drive plate movable with respect to the adapter profile, to which an auxiliary locking pin is attached and in which a through-hole is formed for receiving a main locking pin attached to a locking bar of the respective locking bar. A first elongated hole extending along a longitudinal axis is formed in the adapter profile, through which the auxiliary locking pin extends, thereby positively guiding the auxiliary locking pin along the longitudinal axis of the first elongated hole.