Adjustable Rod Guide for Openable Elements

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing rod guides for openable elements like doors and hatches are static, leading to tension in the rods and potential brittleness over time, especially in environments requiring robust materials and constructions.

Innovation Solution

A rod guide comprising a first part with a recess extending from its bottom side and a second part that is movable relative to the first part, allowing for height adjustment of the rod guide to alleviate tension in the rod.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a static rod guide is used, then the structure is simple and robust, but tension is induced in the rod which reduces reliability and causes brittleness over time

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverod durabilityVSAvoidrod guide structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rod guide transitions from a static structure to a dynamic adjustable structure. The second part can move relative to the first part along the recess, allowing the rod guide to adapt its position and eliminate tension in the rod during operation, thereby improving reliability without excessive complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The rod guide is divided into two separate parts: a first part that provides structural support and a second part that contains the rod receptacle and can move independently. This segmentation allows the movable portion to adjust while the fixed portion maintains structural integrity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If a static rod guide is used, then manufacturing is simple, but the rod guide cannot be adjusted to precise positions which reduces ease of operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverod operation smoothnessVSAvoidrod guide production
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustable design allows the rod guide to be positioned optimally during installation and operation, ensuring smooth rod movement without binding or tension. The height adjusting element enables precise positioning while maintaining operational simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The rod guide includes self-adjustment capabilities through the movable second part and height adjusting element, allowing it to automatically accommodate rod movement requirements without complex external adjustment mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Duration of action of stationary object

If a static rod guide is used, then the device is robust and simple, but it induces tension in the rod which reduces the lifespan of the openable element

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveopenable element lifespanVSAvoidrod guide mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The movable second part allows the rod guide to dynamically adjust its position along the recess to eliminate tension in the rod during opening/closing operations. This reduces stress on the rod and extends the lifespan of the openable element

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The height adjusting element allows for preliminary adjustment of the rod guide position during installation, ensuring optimal positioning before operation begins. This prevents tension from developing during use and extends component life

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4400681B1Rod guide for an openable element
Publication Date: 2025.04.23 INDUSTRILAS AB
  • EP4400681B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4400681B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4400681B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A rod guide (1) for a rod (22) arranged to an openable element (2), comprising a first part (10) configured to be arranged onto the surface (21) of the openable element (2), and having at least one recess (101) extending in a direction perpendicular to the surface (21) of the openable element (2), a second part (11) enclosed by the first part (10) and being movable relative to the first part (10) in a direction perpendicular to the surface (21), and having at least one recess (111) configured to create a receptacle for receiving the rod (22), and a height adjusting element (112, 113) configured to adjust the position of the second part (11) inside of the first part (10), wherein when moving the second part (11) by the height adjusting element (112, 113) the rod (22) received in the receptacle of the recess (111) is moved along the recess (101) in a direction perpendicular to the openable element (2). Further disclosed is a method for adjusting the position of a rod (22) in a rod guide (1) and an openable element (2) comprising a rod and a rod guide (1).