Angled Pivot Window Closure for Compact Caravan Interiors

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Solution Overview

Problem

In mobile accommodations like caravans, the conventional window closures protrude inward, creating an unsightly obstacle and obstructing window coverings due to their perpendicular alignment with the window, resulting in inadequate space and aesthetic issues.

Innovation Solution

The pivot axis of the closure handle is angled obliquely relative to the window, allowing the handle to lie closer to the window in the closed position and move away during opening, reducing intermediate space and enabling a more compact construction, with manually releasable locking means for secure closure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the closure handle is mounted perpendicular to the window, then the closure provides adequate grip and operation space, but the closure protrudes inward creating aesthetic issues and obstructing window coverings

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegrip and operation spaceVSAvoidprotrusion and aesthetic appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The closure handle is mounted at an oblique angle (45 degrees) relative to the window plane, deviating from the conventional perpendicular mounting. This asymmetric orientation allows the handle to lie closer to the window in the closed position, reducing protrusion and improving aesthetics while maintaining adequate grip space and operational ease through the angled pivot mechanism

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

2Ease of operation

If the closure protrudes inward to provide adequate grip, then the closure is easy to operate, but the intermediate space is reduced and window coverings are obstructed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegrip availabilityVSAvoidintermediate space
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The closure handle is designed as a dynamic component that can rotate about an oblique pivot axis. In the closed position, the handle lies close to the window plane to minimize protrusion and maximize intermediate space. During operation, the handle rotates to provide adequate grip and manipulation space, thus adapting the spatial requirements between different operational states

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Shape

If the handle is positioned closely to the window in closed position, then the construction becomes more compact and aesthetic, but the grip space is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompact constructionVSAvoidgrip space
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The oblique pivot axis enables the handle to dynamically adjust its position. When closed, the handle is positioned close to the window for compactness and aesthetics. When operation is required, the handle rotates about the oblique axis to swing away from the window plane, providing sufficient grip space and ergonomic handling without compromising the compact closed appearance

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3707328B1Mobile accommodation, framed window and closure
Publication Date: 2023.10.11 POLYPLASTIC ROTTERDAM
  • EP3707328B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3B

AI summary

Mobile accommodation comprising a wall (10) with a wall opening (5) in which an openable window is arranged, which window is provided with closing means for keeping the window in a closed position. The closing means comprise a closure (30) with a handle (34) which is connected for rotation about a pivot axis (III) to the window, and with a protrusion (35) which, in a first position of the closure round the pivot axis, is in closing co-action with a shoulder on the edge of the wall opening. In a second position of the handle about the pivot axis, the protrusion is disengaged from the shoulder in order to release the window. The pivot axis (III) makes an obtuse angle with the window, which angle opens toward a hinge side of the window. In the first position the handle is oriented substantially parallel (I) to the window and in the second position points at an acute angle (a) toward the hinge side of the window.