Balcony Glazing Magnetic Coupling for Smooth Displacement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing balcony glazing arrangements face difficulties in achieving smooth and easy horizontal displacement of window panes due to complex magnetic coupling mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

The balcony glazing arrangement employs magnetic coupling parts with a transport member that reduces attraction between them, allowing for easy horizontal displacement by transporting them relative to each other, and forms a robust coupling when pivoted, enabling smooth pivoting between open and closed settings with minimal wear on contact surfaces.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If magnetic coupling parts are used to hold the window pane in place, then the window pane remains securely fixed, but horizontal displacement becomes difficult and complicated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure fixingVSAvoidhorizontal displacement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic coupling system transitions from a static fixed state to a dynamic release state. During horizontal displacement, the magnetic coupling parts are temporarily decoupled or their attraction reduced, allowing movement. After displacement, they recouple to provide secure fixing again. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between secure fixing and ease of movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic coupling exhibits periodic engagement and disengagement cycles. During normal operation, the coupling is engaged for secure fixing. During displacement operations, the coupling is disengaged or attraction reduced. This periodic action pattern allows the system to alternate between secure fixing and easy displacement as needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Strength

If strong magnetic attraction is used to keep coupling parts together, then the coupling is robust, but horizontal displacement requires excessive force

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoupling strengthVSAvoiddisplacement effort
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic attraction strength is made dynamic rather than constant. The system can adjust the magnetic force level based on operational needs - strong attraction for secure coupling during normal operation, reduced attraction during displacement operations. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between strong coupling and easy displacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic coupling system changes physical parameters (such as magnetic field strength, distance between coupling parts, or orientation) to modulate the attraction force. By changing these parameters, the system achieves strong coupling when needed while requiring minimal force for displacement when operation is required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Strength

If magnetic coupling parts are kept closely together for strong coupling, then the magnetic attraction is maximized, but wear on contact surfaces increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemagnetic attractionVSAvoidwear resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The magnetic coupling parts are positioned such that they interact through a magnetic field rather than direct continuous contact. This intermediary magnetic field allows strong attraction forces to be transmitted without requiring constant physical contact between the coupling surfaces, thereby minimizing wear while maintaining coupling strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The magnetic coupling parts feature curved or spherical contact surfaces rather than flat surfaces. This curvature allows for point or line contact instead of surface contact, reducing the contact area and distributing wear more effectively. The curved surfaces also facilitate smoother relative movement and easier cleaning of contact points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Facilitates easy and robust horizontal displacement and pivoting of window panes, reducing the complexity of magnetic interactions and allowing for efficient assembly with larger installation tolerances.

Implementation Method 1

the first magnetic coupling part (31) is arranged to cooperate with a second magnetic coupling part (37)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic attraction: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP3164560B1Balcony glazing arrangement
Publication Date: 2020.04.29 NORDISKA BALCO
  • EP3164560B1 patent drawingFigure 1a
  • EP3164560B1 patent drawingFigure 1b
  • EP3164560B1 patent drawingFigure 2a

AI summary

A balcony glazing arrangement (1 ) comprises a window pane (9), which is horizontally displaceable along a track and is pivotable, about a vertical pivot axis (S) situated on one vertical side edge of the window pane (9), between a closed setting, in which the pane (9) extends along said track, and an open setting, in which the window pane (9) is pivoted away from said track, the window pane (9) having a first magnetic coupling part (39), which is arranged to cooperate with a second magnetic coupling part (33) arranged level with the first magnetic coupling part (39). The window pane (9) further has a magnetic transport member (47), which is arranged at a distance from the pivot axis (S) and level with a support (33a), and to, when the window pane (9) is pivoted from its open setting into its closed setting, come into contact with the support (33a) and transport said magnetic coupling parts (39, 33) in relation to one another.