Bent Rod Position Detector for Window Frame Installation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing position detectors for movable fittings in windows and doors are complex, requiring separate components and large spaces, with limited guidance for the rod's movement, making them difficult to install and prone to damage during transport and installation.

Innovation Solution

A compact position detector with a bent rod and integrated electronic means, including a position sensor system and battery, arranged within a casing that allows the rod to bypass the battery, enabling easier installation and protection from external damage, while the detector's housing fits within a bore on the edge of the frame.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a remote detection unit is used, then the detector does not require integrated batteries and circuit board, but significant space is required and the rod is minimally guided

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetector structureVSAvoidspace required
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the detection unit, battery, and electronic components into a single integrated housing mounted on the frame edge, eliminating the need for separate remote detection units and wired connections. This merging reduces the overall space required while maintaining functional complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The bent rod is nested within the housing, with its bends allowing it to fit around the battery and electronic components. The rod's path is routed through the housing interior, nesting the moving element within the stationary housing structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of operation

If the rod protrudes from the housing, then it can be actuated by the movable fitting, but it is vulnerable to damage during transport and installation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverod actuationVSAvoiddamage resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The rod is designed with bends that allow it to dynamically route around obstacles (battery, housing walls) while maintaining its actuation function. The flexible bent path allows the rod to be actuated from the exterior while protected within the housing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The housing acts as an intermediary structure that protects the rod during transport while still allowing actuation. The rod passes through the housing rather than protruding externally, with the housing walls serving as the protective intermediary barrier.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of manufacture

If all components are integrated in a single housing, then installation is simplified, but space within the housing must be efficiently utilized

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidhousing space
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The rod is bent in multiple dimensions to route around the battery and electronic components. By changing the rod's path from a straight line to a multi-dimensional bent path, the design efficiently utilizes the three-dimensional space within the housing.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The rod features curved bends rather than sharp angles, allowing it to smoothly navigate around the cylindrical battery and other components. The curved geometry optimizes space utilization within the housing volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Data Source

PatentEP3816379B1Detector of the position of a mobile fitting of a frame
Publication Date: 2023.03.29 SOMFY ACTIVITES SA
  • EP3816379B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3816379B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3816379B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A position detector (12) for a movable fitting (112) comprising a housing (20); an angled rod (22) including a sensing portion (51) for translational movement by the movable fitting (112); a rear portion (52) inside the housing (20), the rear portion (52) being transversely offset relative to the sensing portion (51); and an intermediate portion (53) connecting the sensing portion (51) to the rear portion (52). The detector includes electronic means (24) comprising a position sensor system (57, 98, 99) for the angled rod (22), and a transmitter (82). To make the position detector autonomous and easier to install on the frame, the detector (12) further includes a battery (30, 30'), the intermediate part (53), the battery (30, 30') and the electronic means (24) are arranged inside the housing (20) and the battery (30, 30') is arranged between the electronic means (24) and the intermediate part (53).