Chain Actuator with Thrust Device for Window Equilibrium
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional chain actuators for window units face issues with maintaining stable equilibrium and stiffness, leading to potential collapse under load or deformation, especially in windy conditions or when subjected to limited loads.
Innovation Solution
A chain actuator design that includes an articulated chain with segments that can rotate into a jamming angle to exert stress and maintain equilibrium, combined with a thrust device to force segments into this angle, ensuring stability and curvature adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the articulated chain is extended to support the movable part, then the window unit can be opened, but the chain may lose equilibrium and collapse under load or wind pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The thrust device applies a preliminary force on the articulated chain to maintain it in a predetermined curved configuration before external loads are applied. This preliminary action ensures that the chain starts in a stable equilibrium position and maintains the correct geometric arrangement even when subjected to wind gusts or variable loads, preventing collapse and ensuring reliable operation
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the geometric parameter of the articulated chain by maintaining it in a specific curved configuration rather than allowing it to remain straight or randomly oriented. This parameter change (from straight/random to curved) fundamentally alters the chain's mechanical behavior, providing inherent stability and equilibrium that prevents collapse under external forces
2Length of moving object
If the articulated chain is allowed to bend excessively to accommodate large stroke, then the window can open fully, but the chain may yield or deform causing failure
Solution Approach 1:
The thrust device maintains the articulated chain in a predetermined curved configuration instead of allowing it to bend excessively or remain straight. This curved geometry distributes mechanical stresses more favorably along the chain links, enabling the chain to accommodate large stroke distances while maintaining structural integrity and preventing yielding or deformation that would lead to failure
3Adaptability or versatility
If the links are allowed to orient randomly when extended, then the chain can adapt to positioning needs, but the equilibrium condition is lost and sudden closing occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the orientation parameter of the articulated chain by maintaining it in a specific curved configuration with defined geometric relationships between links. This parameter control prevents random orientation while preserving the chain's ability to adapt to positioning needs, ensuring that the equilibrium condition is maintained and sudden closing is prevented
4Strength
If the articulated chain is kept straight to maintain stiffness, then load support is improved, but the chain cannot accommodate curved trajectory movement
Solution Approach 1:
The invention resolves this contradiction by maintaining the articulated chain in a predetermined curved configuration that provides both the necessary stiffness for load support and the geometric capability to follow curved trajectories. The curved shape is not a compromise but a design feature that simultaneously achieves both objectives: the arching structure provides structural rigidity while naturally accommodating the curved movement path
Data Source
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AI summary
Described is a chain actuator (1) for a window unit (2), comprising: - a frame (30) having a fixed portion (31) and a movable portion (22) apt to be coupled respectively to a fixed part (21) and a movable part (22) of the window unit (2); - an articulated chain (40) connected to the fixed (31) and movable (32) portions of frame (30) to move and operate the window unit (2) between an open position and a closed position. The articulated chain (40) is composed of a plurality of segments (41), rotatably connected to each other to rotate around a respective hinge axis (C) in a winding direction (α) to orient its development direction (S) between a jamming angle and a winding angle. In the jamming angle each segment (41) has its own development direction (S) substantially parallel to the development direction (S) of the further segments so as to exert a stress along an operating direction (D). The actuator (1) further comprises an actuation device (50) coupled to the fixed portion (31) and to the articulated chain (40) and operable to open or close the window unit (2). Lastly, the actuator (1) comprises a thrust device (60) associated with the fixed portion (31) and configured to interfere with the articulated chain (40) in a section thereof placed between the movable portion (32) and the actuation device (50) for forcing the segments of the articulated chain (40) forming said section into their mutual jamming angle.