Chain Actuator Layout for Compact Fast Window Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing chain actuators for window units are bulky due to long rigid chains, which increase the size of the box-shaped body and reduce operating speed, while also being costly and requiring larger dimensions for the gas spring to maintain window position under windy conditions.
Innovation Solution
The chain actuator design positions the rigid chain and gas spring in separate parallel operating planes, reducing the overall length of the chain and allowing for a more compact design with a larger gas spring, enhancing thrusting force and operating speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the rigid chain is made longer to achieve a 90° window opening rotation, then the rotation capability is improved, but the longitudinal dimension of the box-shaped body increases and the operating speed decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the rigid chain and gas spring in different spatial planes (first plane and second plane respectively), transforming a one-dimensional linear arrangement into a two-dimensional spatial configuration. This allows the chain to achieve the necessary 90° rotation capability while the gas spring operates independently in a parallel plane, preventing the need to increase the longitudinal dimension of the box-shaped body.
2Productivity
If the rigid chain is made longer to achieve faster operating speed, then the chain extends more quickly, but the longitudinal dimension of the box-shaped body increases
Solution Approach 1:
By arranging the rigid chain in a first plane and the gas spring in a second plane parallel to the first, the patent enables faster operating speed through optimized chain configuration without increasing the longitudinal dimension. The spatial separation allows the chain to be positioned optimally for speed while maintaining compact overall dimensions.
3Force
If the gas spring is made larger to exert sufficient pulling force under windy conditions, then the thrusting force is improved, but the overall actuator dimensions increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the gas spring in a second plane parallel to and distinct from the first plane containing the rigid chain. This spatial separation allows the gas spring to be optimized for maximum thrusting force in a compact configuration, as it operates independently without occupying the same longitudinal space as the chain, thus maintaining smaller overall actuator dimensions.
4Volume of moving object
If the rigid chain and gas spring are positioned closer together to reduce actuator size, then the compactness is improved, but the gas spring cannot exert sufficient pulling force under windy conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by positioning the rigid chain and gas spring in parallel planes rather than closely together in the same plane. This spatial arrangement maintains compact overall actuator size while allowing the gas spring to be positioned optimally for exerting sufficient pulling force under windy conditions, as it operates in an independent spatial zone.
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
This configuration results in a smaller, faster, and less costly chain actuator with improved performance under windy conditions, maintaining window position effectively.
Implementation Method 1
an auxiliary gas spring, which auxiliary gas spring is fastened at a first end thereof to the operating lever by means of a first hinge, and at the second opposite end to the box-shaped body by means of a second hinge. The gas spring helps maintain the position acquired by the operating lever with respect to the box-shaped body, opposing any stressing forces resulting from the window should it in turn be stressed, for example, by the wind.
Implementation Method 2
a rigid pull-and-push chain, which is configured to assume an operative, pushing or pulling, extended arrangement outside the box-shaped body or a non-operative folded-up arrangement inside the box-shaped body; the rigid chain is positioned and configured so as to exert a pushing or pulling force on the operating lever
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a chain actuator (10) particularly for frame and window closing systems, comprising: - a box-shaped body (11), with a mainly longitudinal extension; - an operating lever (12) pivotably mounted by means of pivoting means (13) at one end (11a) of the box-shaped body (11); - a rigid push-and-pull chain (14); - a gearmotor unit (15) configured for the movement of the rigid chain (14), said gearmotor unit (15) being positioned in a first internal compartment (16) of said box-shaped body (11); - a second internal compartment (17) of said box-shaped body (11), configured to accommodate said rigid chain (14) in the folded-up non-operative arrangement; - a through-opening (18) for the passage of said rigid chain (14), said through-opening (18) being defined on said box-shaped body (11); - a gas spring (19) fastened at a first end (19a) thereof to said operating lever (12) by means of a first hinge (21) and, at the second opposite end (19b), to said box-shaped body (11) by means of a second hinge (22). A first distance (L10) between said through-opening (18) and said pivoting means (13) is smaller than a second distance (L20) between said second hinge (22) of said second end (19b) of said gas spring (19) and said pivoting means (13).