Chain Support Mechanism for Stable Wide-Angle Window Openings
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing chain actuators for windows and doors are prone to collapse when the opening angle is large, especially due to the chain's flexibility in one direction, leading to unintentional closure of the opening and instability under external forces like wind.
Innovation Solution
A chain support mechanism with pivotable arms and sliding members that guide the chain to maintain its position, ensuring stability even at large angles by dividing the chain into sections and urging it against its non-bendable direction, using rollers or bushings to provide nearly frictionless support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the chain is made flexible in one direction to enable coiling in a small housing, then the storage volume is reduced, but the chain becomes prone to collapse when extended
Solution Approach 1:
A chain support mechanism acts as an intermediary between the chain and the housing. This mechanism includes a support element that contacts the chain and a mounting element attached to the housing, providing structural support that prevents collapse while allowing the chain to remain flexible for compact storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The chain support mechanism combines rigid components (mounting element, support element) with the flexible chain to create a composite system. The rigid parts provide stability when extended, while the flexible chain enables compact coiling in the housing.
2Device complexity
If the chain support extends a short distance from the housing, then the device complexity is reduced, but the chain remains unstable at large opening angles
Solution Approach 1:
The chain support mechanism is designed to be dynamic rather than static. The support element can move relative to the mounting element, adjusting its position and orientation based on the chain's position and the opening angle, thereby maintaining stability across a wide range of motions without excessive complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The support mechanism is segmented into distinct functional elements (mounting element, support element, contact points) that can independently adapt to different operating conditions. This segmentation allows each element to be optimized for its specific function while keeping the overall mechanism relatively simple.
Data Source
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AI summary
Chain support mechanism for use with an openable frame component and a method of using such a chain support, where a chain actuator is provided in a housing, said chain actuator comprising a push-pull chain which chain can bend in one direction only, said housing mounted with its longitudinal extent along one frame component with the chain attached to said openable frame component where the chain actuator may be manipulated to extend or withdraw the chain from the housing, thereby moving the openable frame component, and where the chain support mechanism comprises a first arm pivotably fastened to the housing and a second arm pivotably fastened to the openable frame component, where the distal end of the first arm and the distal end of the second arm are pivotably connected by a sliding member, against which sliding member the chain may slide.