Concealed Coupling Device for Manual Emergency Window Operation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing automatic window and door systems with a single axis of rotation fail to allow manual emergency opening when the automatic drive fails, especially when the sash is in a closed position, and visible coupling mechanisms detract from the aesthetic appearance.

Innovation Solution

A concealed coupling device is designed to be decoupled from outside the frame without damaging it, using a gap between the window and sash frames, and can be actuated wirelessly or manually with a tool, featuring a sliding bolt mechanism for secure and non-destructive emergency opening.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If the coupling device is arranged completely concealed in the closed state, then the visual appearance is improved, but the accessibility for manual uncoupling deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisual appearanceVSAvoidaccessibility for manual uncoupling
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A coupling pin serves as an intermediary element that extends through the profile frame to provide external access to the concealed coupling device. The pin can be manually operated from outside the frame to uncouple the drive mechanism, while the coupling device itself remains hidden within the frame structure when closed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the coupling pin is made massive for easy manual operation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the visual appearance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanual operationVSAvoidvisual appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling mechanism is segmented into multiple components: a massive coupling pin for manual operation, a coupling device with movable component for mechanical engagement, and a profile frame structure. This segmentation allows the pin to be operated easily while remaining visually acceptable when not in use.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Shape

If the drive is arranged completely covered from outside, then the visual appearance is improved, but the accessibility for repair and replacement deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisual appearanceVSAvoidaccessibility for repair and replacement
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling device is designed to be extractable from the profile frame through the gap between frame and sash frame. This allows the coupling device to be removed and replaced from outside the closed frame structure, providing easy access for repair and replacement while maintaining concealed arrangement during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP1837470B1Automatically powered window or door element
Publication Date: 2017.07.12 SCHUECO INTERNATIONAL KG
  • EP1837470B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1837470B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1837470B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The window or door unit has a wing with a window sash (2), where the wing is movable in particular tiltable or pivotable relative to a window frame (1). An automatic drive (3) opens and closes a window, and has a detachable coupling device for coupling the drive with the sash or the window frame. The coupling device is completely arranged in the movable sash, the fixed window frame or between the sash and the window frame. The coupling device is designed in such a manner that it is decoupled from a position outside of the sash or the window frame.