Corner Bearing Locking Structure to Prevent Axial Displacement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing corner bearings for tilt-and-turn fittings are complex to manufacture, prone to axial displacement, and require intricate designs to prevent tilting movements, especially when supporting the weight of the sash.
Innovation Solution
A U-shaped locking element is integrated between the bearing axis and bearing eye, allowing for a compact design that supports the sash's weight without axial displacement, featuring a frictional connection and easy visual identification for assembly, and can be made of a spring-elastic material to facilitate assembly and reduce wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a non-circular cross-section external thread is used for rotation locking, then the locking reliability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The locking function is segmented into two separate components: a locking element with a U-shaped cross-section and a corresponding locking structure. This segmentation allows both components to have simple circular cross-sections that are easy to manufacture, while still achieving reliable locking through their interaction. The locking element can be produced using standard circular threading without requiring complex non-circular cross-section manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element acts as an intermediary component between the bearing axis and bearing eye. It mediates the locking function by engaging with both components through simple circular threads, achieving the rotation-locking effect without requiring either the bearing axis or bearing eye to have complex non-circular cross-sections, thus simplifying their manufacturing.
2Reliability
If the locking element is designed to support the wing weight, then the structural reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The weight-bearing function is extracted from the locking element and assigned to the bearing block and bearing axis. The locking element is taken out from the dual role of both locking and supporting weight, allowing it to be designed as a simple U-shaped component that only performs the locking function. This separation of functions reduces the complexity of the locking element while maintaining overall structural reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of having the locking element support the weight directly, the design inverts the load path by having the bearing block and bearing axis support the weight, while the locking element only provides rotational constraint. This inversion simplifies the locking element design while maintaining the necessary structural integrity through the bearing components.
3Volume of moving object
If the locking element is made compact, then the installation space is reduced, but the visual identification for assembly becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element features local quality differentiation with its U-shaped cross-section, where the open side of the U-shape provides a distinct visual characteristic for assembly identification. This local geometric feature allows installers to easily determine the correct orientation without requiring the entire component to be large or complex, maintaining compact overall dimensions while providing clear visual cues at the critical engagement interface.
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
The solution provides a cost-effective, simple, and reliable mechanism to inhibit tilting movements while ensuring easy assembly and maintenance, reducing manufacturing complexity and preventing axial displacement.
Implementation Method 1
the locking element is designed to generate a force-fit locking of the tilting movement between the bearing eye and the bearing axis
Implementation Method 2
the locking element can be made of a spring-elastic material to facilitate assembly and reduce wear
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
A corner hinge (8) for a tilt-and-turn fitting (3) for a window sash (2) that pivots against a frame (1) has a locking element (14) to prevent movement between a bearing eye (13) and a bearing axis (12). The locking element (14) creates a force-fit connection between the adjacent components and is located on the side of the bearing axis (12) facing away from a bearing bolt (11). The corner hinge (8) is particularly compact and has a simple design.