Corner Guide Undercut Retention for Window Drive Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing corner guides for window connecting rod fittings have low holding forces and complex assembly processes due to elastic tongues and require additional screws or slides for actuation, and the Z-shaped mounting bracket can detach under operating forces.

Innovation Solution

A corner guide design featuring a filler piece with a bracket that clasps the angled guide protruding beyond the guide groove, providing a permanent and easy fastening solution, with the filler piece and angled guide having a uniform width to secure the corner drive within the groove, and optional intrinsic elasticity for prestressing against the groove walls.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If elastic tongues with screws or slides are used to retain the corner deflection, then the corner deflection can be mounted in the guide groove, but the holding forces are low and the assembly becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveholding forceVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the complex screw or slide mechanisms from the retention system. Instead, it uses a simple retaining element that engages directly with the undercut of the guide groove, eliminating unnecessary components while maintaining reliable holding force.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The corner deflection device is designed to be self-retaining through the interaction of the retaining element and the undercut geometry. The system uses its own structural features rather than external fastening mechanisms, simplifying assembly while ensuring reliable mounting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If a Z-shaped mounting bracket is used to pre-tension the angle guide, then the corner drive can be fastened in the guide groove, but the mounting bracket can loosen under operating forces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefastening stabilityVSAvoidmounting bracket stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the Z-shaped mounting bracket entirely, replacing it with a retaining element that integrates directly into the corner deflection device. This removes the component prone to loosening while maintaining the pre-tensioning function through the elastic deflection element.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The retention and pre-tensioning functions are merged into a single integrated system where the retaining element and elastic deflection element work together as one unit, eliminating the separate mounting bracket and improving overall stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If the angle guide is narrower than the guide groove, then the corner deflection can be inserted, but additional filler pieces and clamping devices are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsertion easeVSAvoidnumber of components
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The corner deflection device uses its own structural features - the retaining element engaging with the undercut and the elastic deflection element providing pre-tension - to achieve secure mounting without requiring external filler pieces or clamping devices. The system is self-sufficient.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The retaining element extends slightly beyond the angle guide to engage with the undercut, providing just enough excess retention capability to secure the device firmly without requiring additional components. This partial extension is sufficient to achieve reliable mounting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 design ensures a simple and permanent fastening of the corner drive, enhances stability, and simplifies assembly by eliminating the need for separate clamping means, while maintaining a clean surface and reliable holding within the guide groove.

Implementation Method 1

with a flexible deflection element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

with a retaining projection arranged on a longitudinal side of the angle guide and designed to engage in the undercut

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical interlocking: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentEP2762664B1Corner guide to be fixed in an under-cut guide groove of a wing having rear cutting
Publication Date: 2019.02.27 WINKHAUS
  • EP2762664B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2762664B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2762664B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The corner guide (3) has a flexible deflection element (6) arranged at a longitudinal side of an angled guide (10), and holding lugs (15, 16) arranged in undercuts (13, 14). The angled guide is narrower than a guide slot (9) and supported by a filler part (17). Width of the filler part and angled guide are common with respect to width of the guide slot at a front end of the undercuts. The filler part and/or the angled guide have inherent elasticity against the walls of the guide slot. A bracket of the filler covers the guide slot projecting portion of the angled guide. The holding lugs are designed as nose-shaped projections.