Universal Coupling Rod Adapter for Lift-and-Slide Carriages

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lift-and-slide elements require multiple connecting elements to accommodate connecting rods with varying cross-sectional geometries and orientations, necessitating different parts for each configuration, which complicates assembly and inventory management.

Innovation Solution

A universal adapter part with multiple channel sections of complementary cross-sectional geometries allows connecting rods with different cross-sections to be coupled to a carriage, accommodating varying orientations without the need for multiple connecting elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple different connecting elements are provided to accommodate connecting rods with varying cross-sectional geometries and orientations, then the ability to connect different rod types is improved, but the device complexity and inventory requirements worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to connect different rod typesVSAvoidnumber of different connecting elements
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter part is designed with multiple channel sections (circular, square, and rectangular) that can receive different types of connecting rods. This universal design allows a single adapter to accommodate various rod cross-sectional geometries and orientations, eliminating the need for multiple specialized connecting elements and reducing device complexity while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention merges the functions of multiple different connecting elements into a single adapter part by integrating multiple channel sections with different cross-sectional geometries. This combining approach reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the overall system while preserving the ability to connect different rod types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Adaptability or versatility

If at least three different connecting elements are provided for accommodating connecting rods with different cross-sectional geometries and orientations, then the coverage of rod configurations is improved, but the ease of operation and assembly worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoverage of rod configurationsVSAvoidassembly process
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter part provides a universal interface that can accommodate connecting rods with circular, square, and rectangular cross-sections in various orientations. This multi-functional design covers all necessary rod configurations while simplifying assembly, as only one adapter type is needed regardless of the specific rod configuration being installed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Manufacturing precision

If different connecting elements are used for rectangular cross-section connecting rods in different orientations, then the accuracy of rod installation is improved, but the quantity of parts required worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverod installation accuracyVSAvoidnumber of different connecting elements
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter part merges the functionality of multiple orientation-specific connecting elements into a single component. By incorporating channel sections with different cross-sectional geometries and orientations, the adapter maintains precise rod installation accuracy while reducing the quantity of different parts required, as only one adapter design is needed for all rod orientations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4544140B1Adapter part for selectively connecting different coupling rods to a carriage of a lift-and-slide element
Publication Date: 2026.04.22 MACO TECHNOLOGIE GMBH
  • EP4544140B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4544140B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4544140B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The present invention relates to an adapter part for selectively connecting a first coupling rod of round or square cross section or a second coupling rod of rectangular cross section to a carriage of a lift-and-slide element, in particular of a lift-and-slide door. The adapter part forms at least one receiving channel which is open towards one end of the adapter part. As viewed in cross section, the at least one receiving channel has a round or square first channel portion for receiving one end of the first coupling rod and a rectangular second channel portion for receiving one end of the second coupling rod in a first orientation of the second coupling rod. Furthermore, as viewed in cross section, the at least one receiving channel has a rectangular third channel portion, which is tilted with respect to the rectangular second channel portion, for receiving the end of the second coupling rod in a second orientation of the second coupling rod, in which the second coupling rod is tilted with respect to the first orientation.