Decoupled Espagnolette Fitting for Window Casement Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connecting rod fittings for windows and patio doors are complex and costly to manufacture and assemble due to their structural complexity and the need for expensive corner drives and multiple electric motor drives.
Innovation Solution
Mechanical decoupling of connecting rod sections with at least one electromechanical actuator connected to a control device, allowing for simplified assembly and operation, with each section connected to multiple locks for enhanced security and using interchangeable parts for different lengths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If corner drives are used to connect connecting rod sections, then the window can be locked securely, but the manufacturing cost and assembly complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting rod fitting is divided into separate connecting rod sections that can be independently driven. Each section has its own drive mechanism, eliminating the need for complex corner drives that connect multiple sections mechanically. This segmentation allows simpler, more modular components to replace the expensive corner drive assemblies.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical coupling systems (corner drives) with independent electromechanical actuators for each connecting rod section. Instead of using mechanical linkages to transmit force between sections, each section is driven independently by its own motor, reducing mechanical complexity while maintaining locking functionality.
2Ease of operation
If multiple electric motor drives are used for each locking element, then independent control is achieved, but the structural complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The window locking system is segmented into multiple independently controllable connecting rod sections, each with its own electromechanical actuator. This allows individual control of each section without requiring a complex centralized control system, as each actuator can be independently activated through the control device.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device serves multiple functions by being able to activate different connecting rod sections independently. It can control single sections, multiple sections, or all sections based on the locking requirement, providing versatile operation without needing separate control mechanisms for each scenario.
3Force
If connecting rod sections are mechanically connected, then force transmission is maintained, but assembly becomes more difficult and costly
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical connection elements (corner drives) are extracted from the system. Instead of mechanically connecting connecting rod sections to each other, the patent uses independent electromechanical actuators that directly drive each section. This removes the need for complex corner drive assemblies while maintaining the ability to transmit force through each independently driven section.
Solution Approach 2:
Mechanical force transmission through corner drives is replaced by independent electromechanical actuation. Each connecting rod section is driven by its own motor, eliminating the need for mechanical linkages to transmit force between sections. This substitution simplifies assembly while maintaining effective force application to each section.
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 reduces assembly complexity, lowers production costs, and provides high security against manipulation by allowing independent control of each drive section, enabling efficient force transmission and secure locking mechanisms without requiring complex coupling elements.
Implementation Method 1
at least one of the drives has an electromechanical actuator
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~5
Figure 6
AI summary
A connecting rod fitting (3) has several connecting rod sections (8-11) for controlling several locking devices (20). The connecting rod sections (8-11) are mechanically decoupled from each other and each has its own drives (12-15). One of the drives (12) is a handle (16), while the other drives (13-15) are electromechanical actuators (17-19). The electromechanical actuators (17-19) are controlled by a control unit (23) which receives signals from the handle (16).