Door Anchoring Device With Expandable Portion For Tool-Free Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing anchoring devices for doors and windows are complex to use, require precise manual alignment, result in inconsistent final shapes and sizes, create irreversible couplings, and need tools for assembly, making them inefficient and inconvenient.

Innovation Solution

An anchoring device with a main body featuring a shaped portion for snap coupling with a covering element and an expandable portion that can be expanded using expansion means to securely connect with a frame, eliminating the need for tools and allowing for quick and precise assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional clips with threaded fixing means are used, then mechanical connection between cornice and frame is achieved, but device complexity and operation time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical connectionVSAvoidanchoring device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the threaded fixing means from the anchoring device structure, extracting the complex fastening mechanism while retaining the essential mechanical connection function through a simplified snap-fit design with expansion means

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The anchoring device is divided into distinct functional segments: a main body for positioning, expansion means for securing, and a cornice covering element. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, reducing overall complexity while maintaining reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If manual positioning and spacing of multiple clips is performed, then anchoring devices can be positioned on the frame, but execution time and production cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning operationVSAvoidexecution time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The expansion means is pre-configured within the main body at predetermined positions and spacings. During assembly, the operator simply needs to insert the expansion means into the frame slots, which automatically positions and spaces the anchoring devices correctly without requiring manual measurement or alignment operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The anchoring device is designed to self-position and self-secure through its snap-fit mechanism and expansion means. The device automatically aligns with the frame slots and secures the cornice without requiring external tools or specialized manual dexterity, making the assembly process faster and more accessible

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If threaded elements are used for connection, then mechanical fastening is achieved, but tool requirements and assembly complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidassembly convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the threaded mechanical fastening system with a snap-fit mechanical interlocking system. The expansion means expands within the frame slots to create a secure connection without requiring threads, screws, or any external fastening tools, significantly improving assembly convenience while maintaining connection strength

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Manufacturing precision

If precise manual alignment of anchoring devices is required, then high-precision doors or windows can be produced, but operator skill requirements and error rates increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedimensional qualityVSAvoidpositioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The anchoring device incorporates visual and tactile feedback mechanisms through the snap-fit design and expansion means that clearly indicate when the device is properly aligned and secured. The expansion means provides immediate feedback when inserted into the frame slots, ensuring correct positioning without requiring specialized operator skills or complex alignment procedures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 anchoring device is easy and fast to use, ensures precise and repeatable connections, is structurally reliable, and does not require tools, thereby reducing production costs and improving the consistency and quality of doors and windows.

Implementation Method 1

an expandable portion (22) defining a housing volume (23) and configured to be mechanically connected to the second member (4)... expansion means (5) inserted in the housing volume (23) of the expandable portion (22) so as to achieve an expansion of the expandable portion (22)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a shaped portion (21) configured to be associated with the first member (3)... snap coupling with a covering element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSnap coupling: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentEP4455436B1Anchoring device for doors or windows
Publication Date: 2025.04.09 ALUNOVA SRL
  • EP4455436B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4455436B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4455436B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

An anchoring device 1 for doors or windows, in particular intended to connect at least two members of said door or window, comprising a main body 2 extending mainly along an axis X to define a connection between a first member 3 and a second member 4 wherein said main body 2 comprises a shaped portion 21 configured to be associated with a first member 3 and; an expandable portion 22 defining a housing volume 23 and configured to be mechanically connected to a second member 4; and wherein said anchoring device 1 comprises expansion means 5 mechanically associable with said main body 2 and configurable between a first position in which said expansion means 5 is decoupled from said expandable portion 22, and a second position in which said expansion means 5 is inserted in said housing volume 23 of said expandable portion 22 so as to achieve an expansion of said expandable portion 22 and mechanically constrain said main body 2 to said second member 4.