Door Handle Gear Mechanism for Compact Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current door and window handles require extensive machining and have large external dimensions, making them unsuitable for frequent decorative changes, while existing solutions with internal kinematic units are costly and complex to assemble.

Innovation Solution

A handle design featuring a grip with a rotating shaft connected to a kinematic unit comprising a pair of gear wheels and a rack system, allowing for minimal machining and reduced housing dimensions, with a modular cartridge system for easy assembly and replacement of components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If the cremone handle with external kinematic unit is used, then the machining inside the profile is minimized and the tubularity of the profile is preserved, but the handle has large external dimensions and requires extensive machining on the wing of the profile

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexternal dimensions of handleVSAvoidmachining requirements on profile wing
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The handle is divided into two main segments: a grip portion that rotates externally and a shaft portion that extends internally. This segmentation allows the external grip to be compact while the internal shaft utilizes the profile's tubular space, resolving the contradiction between external dimensions and machining requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The kinematic unit is nested within the tubular chamber of the profile, utilizing the existing internal space. The shaft with square cross-section is inserted through the profile wall, and the kinematic unit (gear wheel and rack) is housed inside the profile's tubular section, eliminating the need for extensive external machining

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Volume of moving object

If the martellina handle with internal kinematic unit is used, then the external dimensions are reduced and assembly requires minimal machining, but the internal space is occupied and invasive machining in the tubular chamber is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexternal dimensions of handleVSAvoidcomplexity of internal kinematic unit assembly
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The shaft serves multiple functions: it acts as the rotating control element externally, as the mounting axis for the kinematic unit internally, and as the connection element to the operating rods. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying assembly despite the internal configuration

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

Solution Approach 2:

The square cross-section shaft acts as an intermediary element that couples the external grip rotation to the internal kinematic unit. The shaft's square profile engages with the gear wheel, providing a simple mechanical interface that reduces assembly complexity compared to other coupling mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the martellina handle with internal kinematic unit is used, then the handle allows frequent decorative changes, but the internal kinematic unit has high cost and complex assembly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveability to change decorative gripVSAvoidcost and complexity of kinematic unit
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The handle is segmented into a permanent internal kinematic unit and a replaceable external grip. The grip can be detached and replaced independently to change decorative appearance, while the costly kinematic unit remains fixed inside the profile, reducing overall manufacturing cost

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The grip is extracted as a separate, removable component from the internal kinematic unit. This allows the decorative element to be changed independently without affecting the functional kinematic mechanism, enabling frequent decorative updates without replacing the entire handle assembly

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 handle achieves minimal machining requirements, compact dimensions, and high decorative appeal, with a reliable and precise mechanism that supports frequent decorative changes without the need for extensive internal machining or costly kinematic units.

Implementation Method 1

the kinematic unit comprising a pair of gear wheels, placed side by side and having a seat positioned, in use, coaxial with each other and engaged simultaneously by the shaft. The handle also comprises a rack having two separate meshing tracks placed side by side and engaged by a corresponding gear wheel

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGear mechanism: Gear

Implementation Method 2

The gear wheel for moving the fins rotates about an axis of rotation coinciding with the axis of rotation of the grip. The gear wheel is meshed on one or more racks equipped with one or more corresponding transversal fins

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRack and pinion mechanism: Rack and Pinion

Data Source

PatentEP3161230B1Handle for doors or windows
Publication Date: 2019.12.18 GIESSE SPA
  • EP3161230B1 patent drawingFigure 1~7
  • EP3161230B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3161230B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Described is a handle for a door or window having a movable sash (5) comprising: a grip (3) having a gripping portion (3a) and a base portion or neck (3b) facing, in use, a part of the outer profile or wing (4) of the movable sash (5); the grip (3) can rotate about a first axis (X3); a shaft (6) protruding from the grip (3) and passing, in use, through the outer wing (4) of the movable sash (5); a kinematic unit (7) positioned, in use, in the proximity of a longitudinal channel (8) inside the profile of the sash (5) in which at least one control rod (9) slides and is coupled, in use, to the protruding shaft (6); the kinematic unit (7) is connected to at least one control rod (9) and designed for converting the rotational movement of the grip (3) into a translational movement of the rod (9), in both directions; the kinematic unit (7) comprises a pair of gear wheels (17, 18) placed side by side and having a seat (19, 20) positioned, in use, coaxial with each other and engaged simultaneously by the protruding shaft (6); at least one rack (21) having two separate meshing tracks (21a, 21b) placed side by side and engaged by a corresponding gear wheel (17, 18); the rack (21) is made on a rod-shaped body (22) positioned, in use, parallel to a free upper surface of the channel (8) and provided with means (23) for coupling with the at least one control rod (9).