Dry-Building Inspection Covers with Pivot Peg Guide Tracks

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for closing off inspection openings in building structures are either too complex and expensive or too simple and lack ease of handling and reliability.

Innovation Solution

A device with pivot pegs on one closure part that can be inserted into guide tracks on the other closure part, allowing for easy pivoting and removal of the closure cover, and using plastic materials for cost-effectiveness and ease of manufacturing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a complex device with multiple closure parts is used, then reliability and ease of operation are improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of closure mechanismVSAvoidconstruction complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The closure device is divided into two functional segments: a closure frame that remains fixed in the opening and a closure cover that pivots for operation. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized independently - the frame provides stable mounting while the cover enables easy access, resolving the contradiction between reliability and complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Pivot pegs serve as intermediary elements connecting the closure cover to the closure frame. These pegs enable the pivoting motion while maintaining a simple connection that can also allow complete removal when needed, providing both operational reliability and simplicity without requiring complex mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If a simple closure device is used, then cost and manufacturing ease are improved, but ease of operation and reliability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidhandling ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The closure cover is designed with dynamic capability through the pivoting mechanism on pivot pegs. This allows the cover to move from a closed position to an open position for inspection or maintenance, then return to closed position. The dynamic element provides ease of operation while the overall design remains simple and easy to manufacture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Stability of the object's composition

If the closure cover is fixed in the closure frame, then structural stability is improved, but adaptability and ease of removal deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidease of removal and replacement
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The connection between closure cover and frame is designed to be dynamically adjustable. The pivot pegs provide stable engagement during normal operation while allowing the cover to be completely removed when needed. This dynamic characteristic enables both structural stability during use and adaptability for removal or replacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The pivot peg connection serves multiple functions: it provides stable support for pivoting operation, allows complete removal when needed, and enables easy replacement of the closure cover. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between stability and adaptability by making the same connection mechanism serve both purposes.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3635194B1Device for closing off an opening, in particular an inspection opening, in a dry building structure
Publication Date: 2025.08.06 KNAUF GIPS KG
  • EP3635194B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3635194B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3635194B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for closing off an opening, in particular an inspection opening, preferably in a dry building structure, in which an opening is formed in at least one panel-shaped or panel-like structure element, wherein the device for closing off the opening comprises at least two closure parts (1,2) which interact with one another, of which a first closure part (1) is formed as a closure frame (1) which is insertable into the opening so as to be immovable, and a second closure part (2) is formed as a closure cover (2) which is insertable into the closure frame (1) so as to be pivotable. The device according to the invention is characterized by pivot pegs (4) on one of the closure parts (1, 2), which pivot pegs (4) are insertable into guides (5), in particular guide tracks (5), of the other closure part (1, 2) for the pivotability of the closure cover (2).