Eccentric Coupling Rod for Bidirectional Locking Motion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing locking devices typically have linear movement of drive elements, which is not suitable for applications requiring movement in opposite or different directions, especially in space-constrained areas like window or door fittings.

Innovation Solution

The integration of a coupling rod articulated eccentrically on a pinion, allowing for oscillating movement of the drive rod and enabling different stroke directions, with the pinion supported by parallel disks and a U-shaped bearing block for efficient space utilization and symmetric loading.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a pinion directly connects two connecting rods, then the structure is simple and space-saving, but the movement is always linear to the drive member which is not suitable for applications requiring movement in opposite or different directions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemovement direction flexibilityVSAvoidtransmission mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a coupling rod as an intermediary element between the pinion and the driven connecting rod. This coupling rod, when articulated eccentrically on the pinion, transforms the rotational pinion movement into an oscillating movement of the driven connecting rod, enabling bidirectional movement capability while maintaining structural simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs dynamic articulation of the coupling rod on the pinion, allowing the coupling rod to oscillate rather than remain fixed. This dynamic configuration enables the transmission mechanism to adapt its movement pattern, achieving both bidirectional capability and space efficiency through the oscillating motion of the coupling rod

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If a coupling rod is articulated eccentrically on the pinion, then oscillating movement and different stroke directions are enabled, but the structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestroke direction controlVSAvoidcoupling mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes asymmetric articulation by positioning the coupling rod's articulation point eccentrically (off-center) on the pinion. This asymmetric configuration is key to transforming rotational pinion movement into oscillating movement of the driven connecting rod, enabling different stroke directions while using a minimal number of components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling rod serves multiple functions: it transmits motion from the pinion to the driven connecting rod, controls the oscillating movement pattern, and enables bidirectional stroke capability. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, balancing versatility with structural simplicity

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

3Reliability

If the pinion is loaded asymmetrically, then the structure is simpler, but the pinion should be loaded symmetrically for balanced operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepinion loading balanceVSAvoidsupport structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a U-shaped bearing block as an intermediary support structure that encompasses the pinion. This bearing block provides symmetric loading paths for the pinion while maintaining the overall simplicity of the transmission mechanism, ensuring balanced operation without requiring complex additional components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Adaptability or versatility

If more space is provided for coupling and decoupling mechanisms, then the locking device can accommodate complex movement patterns, but the installation space becomes insufficient in constrained areas

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoupling mechanism flexibilityVSAvoidinstallation space requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a nested configuration where the coupling rod and pinion are integrated within the connecting rod fitting structure. The coupling rod articulates within the space defined by the pinion and connecting rod assembly, allowing complex oscillating movement patterns to be achieved within a compact footprint that fits in constrained installation areas

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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

This design allows for flexible movement of locking elements in different positions, enabling secure locking and unlocking mechanisms in various configurations, such as tilt-open positions, while maintaining a compact and efficient structure.

Implementation Method 1

The formation of a momentum pole on the fixed gearing results in a gear ratio that depends on the diameter of the pinion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGear mechanism: Gear

Implementation Method 2

The coupling rod is articulated eccentrically on the pinion as a connection between the pinion and the driving rod which is driven off. This leads to a partial overlapping of the coupling rod and the pinion, which leads to an oscillating movement of the driving rod

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEccentric articulation: Eccentric

Implementation Method 3

The coupling rod is articulated eccentrically on the pinion as a connection between the pinion and the driving rod which is driven off

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Data Source

PatentEP2143859B1Locking device
Publication Date: 2012.11.14 SIEGENIA AUBI KG
  • EP2143859B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2143859B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2143859B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The device (1) has connecting rods (4, 5), and a bevel (6) operative between the connecting rods. The bevel is in drive- and output connection with respective rods, where the connection of the bevel and the rods is taken place by a coupling rod (7). The coupling rod is hinged to a plane surface (8) of the bevel, and has two parallely guided rods, which are connected to both sides of the bevel at the plane surface. The coupling rod has a pusher by which a pivot (9) is plunged into a connecting member.