Emergency Control Device Rod Retention via Spring Detent

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing emergency control devices for screens and shutters are complex to implement and use due to the need for precise assembly of components like complex nuts and pins, making them difficult to manufacture and operate, especially in emergency situations.

Innovation Solution

A simplified emergency control device with a shaft, housing, and a movable rod that transitions between disengaged and engaged configurations using a brake spring for axial retention and release, allowing intuitive operation without the need for complex assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a complex nut and pin system is used to retain the rod in the engaged position, then the rod can be reliably retained during manual operation, but the device becomes difficult to manufacture and assemble with precise requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverod retention reliabilityVSAvoidassembly difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the complex pin and nut system from the device and replaces it with a spring-loaded detent mechanism that uses simple radial holes and spring pressure to achieve reliable rod retention with much simpler manufacturing and assembly requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the retention mechanism from rigid mechanical interference (pin in nut) to elastic spring pressure maintaining radial alignment, transforming the system from precision-machined rigid components to spring-loaded compliant components that are easier to manufacture

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If a bayonet-type system with complex nut is used to maintain the rod in driving position, then the rod can be securely retained during rotation, but the device complexity increases and assembly becomes long and precise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverod positioning reliabilityVSAvoidmechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention removes the bayonet-type system and complex nut entirely, replacing them with a spring-loaded detent mechanism that achieves secure positioning through radial hole alignment and spring pressure, dramatically reducing mechanism complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using a complex positive-locking bayonet system, the invention uses a negative-locking approach where spring pressure maintains engagement, and release is achieved by spring force in the opposite direction, simplifying the overall mechanism

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Ease of operation

If a return spring system is used to return the rod to rest position, then automatic disengagement is achieved, but the assembly of multiple delicate components becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic return functionVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention combines the return spring function with the retention mechanism by using the same spring-loaded detent system to both retain the rod in engaged position and automatically return it to rest position, reducing the number of separate components and simplifying assembly

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 device enhances operational reliability while maintaining cost-effectiveness by simplifying the mechanism, allowing easy engagement and disengagement for manual operation during power failures, facilitating intuitive use even in emergency situations.

Implementation Method 1

at least one disengageable element, at least part of which is capable of cooperating with the fixed stop to retain the rod axially in its second position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2034126B1Emergency control device and locking, sun protection or projection installation comprising such a device
Publication Date: 2014.12.17 SIMU
  • EP2034126B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2034126B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2034126B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The device has a shaft transmitting movement to a screen, and axial edge stops (66, 67) fixed with respect to a case. A stop spring (50) has a tab (50a) cooperating with the edge stops for axially retaining an actuating rod (25) in a driving position (B). Angular edge contacts pass the spring from an engaged configuration in which the contacts are integrated to the actuating rod to a disengaged configuration in which the contacts release the rod. The spring is axially maintained on the rod by support washers fixed on the rod.