Espagnolette Control Device Reducing Operating Effort

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing control devices for cremone type locking systems in sliding windows or patio doors often require high operating effort and have a large bulk, making them non-intuitive and uncomfortable to use due to limited space and reduced travel distance.

Innovation Solution

A control device with a housing open on the front and rear, featuring a movable control member in rotation and a manual actuation member in translation, equipped with a translational movement reduction transmission mechanism that multiplies the movement of the manual actuation member into a shorter path, reducing the effort required for operation while maintaining a compact design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If a manual actuation member with reduced travel is used to save space, then the bulk of the control device is reduced, but the operating effort increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebulk of control deviceVSAvoidoperating effort
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

A transmission mechanism acts as an intermediary between the manual actuation member and the control member. This mechanism includes a first transmission element (rack and pinion) that converts linear movement to rotational movement, and a second transmission element (another rack and pinion) that converts the rotation back to linear movement with reduced travel distance. The intermediary transmission system allows the actuation member to have long travel for low effort while the control member receives short travel input.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The transmission mechanism changes the parameters of the input movement. The first rack and pinion stage changes linear movement to rotational movement, altering the movement type parameter. The second rack and pinion stage changes the rotational movement back to linear movement with a different travel distance parameter, effectively transforming the input parameters to achieve both low effort and compact size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If a rack and pinion type gear is used to convert linear movement to rotation, then the control function is achieved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol functionVSAvoidtransmission mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transmission mechanism is segmented into two independent stages: first transmission element (rack and pinion for linear to rotational conversion) and second transmission element (another rack and pinion for rotational to linear conversion). Each segment performs a specific function, making the overall complex system manageable through modular segmentation. This allows the control function to be achieved while keeping each component relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Volume of moving object

If the control device is made compact to allow leaf crossing, then the volume is reduced, but the transmission mechanism space requirements are constrained

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol device volumeVSAvoidtransmission mechanism layout
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transmission mechanism components are nested within the housing structure. The first and second transmission elements are arranged concentrically and sequentially within the same spatial envelope, with the second transmission element positioned to receive input from the first. This nesting arrangement allows the compact control device to accommodate the complex transmission mechanism without excessive volume, enabling leaf crossing capability.

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

The solution significantly reduces the operating effort and maintains a reduced bulk, providing high maneuvering comfort and intuitive control, similar to 'bolt' type locks, while allowing for the crossing of leaves with a compact footprint.

Implementation Method 1

the mobile control carriage comprises a control rack and in that the control member comprises a control pinion meshed with the control rack

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRack and Pinion: Rack and Pinion

Implementation Method 2

the first transmission pinion being engaged by the first fixed rack... the second transmission pinion being engaged by the second fixed rack... the second transmission pinion being engaged by the actuating rack

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGear: Gear

Data Source

PatentEP4249710A1Control device for an espagnolette locking system for a sliding wing
Publication Date: 2023.09.27 FERCO
  • EP4249710A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4249710A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4249710A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a control device (1) for a cremone bolt locking system for a sliding door (0). The control device (1) comprises a housing (3) open at the front and having a base (18) at the rear, a control member (19) mounted to rotate about a first axis of rotation (Y) and projecting from the housing (3), and a manual actuating member (2) movable in translation parallel to a principal axis (X) of the control device (1). The control device (1) further includes a transmission mechanism (20) with a reduction gear for translational motion, comprising a movable control carriage (10). The transmission mechanism (20) is capable of reducing a translational movement of the manual actuating member (2) along a first path to a translational movement of the movable control carriage (10) along a second path shorter than the length of the first path.