Espagnolette Cover with Segmented Arms for Connecting Rod
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connecting rod fittings for window frames and door frames are complex to assemble and require multiple components, often leading to plastic deformation of locking hooks and increased friction between metal components, which affects the strength and reliability of the connection.
Innovation Solution
A simplified design where the latching hook and guide hooks are arranged on separate arms on the cover, allowing independent movement and preassembly, avoiding plastic deformation and reducing assembly complexity, with a guide groove or lateral guides on the cover and optional support webs and bevels for easy assembly and manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the latching hook and guide hooks are integrated on the same arm, then the structure is simpler, but the hooks cannot move independently causing plastic deformation and assembly difficulty
Solution Approach 1:
The arm is divided into two separate arms: a first arm carrying the latching hook and a second arm carrying the guide hooks. This segmentation allows the hooks to move independently during assembly, preventing plastic deformation while maintaining structural simplicity. The separate arms enable the latching hook to engage the fitting groove and the guide hooks to guide the connecting rod simultaneously without interference.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple components are used for the faceplate fitting, then the functionality is more complete, but the assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cover integrates multiple functions into a single component: it provides the latching mechanism through the latching hook, guiding functionality through the guide hooks, and structural support through the arm assembly. By merging these functions into one integrated cover rather than using separate components, the invention reduces assembly complexity while maintaining complete functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover serves multiple purposes simultaneously: it acts as a mounting bracket for the hooks, provides guidance for the connecting rod, enables locking through the latching mechanism, and offers structural support. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated components for each function, simplifying the overall assembly.
3Reliability
If the connecting rod is surrounded by a guide, then the guiding function is improved, but the assembly becomes complex
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of surrounding the connecting rod with a complete guide structure, the invention extracts only the essential guiding elements (guide hooks) and attaches them to the cover. This selective extraction provides sufficient guiding function while avoiding the complexity of a full surrounding guide structure, allowing easier assembly.
4Ease of operation
If the locking hooks are plastically deformed for mounting, then the assembly is simpler, but the connection strength is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The separate arm design allows the latching hook to be pre-positioned and spring-loaded before engagement. The independent movement capability enables the hook to be pressed inward temporarily during assembly without permanent deformation, then return to its original strong position, combining assembly ease with maintained connection strength.
Data Source
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AI summary
The fitting part (8) has a connecting rod (11) lengthwise-slidingly arranged in a fitting groove (9) of a bar (7), which is made of a light metal. A guide is provided at a cover (10) for the connecting rod. The cover comprises a front side covering the fitting groove. An engagement hook of the cover for a catch mechanism is arranged in the fitting groove, and hooks for engaging behind the connecting rod are arranged on different arms, which are located on a rear side of the cover. The cover is made of plastic material, and the connecting rod is made of metal.