Espagnolette Fitting with Transverse Displacement Units

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connecting rod fittings for windows and doors are not versatile enough and are difficult to operate, lacking easy control and monitoring features, which limits their functionality and user comfort.

Innovation Solution

The integration of a control unit connected to individual actuators of transverse displacement units, allowing for differential activation, along with position sensors and wireless communication, enables versatile operation, easy monitoring, and integration with smart home systems, while maintaining a cost-effective design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a locking rod fitting with transverse displacement units is used to enable tilt and gap ventilation positions, then the functionality is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveventilation functionalityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking rod fitting is designed to perform multiple functions: it can lock the window in closed position, enable tilt ventilation, and enable gap ventilation. The transverse displacement units allow the locking pieces to be positioned differently to achieve these various ventilation modes, making the system universal and multi-functional without requiring separate mechanisms for each function.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The locking pieces are made dynamically positionable through the transverse displacement units. Instead of fixed locking positions, the locking pieces can be displaced transversely to create different ventilation configurations. This dynamic positioning capability enables the system to adapt between closed, tilt, and gap ventilation positions as needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If individual actuators are controlled differently through a control unit, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Position sensors are integrated into the transverse displacement units to provide feedback to the control unit about the current position of each locking piece. This feedback mechanism allows the control unit to monitor and control individual actuators independently, enabling easy operation through automated positioning while maintaining awareness of the system state to manage complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit acts as an intermediary between the user and the individual actuators. Instead of directly controlling each actuator, the control unit receives user input and automatically manages the complex coordination of multiple actuators, simplifying operation while handling the underlying complexity internally.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If position sensors are added to monitor transverse displacement units, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemonitoring capabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Position sensors provide continuous feedback on the position of each transverse displacement unit, enabling reliable monitoring of the system state. This feedback allows the control unit to verify correct positioning, detect malfunctions, and ensure reliable operation of the ventilation functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The position sensors enable the system to self-monitor and self-verify its state. By automatically detecting and reporting the position of each locking piece, the system performs self-checks without external intervention, improving reliability while managing complexity through automated self-monitoring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP4230827A1Espagnolette fitting and window, french door or the like with frame-like assembled bars and with such an espagnolette fitting
Publication Date: 2023.08.23 AUG WINKHAUS SE

AI summary

A locking rod fitting and windows, French doors, or the like with frame-like mullions and with such a locking rod fitting. A locking rod fitting (3) has a lateral sliding unit (8) on each mullion (1'-1ʺʺ) of a window. The lateral sliding units (8) can be controlled independently of each other via a central control unit (9). This allows a trickle ventilation position to be set in the direction of each of the mullions (1' - 1ʺʺ) or, alternatively, a parallel opening to be created. The locking rod fitting (3) enables a particularly high level of convenience.