Espagnolette Fitting Connecting Rod Using Parallel Wire Sections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing espagnolette fittings face challenges in production complexity and cost due to the need for elongated holes in connecting rods, which weaken the material and require additional corrosion protection, leading to potential distortions and increased processing steps.
Innovation Solution
The use of two parallel, pressure-resistant wire sections with a round cross-section as the drive rod, guided at intervals and made of galvanized material, eliminates the need for elongated holes and allows for a simpler assembly process, with angled end sections for secure coupling and reduced risk of buckling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If elongated holes are introduced by punching process to allow connecting rod movement, then the connecting rod can be moved through the faceplate, but the material is weakened and distortions occur causing the rod to bend
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting rod is segmented into multiple discrete fastening elements (screws or rivets) spaced along its length, rather than using a continuous elongated hole. This segmentation maintains material integrity while allowing relative movement between the faceplate and connecting rod at multiple discrete points.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of weakening the entire connecting rod with a continuous elongated hole, the design provides localized openings only at specific fastening points. The majority of the connecting rod maintains its full cross-sectional area and structural integrity, with holes present only where fasteners are needed.
2Ease of manufacture
If corrosion protection is applied before elongated holes are attached, then the surface is protected, but the insides of the elongated holes remain untreated requiring further processing
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting rod uses discrete fastening elements instead of continuous elongated holes, allowing corrosion protection to be applied uniformly across the entire surface in a single process step. The segmented structure ensures that all surfaces, including previously inaccessible interior hole surfaces, receive consistent corrosion protection treatment.
3Volume of moving object
If the connecting rod has reduced dimensions to immerse in the fitting receiving groove, then it fits in the groove, but elongated holes are required which weaken the structure
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting rod employs discrete fastening holes at specific intervals rather than continuous elongated openings. This segmentation allows the rod to maintain its reduced cross-sectional dimensions for fitting into the receiving groove while preserving structural strength through the use of discrete, localized openings instead of extensive material removal.
4Ease of manufacture
If multiple processing steps are used for elongated holes and corrosion protection, then the connecting rod can be assembled and protected, but production complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The design uses discrete fastening elements instead of continuous elongated holes, which simplifies the manufacturing process. The segmented structure allows standard drilling and fastening operations rather than complex elongated hole formation, reducing the number of processing steps and overall production complexity while maintaining assembly capability.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The fitting has a connecting rod (10) attached to sliders (6, 7), and a locking element movably connected with the connecting rod. A face plate rail (3) guides the connecting rod and carries the sliders and the locking element. The connecting rod includes two wire sections (13, 14) that are guided parallel to each other, where cross sections of the wire sections are in circular shape. A through hole is arranged between the wire sections, which are made of zinc-plated material. A guide (15) parallely guides the wire sections.