Facade Opening Mechanism With Offset Pivot for Full Emergency Venting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pivotable façade elements, such as skylights and dome-shaped windows, face limitations in stroke length and actuator positioning, making it difficult to fully open them for emergency situations like fires, and are aesthetically unappealing due to obstructive mechanical components.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a rigid frame part with a pivotally connected actuator that transfers force to the façade element without extending beyond its vertical or horizontal extent, using a shock absorber and releasable lock mechanism to enable full opening while concealing mechanical parts, allowing the façade element to pivot around a displaced center of rotation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a remote controlled actuator with limited stroke length is used for opening the façade element, then the actuator does not obstruct the space underneath the element, but the element can only be opened to a limited angle which is insufficient for emergency situations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a rigid frame part that pivots around a first pivot point while the actuator pivots around a second pivot point, creating a multi-dimensional motion path. This allows the actuator with limited stroke to achieve full opening of the façade element by utilizing rotational movement in multiple dimensions rather than direct linear displacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid frame part acts as an intermediary mechanism between the actuator and the façade element. It transfers and transforms the actuator's limited linear motion into the required rotational motion for full opening, mediating between the actuator's constraints and the façade element's opening requirements.
2Strength
If cross bar and link elements are added to maintain stability and reinforce the structure, then the structural strength is improved, but the elements occupy valuable building space and cover the opening in emergency situations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the actuator, rigid frame part, and shock absorber into a single integrated opening device assembly. This merging eliminates the need for separate cross bars and link elements, as the integrated structure provides both the necessary strength and the opening function without occupying additional space.
Solution Approach 2:
The rigid frame part serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural reinforcement, acts as a lever for opening the façade element, and serves as a mounting structure for the shock absorber. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate structural elements that would occupy space.
3Ease of operation
If the actuator is positioned to achieve full opening, then the opening angle is sufficient for emergency situations, but the actuator stroke length must be increased which causes it to obstruct the space underneath
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing the actuator's linear stroke length, the patent utilizes rotational pivoting around two different pivot points to achieve the required opening angle. This dimensional change from linear displacement to rotational movement allows full opening without increasing the actuator's stroke or occupying more space underneath the element.
Solution Approach 2:
The opening motion is segmented into two rotational movements: one around the actuator's pivot point and another around the rigid frame part's pivot point. This segmentation allows the actuator to maintain a compact stroke length while achieving the cumulative effect of full opening through sequential rotational movements.
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 allows for full opening of pivotable façade elements with reduced actuator force, improved aesthetics by hiding mechanical components, and enhanced functionality for both comfort ventilation and emergency situations, addressing the limitations of existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator (10) pivotally connected to an inner frame part (14) of the façade element (1) and pivotally connected to the distal end of the first side (4) of the rigid frame part (6)
Implementation Method 2
The rigid frame part (6) is pivotally connected to an inner frame part (14) of the façade element (1) at the proximal end of said rigid frame part (6), and the distal end of the rigid frame part (6) abuts a contact surface of the pivotable façade element (1)
Implementation Method 3
a shock absorber element (30) having a first and a second end with the first end being pivotally connected to the rigid frame part (6) and with the second end being pivotally connected to the contact surface (16) of the pivotable façade element (1)
Implementation Method 4
a releasable lock mechanism (26) connected to the pivotable façade element (1) having a biased member (21) engaging a retaining device (23) connected to the inner frame part (14) of the façade element (1)
Data Source
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AI summary
A device and a method for opening a pivotable façade element both for everyday comfort ventilation purposes and for emergency opening in the case of e.g. fire. The device comprises a rigid frame part pivotable about a centre of rotation displaced from the centre of rotation of the pivotable façade element. The rigid frame part is moved by an actuator providing a lifting force to a contact surface of the façade element, thereby pivoting the façade element. The device also comprises a shock absorber. A release mechanism and a method of releasing a façade element is also disclosed.