Façade Weight Compensation With Variable Gear Ratio Lifting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vertically movable facade components, such as vertical sliding windows, require significant force to operate due to their weight, which can be cumbersome and uncomfortable for users, especially in manual operation scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A weight compensation device with a spring element that provides a decreasing spring force to counteract the weight of the facade component, combined with a compensator to maintain a more consistent output force, using a gear mechanism to adjust the force ratio and a cable reel for efficient lifting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a spring element is used to compensate for the weight of vertically displaceable facade components, then the ease of operation is improved, but the force required to move the component decreases during displacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a variable gear ratio mechanism that dynamically adjusts the transmission ratio between the spring element and the facade component throughout the displacement range. As the spring element expands and its force decreases, the gear ratio changes to maintain a more constant output force, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and force consistency
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the mechanical parameter (gear ratio) of the transmission system as a function of the spring element's displacement. By varying the gear ratio parameter throughout the movement range, the system compensates for the decreasing spring force and maintains consistent operational characteristics
2Force
If a compensator with variable gear ratio is introduced to maintain constant force, then the force consistency is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a compensator as an intermediary mechanism between the spring element and the facade component. This compensator with variable gear ratio acts as a mediator that transforms the decreasing spring force into a more constant output force, accepting the additional complexity as necessary to achieve force consistency
3Force
If counterweights or spring elements are placed in lateral frame areas, then the weight compensation is achieved, but the installation space requirement increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the weight compensation mechanism (spring element and compensator) within the existing lateral frame areas of the facade structure. The mechanism is nested within the available space, utilizing the frame structure itself to house the compensation components without requiring additional external space
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
Facilitates easier and more comfortable operation of vertically movable facade components by reducing the required force, allowing for smoother movement and precise positioning, suitable for various sash weights and dimensions.
Implementation Method 1
a spring element (12) for at least partial compensation of a weight (1) of a vertically displaceable facade component (40)
Data Source
AI summary
In order to improve operability and user comfort for vertically sliding or displaceable facade components, a weight compensation device for vertically displaceable facade components includes a spring element for at least partial compensation of its own weight of a vertically displaceable facade component and a compensator. The spring element provides a spring force as a driving force (FAN) for lifting the vertically displaceable facade component. The spring element is movable between a compressed state (PK) and an expanded state (PE). The spring force has a decreasing value when moving from the compressed state to the expanded state. The compensator at least partially compensates for the decrease in the input force and provides an output force (FAB) that decreases less than the input force.