Tool-Free Fitting Arrangement for Fire Protection Door Installation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The production and installation of smoke and fire protection doors and windows with high fire protection classes, such as T30, are complex and require advanced fitting arrangements that are difficult to install precisely and easily.

Innovation Solution

A fitting arrangement is designed to be pre-assembled onto a base profile of a sash frame, featuring fastening grooves with locking mechanisms, a support element, and a carrier element that can be tool-free and easily snapped into place, allowing for secure and precise installation without the need for tools.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a fitting arrangement is installed on smoke and fire protection doors with high fire protection classes (e.g., T30), then the fire protection requirements are met, but the installation becomes complex and difficult to perform precisely and easily

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefire protection classVSAvoidinstallation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The fitting arrangement is divided into separate modular components: a fitting part with support elements and a fitting counter-part with locking means. These segments can be independently manufactured and then easily assembled together through simple insertion and locking actions, maintaining fire protection integrity while simplifying installation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support elements of the fitting part are pre-configured with locking means that automatically engage with the fastening grooves of the base profile during insertion. This preliminary configuration of locking mechanisms enables the fitting arrangement to be securely installed through a single snapping motion without requiring complex assembly steps or tools

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If conventional fitting arrangements are used to meet fire protection class T30 requirements, then the fire protection barrier is ensured, but the production and processing becomes relatively complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefire protection barrierVSAvoidproduction complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The fitting arrangement consists of separable components (fitting part and fitting counter-part) that can be manufactured independently using standard production processes. This segmentation allows each component to be produced separately with simpler tooling and assembly operations, reducing overall production complexity while maintaining the fire protection barrier through proper integration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support elements are designed with multi-functionality, serving both as structural carriers for the fitting plate and as locking components that engage with fastening grooves. This universal design reduces the number of separate parts needed, simplifying production processes while ensuring the fire protection barrier remains intact

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

3Stability of the object's composition

If a secure attachment of the fitting arrangement is achieved, then stability is ensured, but the installation requires tools and complex procedures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment stabilityVSAvoidinstallation procedure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking means are designed to automatically engage with the fastening grooves when the fitting part is inserted into the base profile. The fitting arrangement is self-securing through this automatic locking mechanism, achieving stable attachment without requiring external tools or complex manual procedures

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Traditional mechanical fastening systems requiring screws, bolts, or welding are replaced with a snap-fit locking mechanism. The locking means engage with the fastening grooves through elastic deformation and geometric interlocking, providing stable attachment through simplified mechanical action that requires no tools

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP4080008B1Door, window or façade element and fitting arrangement for such an element
Publication Date: 2023.12.27 SCHUECO INTERNATIONAL KG
  • EP4080008B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4080008B1 patent drawingFigure 2a
  • EP4080008B1 patent drawingFigure 2b)~2c)

AI summary

A window, door, or facade element with a frame made of frame mullions and with a sash frame made of sash frame mullions, wherein one or more of the frame mullions and/or the sash frame mullions have at least the following features: a base profile (300, 400) on which two fastening grooves (20b, 21b) open in the same direction are formed for fixing a corresponding fastening means of a fitting arrangement bridging the space between the fastening grooves (20b, 21b), wherein the two fastening grooves (20b, 21b) have at least one locking means for at least one counter-locking means of a fitting assembly that can be attached without tools, and wherein the fitting arrangement has a functional fitting on a fitting plate (73, 55) and at least one support element (59) for supporting the fitting plate, wherein the support element is for direct or indirect locking in the fastening grooves (20b,21b) is designed with the counter-resting devices.