Fitting assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing ventilation flap systems face challenges in achieving a compact design that allows for both pivoting and locking mechanisms to be integrated in a space-saving manner, particularly in narrow designs, while ensuring safe and controlled operation, especially in high-installation locations like office buildings.

Innovation Solution

The implementation of a rotatable link guide that converts linear movement from the drive device into relative rotational movement, utilizing helical or oblique sections within the link guide to facilitate both unlocking and pivoting, allowing for a compact and concealed integration of the fitting arrangement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a corner drive is used to guide the drive rod for locking and unlocking, then the locking mechanism can be implemented, but the ventilation flap width increases and the design becomes structurally complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking mechanismVSAvoidcorner drive structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the corner drive from the system and replaces it with a drive rod that runs parallel to the hinge axis. This removes the complex corner drive structure while retaining the locking functionality through a simpler linear motion mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using a corner drive that converts rotational motion to linear motion at a right angle, the patent inverts the approach by using a linearly moving drive rod that directly actuates the locking mechanism through parallel motion relative to the hinge axis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Ease of operation

If two different motor systems are used for locking/unlocking and pivoting, then both functions can be achieved, but the installation space requirement increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking and pivoting functionsVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the locking/unlocking function and the pivoting function into a single motor system. The drive rod serves dual purposes: its linear motion controls the locking mechanism while simultaneously driving the ventilation flap to pivot, eliminating the need for separate motor systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The drive rod is designed as a multi-functional component that performs both locking actuation and pivot drive functions. A single motor controls both operations through the drive rod's linear motion, making the system more space-efficient while maintaining full operational capability.

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

3Shape

If the ventilation flap is designed with narrow width, then aesthetic appearance and safety are improved, but the available installation space for hardware is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenarrow widthVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent reorients the drive mechanism from a corner drive requiring width space to a drive rod running parallel to the hinge axis, utilizing the depth dimension instead. This allows the locking and pivoting hardware to be accommodated within the narrow width profile while maintaining full functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

This solution enables the operation of narrow ventilation flaps with flat frame profiles, providing secure and controlled opening and closing movements while optimizing installation space, reducing the risk of accidents and enhancing aesthetic appeal by maintaining a slim profile.

Implementation Method 1

The link guide (6) has at least one helical section (8) formed as a groove and/or slot

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHelical section mechanism: Helix

Implementation Method 2

the linear movement of the drive means (7) leads to a relative movement of the slotted guide (6) in the direction of rotation relative to the drive means (7)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical movement conversion: Mechanical Advantage

Data Source

PatentEP4394275B1Fitting assembly
Publication Date: 2024.12.25 WILH SCHLECHTENDAHL & SOEHNE GMBH & CO KG
  • EP4394275B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4394275B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4394275B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a fitting arrangement (1) for a hinged and lockable ventilation flap (2) of a building opening, comprising a drive unit (4) and a transmission unit (5), wherein the drive unit (4) and the transmission unit (5) interact in such a way that unlocking or locking and subsequent hinged opening and closing are provided. According to the invention, the transmission unit (5) has a rotatable cam guide (6) which interacts with a drive element (7) of the drive unit (4) in such a way that the linear movement of the drive element (7) results in a relative movement of the cam guide (6) in the direction of rotation relative to the drive element (7).