Window Fitting Coupling Mechanism for Subsequent Rod Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fitting systems require pre-coupling of connecting rods before installation or expose coupling points, making them unsuitable for subsequent coupling and leading to customer complaints, especially in window and door applications where aesthetics are important.
Innovation Solution
A coupling mechanism that allows for subsequent coupling of connecting rods, even when they butt against each other, using a spacer with a T-shaped end section or projection that facilitates easy alignment and assembly, enabling the use of standard components and compensating for manufacturing tolerances without requiring disassembly of existing components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If connecting rods are coupled before installation using a stationary functional element, then the connecting rods are drive-connected, but a stationary functional element is required which increases device complexity and is not suitable for rod-shaped fitting parts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the stationary functional element with a dynamic coupling mechanism where the coupling shoe can move along the connecting rod and engage with the coupling part. This dynamic approach eliminates the need for a fixed stationary element, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable drive connection between connecting rods.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling shoe acts as an intermediary element between the two connecting rods. Instead of requiring a stationary functional element, the coupling shoe temporarily mediates the connection by engaging with the coupling part on one rod and the bore hole on the other rod, enabling drive connection without increasing overall device complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If coupling points are made accessible from above for subsequent coupling, then fitting parts can be coupled after installation, but exposed coupling points lead to aesthetic complaints and are undesirable for window and door fittings
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism is nested within the fitting structure itself. The coupling shoe is received in a recess of the faceplate, and the coupling part is integrated into the connecting rod, allowing the coupling to occur within the existing fitting boundaries rather than requiring external exposed points. This maintains aesthetic appearance while enabling subsequent coupling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from vertical coupling (accessible from above) to horizontal coupling (accessible from the sides). The coupling shoe engages with the coupling part in a horizontal direction within the plane of the faceplate, eliminating the need for vertical accessibility while maintaining subsequent coupling capability. This dimensional change resolves the aesthetic conflict.
3Adaptability or versatility
If corner drives are installed after other fittings to allow individual supplementation, then additional locking points can be added, but the coupling points of corner drives must cover the coupling points of locks which complicates the assembly sequence
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling mechanism is designed with universal applicability that works regardless of installation sequence. The coupling shoe and coupling part design allows corner drives to be coupled with connecting rods whether they are installed before or after other fittings. This multi-functional coupling approach eliminates the need for sequence-dependent assembly procedures, improving productivity while maintaining adaptability.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to hardware for windows or doors made of at least one first and one second hardware part (8.3, 21). Each hardware part (8.3, 21) is made of at least one cover rail (23, 24) and a drive bar (25, 26) displaceable relative to the cover rail (23, 24), the drive bars (25, 26) being connected via a coupling device (29) mounted on the drive bar ends (27, 28) and the coupling device (29) being made of two coupling parts (30, 31). One of the coupling parts (30, 31) recoils in a coupling position relative to the cover rail (24) covering the drive bar (26), while the second coupling part (31) protrudes past the cover rail (23). In order that the drive bars (25, 26) can be subsequently coupled even for hardware components that abut each other flush, according to the invention, the toothed segment (33) has a spacer (36) dimensioned such that said spacer, supported by the second driving bar (25) or the second coupling part (31), holds the coupling parts (30, 31) out of engagement, wherein the spacer (36) has no effect in a potential coupling position.