Fitting Part Coupling Mechanism for Undercut Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fitting parts for windows and doors with undercuts in the fitting groove lack stability and are difficult to assemble, as they are typically held at only two opposite points, making them prone to dislodgment and requiring complex assembly processes.

Innovation Solution

The movement of one holding element is coupled with adjacent holding elements, allowing all to pivot into a stable holding position, forming a bayonet connection with the undercut, and utilizing a coupling mechanism with projections and recesses to simplify assembly and enhance stability, along with a non-rotatably connected coupling element for increased stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the fitting part is held at only two opposite points in the fitting groove, then the assembly process is simpler, but the connection stability is insufficient and the fitting part is prone to dislodgment

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidconnection stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The single holding element is divided into multiple holding elements (at least two) that are distributed around the circumference of the fitting part. Each holding element independently engages with the undercut of the fitting groove, transforming a single-point engagement into multi-point engagement. This segmentation increases connection stability while maintaining assembly simplicity through the coupling mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple holding elements are coupled together through coupling mechanisms (projections and recesses, or coupling rods) so that they function as an integrated system. When one holding element is rotated into the holding position, the coupling mechanism automatically rotates the other holding elements into position simultaneously. This merging ensures all holding elements engage the undercut together, providing stable connection without complex separate assembly procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If multiple holding elements are used to engage the undercut at multiple points, then the connection stability is improved, but the assembly process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The holding elements are pre-configured in the assembly position where they are easily insertable into the fitting groove without engagement. The coupling mechanism is pre-set to allow free rotation of all holding elements to their holding positions. This preliminary configuration simplifies the initial insertion step, and the subsequent rotation is facilitated by the coupling mechanism that moves all elements simultaneously with a single rotational action.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling mechanism between holding elements is designed to automatically transmit rotation from one holding element to others without requiring external actuation for each element. When one holding element is rotated, the coupling (through projections and recesses or coupling rods) automatically causes the other holding elements to rotate and engage the undercut. This self-service mechanism reduces assembly complexity by eliminating the need for separate manual positioning of each holding element.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Manufacturing precision

If the holding elements are rotated individually into the holding position, then each element can be precisely positioned, but the assembly time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidassembly speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple holding elements are coupled together so that a single rotational action on one element simultaneously rotates all other holding elements into their holding positions. The coupling mechanism (projections and recesses, or coupling rods) ensures synchronized movement, maintaining precise positioning of all elements while reducing assembly time. All holding elements engage the undercut at multiple points simultaneously, providing both precision and efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The holding elements are pre-configured in the assembly position with their corners aligned for easy insertion into the fitting groove. The coupling mechanism is pre-set to allow free rotation to the holding position. This preliminary configuration ensures that when rotation begins, all elements are optimally positioned to engage the undercut, maintaining manufacturing precision while enabling rapid assembly through simultaneous engagement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3246499B1Fitting part intended for assembly in a fitting groove comprising an undercut
Publication Date: 2018.10.31 WINKHAUS
  • EP3246499B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3246499B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

A fitting component (6) of a locking rod fitting (2) has several retaining elements (17-19) for engaging an undercut (4) of a fitting groove (3) of a window. The retaining elements (17-19) are rotatable relative to a base plate (12) from a mounting position to a holding position and their movements are coupled. Thus, by rotating one of the retaining elements (18) into the holding position, the other retaining elements (17, 19) can also be moved into the holding position. The fitting component (6) is easy to mount.