Espagnolette Fitting Retaining Element Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing holding elements for connecting rods in fitting grooves have complex structures and are not easily adaptable to different fitting parts and grooves, making them difficult to manufacture and assemble.

Innovation Solution

The holding element is composed of two separate components: an upper part with a holding section and a lower part with resilient legs, allowing for easy adaptation and assembly by axial displacement, with features like ramps, latching hooks, and different materials for enhanced support and holding force.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a single complex retaining element with multiple detents is used, then the retaining element can engage with different fitting grooves, but the device complexity increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different fitting groovesVSAvoidcomplexity of retaining element
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The retaining element is divided into two separate components: an upper part with a holding section and a lower part with spring-loaded legs. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized independently and simplifies the overall structure while maintaining adaptability to different fitting grooves through the modular combination of parts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The upper part can be attached to different fitting parts and the lower part can be adapted to different fitting grooves, making the retaining element universally applicable. The modular design enables the same basic components to serve multiple functions across different applications without requiring complex custom designs.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If a retaining element with multiple detents is designed, then it can engage with different fitting grooves, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with different fitting groovesVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By splitting the retaining element into upper and lower parts, each part can be manufactured separately using simpler processes. The upper part with holding section and the lower part with spring-loaded legs can be produced independently and then assembled, reducing manufacturing complexity compared to creating a single complex multi-detent component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If the upper and lower parts are made movable relative to each other, then the assembly process is simplified, but the structural stability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of assemblyVSAvoidstructural stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The upper and lower parts are designed to be movable relative to each other during assembly, allowing the spring-loaded legs to be compressed for installation. This dynamic capability enables easy assembly while the parts can be locked into a stable configuration during operation to maintain structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The movable connection between upper and lower parts allows preliminary compression of the spring-loaded legs during assembly, facilitating easy installation into the fitting groove. Once assembled, the structure stabilizes to provide firm holding force while maintaining the benefits of simplified assembly procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 design simplifies the assembly and adaptation process, provides high holding forces, and prevents detachment, allowing the holding element to be easily manufactured and used in various fitting parts and grooves with reliable support and flexibility.

Implementation Method 1

a lower part (10) with spring-loaded legs (11) for attachment in the fitting groove (7)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3683387B1Fixing element for a fitting part of an espagnolette fitting
Publication Date: 2022.04.27 WINKHAUS
  • EP3683387B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3683387B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3683387B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The retaining element (6) of a fitting part (1) of a drive rod fitting in a fitting groove (7) has an upper part (8) and a lower part (10) which can be moved relative to each other between a mounting position and a holding position. The upper part (8) has a retaining section (9) for connection with the fitting part (1). The lower part (10) has resilient legs (11) for connection with the fitting groove (7). A shear lug (23) supports the lower part (10) against the upper part (8) during mounting.