Gear-Based Corner Deflection for Window Fixture Drives

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing corner drives for windows and doors based on guided spring assemblies suffer from high frictional forces, wear, and manufacturing costs, with limited stroke and increased play, especially in larger applications.

Innovation Solution

A corner deflection device utilizing a toothed wheel element with a sliding guide on a bearing section, which reduces friction and play through low-backlash power transmission, allowing for a compact and cost-effective design without the need for a bearing axle, and featuring a part-circular sliding guide and spur gear teeth for efficient displacement across corners.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If guided spring assemblies are used in corner drives, then the corner deflection can be achieved, but high frictional forces and wear occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecorner deflection functionalityVSAvoidfrictional forces and wear
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the spring-based mechanical system with a gear-based mechanical system. The toothed wheel element engages with toothed rack sections on the transmission elements, eliminating the need for springs and their associated guides. This substitution reduces frictional forces and wear while maintaining the corner deflection functionality.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The corner drive is segmented into distinct functional components: the toothed wheel element for power transmission and the toothed rack sections on the transmission elements. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, with the gear teeth providing positive engagement and low-friction operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If spring assemblies are used for larger windows or doors, then the corner deflection is achieved, but the achievable stroke is relatively small due to considerable play

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecorner deflection functionalityVSAvoidachievable stroke
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The gear-based system eliminates the play inherent in spring assemblies. The toothed engagement between the wheel element and rack sections provides positive, play-free power transmission, enabling larger achievable strokes for larger windows and doors without the limitations of spring-based systems.

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

3Reliability

If bearing axle or shaft is used in the sliding guide, then the toothed wheel element can be guided, but the installation space required increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetoothed wheel element guidanceVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts and eliminates the bearing axle or shaft from the sliding guide. Instead of using a separate bearing component, the guide surface is integrated directly into the base body, providing guidance for the toothed wheel element without requiring additional installation space for bearings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The sliding guide function is merged with the base body structure. The guide surface is formed as an integral part of the base body, combining the support and guidance functions into a single component, thereby reducing the overall installation space requirement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Reliability

If guided spring arrangements are used, then corner deflection is achieved, but manufacturing costs are considerable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecorner deflection functionalityVSAvoidmanufacturing costs
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The gear-based system replaces the complex spring assembly with simpler gear components. The toothed wheel element and toothed rack sections can be manufactured using standard gear manufacturing processes, which are generally more cost-effective than precision spring manufacturing and assembly.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The toothed wheel element and rack sections serve multiple functions: power transmission, corner deflection, and self-guidance. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying manufacturing and reducing costs compared to spring assemblies that require separate springs, guides, and mounting components.

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

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

The solution results in a low-wear, maintenance-free corner drive with reduced frictional forces, lower manufacturing costs, and a more compact design, enabling smoother and more efficient power deflection compared to traditional spring assemblies.

Implementation Method 1

a toothed wheel element (29), which can be rotated about an axis of rotation and which can be engaged simultaneously with the respective toothed rack sections (25a, 25b) arranged on the transmission elements (15a, 15b)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGear mechanism: Gear

Implementation Method 2

The toothed wheel element (29) is guided by means of a sliding guide (46) on a bearing section (35) of the corner drive (10)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction-based sliding guidance: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3177793B1Corner deflection
Publication Date: 2018.10.10 MACO TECHNOLOGIE GMBH
  • EP3177793B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3177793B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3177793B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a corner deflection of a fixture arrangement for windows, doors or similar comprising at least two transmission elements which are coupled or can be coupled to respective drive rods of the fixture arrangement and which can be displaced along respective displacement axes which extend perpendicular to each other. Said transmission elements are coupled together about the corner by means of a deflection device, for a common movement. Said deflection device comprises a toothed wheel element which can be rotated about a rotational axis which can be simultaneously brought into contact with respective toothed rod sections which are arranged on the transmission elements.