Compact Handle With Nested Gear Multiplier

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing casement handles with gear multipliers are bulky, aesthetically unappealing, and have an inconvenient user experience due to a decentralized operating pin position, leading to uncomfortable operation and ineffective closure mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A compact handle design with a gear multiplier mechanism where the axis of rotation of the operating pin is aligned with the handle's axis, allowing for a reduced volume and comfortable user experience, utilizing a multiplier gear mechanism that transmits motion from a 15°-30° handle rotation to achieve a 90° pin movement, with a centralized pin position for standard operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a gear multiplier mechanism is used to reduce handle rotation angle to 15°-30°, then the handle rotation angle is reduced, but the device volume increases due to bulky mechanism

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandle rotation angleVSAvoidhandle volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements nesting by placing the gear multiplier mechanism inside the handle body cavity. The gear mechanism components (gear, pinion, shafts) are arranged concentrically and nested within the handle's internal space, allowing the mechanism to occupy minimal volume while maintaining full functionality. This resolves the contradiction by achieving the required motion multiplication without increasing external handle dimensions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a decentralized pin arrangement to a centralized pin arrangement aligned with the handle rotation axis. This dimensional reorganization allows the gear mechanism to be compactly arranged around the central axis rather than extending outward, reducing the mechanism's radial footprint and overall handle volume while maintaining the 15°-30° rotation angle benefit.

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

2Ease of operation

If the operating pin is positioned centrally on the handle axis, then the user experience is improved, but the device complexity increases due to alignment requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser experienceVSAvoidmechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs asymmetric gear tooth profiles and non-uniform pitch distributions on the gear and pinion. This asymmetric design allows the centralized pin arrangement to achieve proper motion transmission without requiring complex precision alignment mechanisms. The asymmetric geometry inherently guides the components into correct relative positions during assembly, reducing the actual complexity despite the centralized configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

3Volume of moving object

If the gear multiplier transmits movement to a centralized pin, then the handle volume is reduced, but rotation reversal occurs affecting closure effectiveness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandle volumeVSAvoidclosure effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the traditional gear engagement arrangement by positioning the pinion on the handle shaft and having it drive the gear on the pin shaft, rather than the conventional configuration. This inverted arrangement, combined with the centralized pin position, eliminates the rotation reversal problem while maintaining the compact volume. The inversion changes the direction of force transmission so that handle rotation directly translates to pin movement without reversal.

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

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 provides a comfortable and effective user experience by aligning the operating pin with the handle's axis, resulting in a compact and aesthetically pleasing handle that maintains the standard operation feel while ensuring efficient casement closure.

Implementation Method 1

multiplier mechanisms are used, which make it possible to obtain a complete movement of the pin in case of a rotation of the handle by only 15° - 30°. The complete movement of the pin is obtained with a rotation of the operating pin by 90°, hence the need for the multiplier gear mechanism.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGear mechanism: Gear

Data Source

PatentEP3887626B1Handle for sliding casements
Publication Date: 2023.01.04 FAPIM SPA
  • EP3887626B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4b
  • EP3887626B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3887626B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

This invention relates to a handle for sliding doors and windows and, more precisely, a handle with its own rotation between 15°-30°, i.e. a handle equipped with a gear multiplier.