Handle-Controlled Window Opening Limiter With Friction Lock

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing limiter devices for windows and doors suffer from erratic operation due to wear and tear, lack of stable locking, complex structure, and high construction costs, and do not allow continuous variation of the wing's open position.

Innovation Solution

A limiter device with a straight guide and a pushing body that slides and translates relative to a slider, controlled by a handle, to frictionally lock the wing in any open position, ensuring stable locking and simple assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a polygonal bar is used to block the slider by friction, then the wing can be locked in open positions, but over time component wear and tear causes erratic operation and unstable locking

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestable lockingVSAvoidservice life
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the friction-based mechanical blocking system with a positive engagement system. The pushing body has protrusions that engage with corresponding recesses in the slider, creating a deterministic mechanical lock rather than relying on friction. This substitution eliminates wear-related degradation and ensures stable locking throughout the service life.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The limiter device integrates the blocking function directly into the existing slider and pushing body components. The protrusions and recesses are formed as integral features of these components, eliminating the need for separate locking elements. This self-contained design ensures reliable operation without additional wear surfaces or complex mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If embossments and hollow seats are used to block the slider, then the wing can be locked, but the structure becomes complex and construction costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking functionVSAvoidstructure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the blocking function with the existing pushing body and slider components. The protrusions on the pushing body and recesses in the slider are integrated features rather than separate elements. This merging eliminates the need for additional embossments, hollow seats, or separate locking mechanisms, thereby reducing structural complexity while maintaining reliable locking.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The pushing body serves multiple functions: it pushes the slider during normal operation and provides locking protrusions when needed. The slider simultaneously guides the pushing body and receives the locking recesses. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated locking components, simplifying the overall structure.

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

3Reliability

If a complex mechanism with multiple components is used to lock the wing, then stable locking can be achieved, but assembly becomes difficult and construction costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking stabilityVSAvoidassembly simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the locking function into the existing slider and pushing body components through integral protrusions and recesses. This eliminates the need for separate locking components that would require additional assembly steps. The simplified structure can be assembled using standard procedures without specialized tools or complex alignment requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The limiter device is designed as a modular system with the straight guide, slider, and pushing body as distinct but compatible components. The protrusions and recesses are designed to engage automatically during assembly, eliminating the need for complex alignment procedures. This segmented design facilitates easy assembly and disassembly while maintaining locking stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 device provides reliable, safe, and durable locking of the wing in any open position, with a structurally simple and cost-effective design, allowing continuous variation of the wing's angle relative to the fixed frame.

Implementation Method 1

a pushing body (6) coupled to said straight guide (2) and arranged to act on a second face (31) of said slider (3)... exerting a thrust adapted to block by friction the sliding of said slider (3) along said straight guide (2)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP4464861B1A handle controlled limiter device for limiting the opening of a window or door
Publication Date: 2025.10.22 MASTER LAB SRL
  • EP4464861B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4464861B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4464861B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A limiter device (1) for limiting the opening of a window or door (100) with a wing (101) movable with respect to a fixed frame (104) and provided with an opening and closing hardware (110) controlled by a handle (111), the limiter device (1) comprising: - a straight guide (2) which is at least partially inserted in the first channel (106) of a first profile (102) of the wing (101), defines a sliding direction (J) and has at least one lying surface (20) for at least one slider (3); - a slider (3) which is inserted in the straight guide (2) in a slidable manner along the sliding direction (J) and which has a first face (30) lying on the lying surface (20) and a second face (31) different from the first face (30); - a block (4) that can be inserted and fixed into a second channel (107) of a second profile (103) of the fixed frame (104); - an arm (5) hinged at its opposite ends to the slider (3) and to the block (4), respectively, in a rotatable manner about axes parallel to each other; - a pushing body (6) coupled with the straight guide (2) and arranged to act on the second face (31) of the slider (3), - wherein the pushing body (6) and the straight guide (2) are coupled with each other in a relatively movable manner by a reciprocating straight motion along the sliding direction (J) and by a translational motion along a pushing direction (K) orthogonal to the sliding direction (J), between a first position, wherein the pushing body (6) is moved away from said second face (31) of the slider (3) leaving it free to slide along the sliding guide (2), and a second position, wherein the pushing body (6) is moved close to and pressed on the second face (31) of the slider (3) exerting a thrust on it adapted to block by friction the sliding thereof along the straight guide (2).