Hidden Handle Mechanism for Sliding Windows
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional window and door opening and closing mechanisms have visible handles that can be aesthetically unpleasing and pose a risk of user contact, as they are not fully concealed within the profile.
Innovation Solution
A mechanism where the handle and associated components are housed within the mobile profile of the window or door, allowing for a completely hidden operation from the user's front viewpoint, utilizing a cam-like handle with a circular toothed segment to transmit circular motion to a linear rack movement, and featuring a retention device to secure the handle in three distinct positions for opening, closing, and intermediate operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the handle is exposed on the exterior of the mobile profile, then the user can easily access and operate the mechanism, but the aesthetics are compromised and user contact with the handle base creates safety risks
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is nested within a hollow cavity of the mobile profile, specifically in the head portion of the profile. The handle can pivot between a retracted position (flush with the profile surface) and an extended operational position, allowing it to be hidden when not in use and accessible when needed, thus resolving the contradiction between aesthetics and ease of operation
2Shape
If the handle is completely hidden inside the mobile profile, then the aesthetics are improved and safety risks are reduced, but the user may have difficulty accessing and operating the mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is designed with dynamic movement capability, pivoting on a rotation axis. It can transition from a retracted position (completely hidden and flush with the profile) to an extended position (protruding for easy grasping and operation). This dynamic characteristic allows the system to satisfy both aesthetic requirements and ease of operation requirements at different times
3Ease of operation
If the handle protrudes from the mobile profile, then the user can easily grasp and operate it, but the base of the handle becomes exposed creating safety risks during window/door movement
Solution Approach 1:
The handle is designed to be retracted into the hollow cavity of the mobile profile when not in use or during critical movement phases. This preliminary retraction action prevents user contact with the handle base during window or door movement, eliminating the safety hazard before it can occur, while still allowing easy operation when the handle is extended to the operational position
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 enhances the minimalist aesthetics of windows and doors by hiding all operational elements, preventing user contact with the handle and ensuring smooth, secure operation while maintaining user accessibility.
Implementation Method 1
the handle is a type of cam and comprises at one end, on which it rotates, a circular toothed segment that meshes with the teeth of the rack
Implementation Method 2
The rotating movement transmitted by the handle is transformed into translation movement by mechanisms that can be both inside the mobile profile in the form of a transmission box, and at the base of the espagnolette handle, both with rack and pinion systems
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
Windows and doors opening and closing mechanism. Mechanism for a lateral of a mobile profile (1) comprising a fitting, transmitting bars, a sliding track (2) of the fitting and a hollow (3). It comprises a casing (4) housed in the hollow (3); a handle (5), linked to the casing (4) through a shaft (6) around which it rotates, and comprising a circular toothed segment (7) displaceable between a first position where the handle (5) stays flush with the casing (4) and with the surface of the mobile profile (1); a second position where the handle (5) is arranged at a certain angle from the surface of the mobile profile (1); and a third position where the handle (5) remains in a position symmetrical to the first position; and comprises a rack (8) with linear displacement due to the rotating movement of the handle (5).