Louvre Window Pinion Adjustment Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Louvre windows have complex and time-consuming assembly processes due to their mount mechanisms, which include bearing bushes, pistons, and springs, and their adjustment mechanisms take up significant space and are prone to slat overturning during pivoting.

Innovation Solution

The louvre window design features pinions with axle journals on both sides, which fit into bores and openings between inner and outer elements, using clip-in connecting strips with bearing rings and sealing inserts, and a toothed rack within a hollow profile, allowing for secure and space-efficient adjustment of slats.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a complex mount mechanism with bearing bushes, pistons, and springs is used, then the louvre window achieves reliable slat adjustment, but the assembly process becomes time-consuming and complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliable slat adjustmentVSAvoidmount mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pinion is divided into two separate parts: an outer pinion portion that engages with the rack and an inner pinion portion that rotates with the slat. These portions are connected via a common axis, allowing independent functions. This segmentation simplifies the overall mechanism by eliminating the need for complex bearing bushes, pistons, and springs while maintaining reliable adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The inner pinion portion is nested within the outer pinion portion, sharing a common rotation axis. The inner portion is inserted through the slat's rotation axis and secured with a retaining ring, creating a compact nested structure that reduces assembly complexity while ensuring reliable slat adjustment through the gear engagement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of operation

If traditional adjustment mechanisms are used, then slat positioning is achieved, but the mechanisms take up significant space both in height and window depth

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveslat positioning capabilityVSAvoidadjustment mechanism space
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustment mechanism is merged with the window frame structure itself. The rack is integrated into the frame, and the pinion assembly combines the adjustment function with the slat mounting function. This merging eliminates the need for separate adjustment mechanisms, significantly reducing the space required while maintaining full slat positioning capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The pinion assembly utilizes the depth dimension of the window frame efficiently by positioning the gear engagement in the depth direction rather than requiring additional height or width. The rack extends along the vertical direction while the pinion engages it in the depth direction, optimizing space utilization.

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

3Ease of operation

If conventional mounting methods are used, then slats can be adjusted, but they are prone to overturning during pivoting

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveslat adjustment functionVSAvoidslat stability during pivoting
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The inner pinion portion is pre-positioned through the slat's rotation axis before final assembly. The retaining ring is installed to secure the inner pinion portion in place before the slat begins pivoting. This preliminary positioning and securing prevents any potential overturning during the pivoting operation by ensuring the pinion remains properly aligned with the rack throughout the motion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2514909B1Louvre window
Publication Date: 2016.07.27 FIEGER THOMAS
  • EP2514909B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4
  • EP2514909B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7
  • EP2514909B1 patent drawingFigure 8

AI summary

The window has a thermal isolating connection laths connected in a rectangular-shaped window frame. Slats (2, 3) are pivotably inserted into the window frame. Pinions are rotatably supported on both sides of plate-shaped axle journals that are placed in the window frame by using an axial outer pin outwardly directed in holes. The holes are placed between an inner element and an outer element (6) placed on the connecting laths. An internal pin in openings between the inner and outer elements is inserted into a clipped connection bar, where the inner and outer elements are made from metal.