Modular Window Drive Device Segmentation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drive devices for electromotive adjustment of window and door fittings systems are complex to install and maintain, requiring significant space and specialized tools, and are often perceived as foreign objects that disrupt the structural integrity and thermal insulation of the window or door, with limited accessibility for repairs or upgrades.

Innovation Solution

A modular drive device comprising separate units such as a transmission unit, electronics unit, and cover unit, allowing for partial concealed installation and easy replacement of components, with a transmission unit that can be attached to the frame independently of other units, and electronics and cover units that can be detachably attached, simplifying assembly and maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If a conventional drive device is installed on a window or door, then electromotive adjustment of the fitting system is enabled, but the device complexity and difficulty of installation increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectromotive adjustmentVSAvoiddrive device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The drive device is divided into separate functional modules: a drive unit with motor and transmission mechanism, and a control unit with electronics and housing. This segmentation allows each module to be manufactured, tested, and installed independently, reducing overall system complexity while enabling automated electromotive adjustment of the fitting system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Extent of automation

If a conventional drive device is installed on a window or door, then electromotive adjustment is enabled, but installation and maintenance require specialized tools and significant space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectromotive adjustmentVSAvoidinstallation and maintenance
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By separating the drive unit from the control unit, the patent enables modular installation where the compact drive unit can be mounted in limited spaces without requiring specialized tools, while the control unit with housing provides user-friendly operation and maintenance access points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit is extracted as a separate detachable component, allowing it to be installed and maintained independently from the drive unit. This extraction simplifies maintenance procedures and eliminates the need for specialized tools, as the control unit can be accessed and serviced separately.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Extent of automation

If a conventional drive device is installed on a window or door, then electromotive adjustment is enabled, but the structural integrity and thermal insulation are disrupted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectromotive adjustmentVSAvoidstructural integrity and thermal insulation
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The drive unit is designed to be nested within the existing window or door structure, utilizing available spaces such as the rebate area. This nesting approach minimizes disruption to the original structural integrity and thermal insulation by integrating the drive mechanism into the existing architectural framework rather than adding external protrusions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The drive unit is positioned in specific locations where it causes minimal impact on overall structure and insulation, such as within the rebate area. The control unit is separated and positioned to avoid interfering with thermal bridges or structural weak points, thereby preserving the building envelope quality while enabling automated adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

4Extent of automation

If a conventional drive device is installed on a window or door, then electromotive adjustment is enabled, but accessibility for repairs or upgrades is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectromotive adjustmentVSAvoidaccessibility for repairs
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The segmentation of the drive device into separate drive unit and control unit with detachable connections enables independent access to each component for repair or upgrade. The control unit can be removed and serviced without affecting the drive unit, and vice versa, significantly improving accessibility for maintenance while maintaining automated functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3710661B1Modular drive device
Publication Date: 2024.06.12 GEZE GMBH
  • EP3710661B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3710661B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to a modular drive device for adjusting the metal fitting system of a window, a door or similar via electric motor, comprising: a transmission unit having a motor, a transmission and a transmission housing in which the motor and the transmission are accommodated, wherein the transmission has an output element which is designed for coupling to a force-transmission element via which the motor can be drivingly connected to the metal fitting system; an electronics unit which is designed for actuating the motor of the transmission unit; and a cover unit having a drive housing for externally covering the transmission unit and the electronics unit. The transmission unit is designed to be secured, independently from the electronics unit and the cover unit and in a partially covered manner, in a recess, in particular a machined groove on a front side of a frame of the window or the door. In addition, the electronics unit is designed to be detachably secured to the transmission unit in such a way that it can be exchanged independently from the transmission unit. Furthermore, the cover unit is designed to be detachably secured to the electronics unit, to the transmission unit and/or to the frame, preferably with the drive housing at least substantially completely outside the frame.