Motorised Window Frame Wing Nesting Worm Screw Drive

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing window frames with lift and slide devices face challenges in motorization without modifying the structure or operation of engagement devices, particularly for large dimensions exceeding 200 Kg, where manual lifting is cumbersome and existing motorization solutions, like visible electric motors, are not ideal.

Innovation Solution

A window frame design incorporating a support frame with a lift and slide device that houses an electric motor and operational mechanisms within the wing's lateral edge, using a worm screw, gearwheels, and a follower to actuate the lifting and sliding motion, allowing integration with standard engagement means without visible motors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If electric motors are used to motorize large window frames (exceeding 200 Kg), then the lifting and sliding operation becomes automated, but the motorization components become visible and the structure requires modification

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomation of lifting and sliding operationVSAvoidvisibility of motorization components
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The electric motor and operational mechanisms are nested within the hollow cavity of the wing. The motor housing is positioned inside the wing structure, with the drive shaft extending through the lateral edge to engage with the follower. This nesting approach hides the motorization components within the frame, eliminating their visible presence while maintaining automated operation capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The motorization system is merged with the existing engagement means structure. The electric motor is integrated with the operational mechanism that already includes the follower and drive shaft, combining the motorization function with the engagement device housing. This merging allows the motor to be concealed within the frame structure while still driving the lifting and sliding operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Extent of automation

If electric motors are installed on the wing to motorize large window frames, then automated operation is achieved, but the weight of the wing increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomation of window operationVSAvoidweight of the wing
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The electric motor is merged with the existing engagement means structure, utilizing the hollow cavity and structural elements of the engagement device housing to contain the motor. This integration approach avoids adding separate motor mounts and support structures, thereby minimizing the additional weight introduced by the motorization system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The motor is nested within the existing hollow cavity of the wing structure, utilizing the available internal space without requiring additional structural reinforcement or external mounting brackets. This nesting strategy minimizes the added weight by efficiently using the existing structural volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Shape

If the motorization system is integrated within the frame, then the components are hidden, but the space available for housing the motor is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconcealment of motorization componentsVSAvoidspace available for motor housing
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The electric motor is nested within the hollow cavity of the engagement means structure. The motor housing fits into the existing cavity space, with the drive shaft extending through the lateral edge to engage with the follower. This nesting approach maximizes the use of available internal space while keeping the motor concealed within the frame.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The motor is positioned in a different spatial dimension within the hollow cavity, with its drive shaft extending perpendicular to the main wing surface through the lateral edge. This dimensional arrangement allows the motor to be housed within the frame volume while still providing external engagement with the follower mechanism.

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

4Shape

If the motor housing is positioned inside the wing, then the components are concealed, but maintenance and replacement become more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconcealment of motorization componentsVSAvoidaccessibility for maintenance
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The motor housing is segmented from the main wing structure through a removable access panel or cover on the lateral edge. This segmentation allows the motor to remain concealed within the wing during normal operation while providing easy access for maintenance and replacement by simply removing the access panel, without requiring disassembly of the entire wing structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

An intermediary access panel or cover is introduced between the external environment and the motor housing. This intermediary element allows the motor to be concealed within the wing while providing a convenient access path for maintenance activities, acting as a mediator between the need for concealment and the need for accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Enables seamless motorization of large window frames with standard fittings, ensuring reliable operation and security by hiding the motorization components within the frame, allowing for automated engagement and release of engagement elements and lift and slide functions.

Implementation Method 1

actuation means comprising an electric motor (16)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a worm screw (19) having set axis Y-Y supported in rotation with respect to the support element (18) and cinematically coupled with the electric motor (16)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical advantage through worm drive: Worm Drive

Implementation Method 3

two gearwheels (21, 22), each provided with a prismatic tang (21a, 22a)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGear transmission: Gear

Data Source

PatentEP2484853B1Motorised window frame
Publication Date: 2013.11.27 AMER SPA
  • EP2484853B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2484853B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2484853B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A lift and slide wing comprising, at its lateral edge, a recess in which are housed operational mechanisms for releasing the wing from the counter-edge of the frame and allowing it to open. In the recess of the wing (2) moreover actuation means for actuating the aforementioned operational mechanisms are housed, such actuation means comprising an electric motor (16) which actuates a worm screw (19) with which a nut (20), which can translate parallel to said screw, is thread-engaged. The nut (20) is connected integral in translation with connection rods (23,24) having rack portions that are engaged with gearwheels (21,22) having square-shaped tangs inserted with prismatic engagement inside the follower of said operational mechanisms.