Patch Fitting Coverplate Pivot Point Centerline Retrofit

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Solution Overview

Problem

The discrepancy in pivot point centerline standards between glass door panes and door frames poses a challenge in interfacing patch fittings, making it difficult to integrate glass door panes of different standards without costly and complex geometry changes.

Innovation Solution

A coverplate system that can be fitted over existing patch fittings to modify the pivot point centerline, allowing interaction with glass door panes and floor plates of any standard pivot point centerline, featuring a tapered edge, leading edge, and buffers for frictional engagement and protection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the patch fitting geometry is changed to accommodate different pivot point centerline standards, then compatibility with different glass door panes is improved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with different pivot point centerline standardsVSAvoidpatch fitting geometry complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The solution divides the patch fitting system into two independent parts: the original patch fitting and an additive coverplate. The coverplate is a separate component that attaches to the existing patch fitting, allowing different pivot point centerline configurations without modifying the original patch fitting geometry. This segmentation enables compatibility with multiple standards while keeping each component simple and standardized.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The coverplate is designed to fit over the existing patch fitting, creating a nested structure where the coverplate encompasses the original component. This nesting approach allows the coverplate to provide the additional pivot point centerline functionality while the original patch fitting remains intact and unchanged, reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the patch fitting geometry is modified to interface with different standards, then adaptability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterface compatibility with different standardsVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By separating the adaptation function into a distinct coverplate component, the original patch fitting can be manufactured once in a standardized configuration. The coverplate is then manufactured in different variants to match various pivot point centerline standards, allowing economies of scale in producing the base component while providing customization only where needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The coverplate serves as a relatively simple, potentially replaceable component that provides the expensive adaptation functionality. Rather than investing in complex, custom-machined patch fittings for each standard, the system uses simpler coverplates that can be easily manufactured and replaced if needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Volume of moving object

If the leading edge is positioned closer to the spindle, then the coverplate is more compact, but the risk of collision and damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecoverplate sizeVSAvoidcollision risk with spindle

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The coverplate incorporates a tapered edge that creates increasing clearance between the leading edge and the spindle as the door approaches the closed position. This geometric design provides automatic, position-dependent cushioning that prevents collision damage while maintaining a compact overall structure. The taper angle is specifically designed to ensure adequate clearance is achieved before any potential contact occurs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

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 controllable actuation of glass door panes with safe, quiet, and reliable operation by adjusting the pivot point centerline without altering the patch fitting geometry, enhancing compatibility and reducing potential collisions and damage.

Implementation Method 1

The body is operatively couplable to the pre-existing door patch through a friction fitting with the one or more buffers

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentUS11781354B2Patch fitting coverplate

Publication Date: 2023.10.10 ASSA ABLOY ACCESSORIES & DOOR CONTROLS GRP INC

AI summary

A patch fitting coverplate or cap for a patch fitting that extends a pivot point centerline of the patch fitting. The patch fitting coverplate may be constructed as a retrofit cover to integrate a patch fitting of one standard pivot point centerline to a door pane of another standard pivot point centerline. A patch fitting assembly including the patch fitting coverplate and patch fitting may also include buffers to fill in the interior portion between the extended patch fitting coverplate and the patch fitting. The patch fitting may be tapered at an edge close to the pivot axis of the door pane for smooth actuation of the door pane.