Blocking Element Positioning on Pinion to Reduce Connecting Rod Wear

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fail-safe devices for window connecting rod fittings experience premature wear due to forces being transmitted directly through the connecting rod, leading to increased wear on components.

Innovation Solution

The blocking element is positioned opposite the pinion driving the drive rod, intercepting forces directly on the pinion and avoiding stress on the connecting rod, thus reducing wear on components by guiding the power flow through the pinion instead of the connecting rod.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the blocking element is positioned opposite the pinion driving the drive rod, then wear on the connecting rod fitting components is reduced, but the structural complexity of the fail-safe device increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewear resistanceVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking element is integrated directly into the pinion structure, merging the locking function with the drive mechanism. This integration allows the blocking element to intercept forces at the pinion level without requiring separate force transmission paths through the connecting rod, thereby reducing wear on connecting rod components while avoiding additional structural complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The blocking element acts as an intermediary between the handle mechanism and the connecting rod. By positioning it opposite the pinion, it intercepts and redirects forces before they can be transmitted to the connecting rod, serving as a mediator that protects the connecting rod from premature wear while maintaining the overall structural simplicity of the device

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the blocking element intercepts forces directly on the pinion, then the connecting rod is not stressed, but the blocking element must be precisely positioned opposite the pinion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotect connecting rodVSAvoidpositioning precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking element is merged with the pinion structure or positioned in direct engagement with it, ensuring that the force interception point coincides exactly with the pinion location. This integration eliminates the need for separate positioning mechanisms and ensures precise alignment during manufacturing, as the blocking element's position is defined by its relationship to the pinion teeth rather than requiring independent precision positioning

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This design simplifies the fail-safe device structure, reduces wear on components, and maintains low wear on the connecting rod fitting components, enhancing the longevity of the device.

Implementation Method 1

the pawl is prestressed by a spring element into a position in which the locking element is designed to produce the positive connection with a component of the espagnolette fitting

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a drive rod of the connecting rod fitting driving pinion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGear mechanism: Gear

Data Source

PatentEP3486409B1Saftey device for a drive rod fitting against incorrect operation
Publication Date: 2020.05.20 WINKHAUS
  • EP3486409B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3486409B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP3486409B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

A mis-switching safety device (8) for a connecting rod fitting (3) of a sash (2) that pivots against a frame (1) has a locking element (15) that engages a pinion (12) of a drive gear (7). In a position of the sash (2) away from the frame (1), the locking element (15) blocks the movement of the pinion (12). This prevents power from flowing through a connecting rod (5) driven by the pinion (12).