Pivotable Window Drive Lever Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing window and door drive systems face issues with protruding drives being optically disadvantageous and exposed to weather, limited maximum opening widths due to chain placement, and increased friction and wear with larger openings.

Innovation Solution

The drive is pivotably mounted on a lever, allowing it to lift away from the casement profile, with the axis of rotation positioned at a distance from the drive housing, enabling larger opening angles without chain interference and maintaining a compact, protected design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Length of moving object

If the drive is mounted outwardly on the sash frame, then sufficient spacing between drive and sash frame is achieved, but the drive becomes visually disadvantageous and exposed to weather

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespacing between drive and sash frameVSAvoidexposure to weather and environmental influences
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The drive is nested within the rebate space between the frame and sash frame, utilizing the existing cavity to house the drive mechanism. This eliminates the need for outward mounting while maintaining adequate clearance through the lever's rotational movement that creates dynamic spacing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The drive is mounted on a lever that rotates about a pivot axis, creating dynamic positioning. During opening, the lever rotates to lift the drive away from the sash frame profile, maintaining clearance without requiring outward mounting. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction between compact mounting and sufficient spacing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the drive is arranged in the rebate between frame and sash frame, then the drive is protected and compact design is achieved, but the chain collides with profile projections limiting maximum opening width

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection of drive from environmental influencesVSAvoidmaximum opening width of sash
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The lever mechanism dynamically repositions the drive during operation. When the sash opens, the lever rotates about its pivot axis, lifting the drive vertically away from the profile projections. This dynamic clearance prevents chain collision while maintaining the protected rebate mounting, resolving the contradiction between compact protected mounting and maximum opening width.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of moving the drive horizontally with the sash, the lever mechanism introduces vertical movement as a second dimension. The drive moves in an arc path that includes vertical lift, creating clearance in the vertical direction rather than relying solely on horizontal spacing. This dimensional change allows larger opening angles without chain interference.

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

3Device complexity

If the chain is located directly adjacent to profile projections in the rebate, then compact design is maintained, but friction due to chain deflection increases wear

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompact design of drive deviceVSAvoidwear resistance of chain
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The lever's rotational movement dynamically adjusts the drive's position relative to the chain path. During opening, the lever lifts the drive, creating clearance that reduces chain deflection and friction. This dynamic adjustment maintains compact design while improving chain reliability by minimizing contact with profile projections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 configuration allows for increased opening widths, protects the drive from environmental influences, and ensures a stable connection throughout the opening process, while maintaining a compact and thermally insulated design.

Implementation Method 1

the chain acting against gravity and pivoting the lever away from the sash frame profile

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravity: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP2103766B1Door or window with a drive device to operate the leaf of said door or window
Publication Date: 2019.10.16 SCHUECO INTERNATIONAL KG
  • EP2103766B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2103766B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2103766B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

A drive unit for a window or door sash comprises an electric motor drive (3) that is concealed between a frame (1) and a sash frame (2). The drive (3) is not visible from the outside when the sash is in the closed position, and a pull element (4) can be moved by the drive (3) to open the sash. The drive (3) is pivotally mounted on a lever (8) and lifts itself from a profile of the sash frame (2) when the sash is opened.