Pivoting Push Chain End Fitting for Rigid Back-Bend Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional push chains installed on secondary closing edges of opening closures, such as windows or flaps, lack sufficient stiffening support due to vertically aligned chain pin axes, leading to buckling during operation.
Innovation Solution
An end fitting equipped with a force/torque sensor that actively forces the push chain into a rigid back bend, providing support between the push chain and the locking part of the opening lock, ensuring stable operation regardless of bearing orientation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional push chain is installed on a secondary closing edge with vertically aligned chain pin axes, then the installation allows for larger opening angles and less interference, but the push chain lacks sufficient stiffening support and buckles during pushing operation
Solution Approach 1:
The end fitting acts as an intermediary element between the push chain and the locking part. It includes a chain support that engages with the chain back and provides active support during pushing operation, preventing buckling while enabling installation on secondary closing edges with vertical pin axes
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the support parameter from passive (relying on dead weight) to active (force/torque sensor-controlled support). The force/torque sensor dynamically adjusts the support force applied to the chain back, maintaining stability under varying operating conditions
2Stability of the object's composition
If the push chain is installed on a main closing edge, then the chain has sufficient support, but the opening angle is limited and there is more potential for interference
Solution Approach 1:
The end fitting with chain support serves as a mediator that enables stable push chain operation on secondary closing edges, unlocking the potential for larger opening angles and reduced interference while maintaining chain stability through active support
3Reliability
If a force/torque sensor is added to actively support the push chain, then the push chain stiffening is reliable, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The force/torque sensor enables the end fitting to self-regulate its support action. The sensor detects the actual load conditions and automatically adjusts the support force applied to the chain back, eliminating the need for external control systems and complex mechanical stiffening mechanisms
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The invention relates to an end fitting (4) for the free end section (18) of a multi-link push chain (2) of a chain push drive (1) for an opening closure (5) of a building opening, which can be stiffened during push operation. The end fitting (4) has a mounting element (19) that can be attached to a closing part (6, 7) of the opening closure (5), a chain receptacle (21) for the end section (18), and a force/torque transmitter (23) that forces the push chain (2) into a stiff back bend (12) during push operation. The mounting element (19) and the chain receptacle (21) are pivotably connected to each other about a pivot axis (25), with the force/torque transmitter (23) moving the mounting element (19) and the chain receptacle (21) about the pivot axis (25) during push operation.