Removable Wedge for Window Detector Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

The integration of position detectors for movable frame fittings into window or door frames is cumbersome due to alignment issues and requires manual adjustment, leading to potential errors and complexity in assembly.

Innovation Solution

A position detector design featuring a removable wedge that temporarily fixes the rod in a predetermined mounting position, facilitating easier installation by aligning the detector with the frame's initial pin position, and allowing for subsequent free movement during operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the detector is integrated into the frame during manufacturing with the pin blocked in a predetermined position, then the frame assembly process is facilitated, but the detector requires manual adjustment and alignment which increases assembly complexity and potential for errors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveframe assembly processVSAvoiddetector assembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The wedge is pre-installed on the rod during detector manufacturing, setting the rod in a known initial position relative to the housing. This preliminary action eliminates the need for complex alignment procedures during frame assembly, as the detector is already prepared in its mounting configuration with the rod positioned correctly for integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The wedge acts as an intermediary element that temporarily holds the rod in a predetermined position during installation. This mediator component facilitates the integration process by providing a reference position for the rod, allowing the detector to be mounted on the frame without requiring complex manual adjustment procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the rod is mounted on a spring to allow free movement, then the detector can accurately track pin position, but manual holding of the rod during installation becomes necessary which complicates the assembly process

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition detection accuracyVSAvoidinstallation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The wedge applies a preliminary counteracting force to the spring-mounted rod, holding it in a predetermined position against the spring force during installation. This preliminary anti-action neutralizes the spring's tendency to move the rod freely, allowing secure mounting of the detector without requiring manual holding of the rod.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Solution Approach 2:

The wedge serves as an intermediary that temporarily overrides the spring mechanism during installation. By inserting the wedge between the rod and housing, it prevents the spring from causing unwanted rod movement, enabling easy detector mounting while preserving the spring's function for accurate position tracking during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the installer must mount the detector on one side or the other of the pin depending on mounting configurations, then adaptability to different installations is achieved, but checking correspondence between pin positions and detector positions becomes tedious and error-prone

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting configuration flexibilityVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The wedge design with its specific geometry and engagement features provides a universal mounting solution that works regardless of the detector's orientation or position relative to the pin. The wedge can be installed from various sides and automatically establishes the correct rod position, eliminating the need for installers to check correspondence between different mounting configurations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The wedge acts as a universal intermediary component that standardizes the mounting process across different configurations. By providing a consistent reference position for the rod through the wedge's predetermined placement, it eliminates the need for configuration-specific alignment procedures, reducing assembly time and errors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3798392B1Detector of the position of a mobile fitting and method for installing such a detector
Publication Date: 2022.05.11 SOMFY ACTIVITES SA
  • EP3798392B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3798392B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3798392B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A position detector (12) of a movable fitting (112) of a door frame, comprising: a housing (20); a rod (22), which includes a sensing end (51) designed to be moved in translation by action of the movable fitting; electronic means, which include a sensor system, generating a position information as a function of the translational position of the rod relative to the housing, and a transmitter of the position information.To facilitate the integration of the detector into the frame, the detector (12) has a mounting configuration and includes a removable wedge (25), which, in the mounting configuration, is mechanically connected to the rod (22) via the sensing end (51), and bears against the housing (20) to keep the rod (22) fixed relative to the housing (20), in a predetermined mounting position; and which, in a usage configuration, does not oppose the translational movement of the rod (22) relative to the housing (20).