Sash Handle Sleeve Design for Play-Free Drive Mandrel

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing handles for driving connecting rods in sash systems face issues with tolerance-related distortion of the drive mandrel, leading to play and operational annoyance, and existing solutions like screw connections are disruptive and complex.

Innovation Solution

A handle design featuring a sleeve with a radial feed slot for the ring element, allowing axial fixation of the drive mandrel without engaging the drive gear, enabling easy assembly and use with various drive gears and wing designs, and incorporating a fixing plug for central fixation and a ramp for non-positive engagement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the drive mandrel is made longer to engage the drive gear, then the axial securing is improved, but the handle develops play and becomes annoying to operate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaxial securing of drive mandrelVSAvoidhandle operation smoothness
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The drive mandrel is segmented into two functional zones: a first end section (7) for engaging the drive gear and a second end section (8) for insertion into the plug-in handle. This segmentation allows the mandrel to be secured axially in the drive gear without excessive length, eliminating play while maintaining secure engagement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The securing function is extracted from the drive mandrel itself and transferred to a separate securing element (14) that acts on the drive mandrel. This allows the mandrel to be held axially without requiring excessive length, as the securing element provides the necessary constraint independently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If a screw connection with retaining flange is used to mount the plug-in handle, then the axial securing is improved, but the assembly becomes disruptive and complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaxial securing of plug-in handleVSAvoidassembly structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The securing element (14) combines multiple functions into a single component: it secures the drive mandrel axially in the drive gear, prevents rotational movement, and simplifies the overall assembly structure by eliminating the need for separate retaining flanges and screw connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The securing element serves multiple purposes simultaneously: it acts as an axial stop for the drive mandrel, a rotational constraint, and a simplifying structural element that reduces assembly complexity. This multi-functionality replaces the need for separate securing components.

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

3Ease of manufacture

If the drive mandrel is shortened to avoid distortion, then the ease of assembly is improved, but the engagement with drive gear becomes unreliable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandle assembly easeVSAvoiddrive gear engagement reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The securing element (14) acts as an intermediary that enables reliable engagement between the drive mandrel and drive gear without requiring the mandrel to be excessively long. It provides the necessary mechanical constraint that ensures reliable torque transmission while allowing the mandrel to remain at an optimal length for easy assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Shape

If the sleeve is screwed to the wing behind the wing overlap, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the structural support may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandle assembly appearanceVSAvoidsleeve mounting strength
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The sleeve (9) is designed with a flange (10) that provides structural support and mounting surfaces before the actual screw connection is made behind the wing overlap. This preliminary structural preparation ensures adequate strength is available at the mounting location while still allowing the aesthetic placement behind the overlap.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3141677B1Handle for driving a connecting rod liner
Publication Date: 2018.05.23 WINKHAUS
  • EP3141677B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3141677B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3141677B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A handle (2) for actuating a drive rod fitting (3) of a sash (1) that pivots against a frame has a sleeve (9) arranged between a plug handle (4) and a drive mechanism (5) for radial and axial support of a drive spindle (6). The sleeve (9) is screwed to the sash (1). The drive spindle (6) projects into the drive mechanism (5) with a free end section (7).