Semi-Stationary Shutter Retaining Device with Cam-Spring Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional retaining devices for semi-fixed leaves in doors and windows are either user-restrictive due to manual locking/unlocking requirements or prone to untimely opening due to automatic locking mechanisms, leading to compromised functionality.

Innovation Solution

A retaining device with a second retaining member that can move in two directions to either reinforce or release the retention of the semi-fixed leaf, allowing for secure closure and easy opening, utilizing a cam effect and spring mechanism to manage the movement and retention of the semi-fixed leaf in relation to the movable leaf.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If automatic locking mechanism is used to lock semi-fixed leaf when movable leaf is open, then user convenience is improved, but semi-fixed leaf cannot be opened when needed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveuser convenienceVSAvoidopening capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The retaining member is designed to dynamically change its retention characteristics based on the state of the movable leaf. When the movable leaf is closed, the retaining member provides strong retention to prevent opening. When the movable leaf is open, the retaining member automatically reduces its retention force, allowing the semi-fixed leaf to be opened if needed. This dynamic behavior resolves the contradiction between automatic locking convenience and opening capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The device changes the retention parameter (retention force) based on the position of the movable leaf. A spring mechanism provides varying retention force: strong when the movable leaf is closed, and reduced when the movable leaf is open. This parameter change allows the system to automatically lock for convenience while still permitting opening when necessary.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If strong retention mechanism is used to prevent untimely opening, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprevention of untimely openingVSAvoidmechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The retaining device is designed to automatically adjust its retention force without user intervention. The spring mechanism self-regulates the retention force based on the movable leaf's position, providing strong retention when needed and reduced retention when the movable leaf is open. This self-service approach improves reliability while avoiding complex control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The retention force is periodically adjusted based on the cyclic opening and closing of the movable leaf. The spring mechanism naturally provides periodic variation in retention force, being strong when the movable leaf is closed and reduced when open. This periodic action ensures reliability without requiring complex active control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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

The device ensures the semi-fixed leaf remains securely closed without user intervention while allowing easy opening when desired, preventing untimely openings due to wind or weight, thus enhancing the functionality and usability of the semi-fixed leaf.

Implementation Method 1

a spring to cause the second control member to move away from its reference position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

cooperate by cam effect with the first control member to cause the second retaining member to move

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCam effect: Cam

Data Source

PatentEP2581530B1Retaining device for a semi-stationary shutter
Publication Date: 2014.12.03 GROSFILLEX
  • EP2581530B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2581530B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2581530B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The device has a retaining member (35) occupying a reference position and cooperating with another retaining member (10) for retaining a semi-fixed leaf in a closed position. Two control units (40, 70) cooperate by camming action for biasing the movement of the former retaining member in a direction (P) while the retaining members cooperate by camming action for biasing the movement in another direction. A spring biases the former retaining member to move in one of the directions when the former retaining member is moved away from the reference position.