Sliding Door Fitting with Variable Coupling Spring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sliding door and window fittings suffer from cumbersome operation, uncontrolled movements, and aesthetic issues like 'rocking' due to lack of ergonomic handle placement and inadequate spring mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A fitting with a variable-length coupling arrangement featuring a spring element that changes distance between carriages or deployment arms, preventing uncontrolled movements by providing clear feedback to the operator and ensuring precise opening and closing, while being ergonomic and adjustable for different sizes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the handle is arranged halfway up the wing to introduce force into the wing at halfway up, then the sash can be moved into a sliding position without tilting, but this is not ergonomic and is not usual with sliding doors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesash stabilityVSAvoidhandle ergonomics
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The fitting is divided into multiple functional components: opening scissors for initial separation, coupling arrangement with spring element for controlled force application, and guide for final sliding movement. This segmentation allows the handle to be positioned ergonomically while multiple mechanisms work together to prevent tilting during opening.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If springs are provided on the opening arms of the opening scissors to urge the sash into the closed position, then the disadvantages are mitigated, but they are not eliminated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesash controlVSAvoidoperation smoothness
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling arrangement with spring element acts as an intermediary between the opening scissors and the sash. It provides controlled force application and prevents uncontrolled movements, while the guide serves as another intermediary to ensure smooth sliding motion. This multi-stage intermediary approach eliminates the residual disadvantages of simple spring mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If a first vertical sash spar is turned off from the fixed frame at the beginning of the opening movement, then the sash can be unlocked, but the other vertical wing spar may move in an uncontrolled manner causing the wing to rock

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveopening initiationVSAvoidwing stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling arrangement with spring element applies preliminary counteracting force to prevent uncontrolled movement of the second vertical wing spar. When the first spar is turned off, the spring element immediately pushes the second spar away from the fixed frame in a controlled manner, preventing rocking while maintaining stability throughout the opening sequence.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-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 solution enhances operational ease and precision by providing intuitive movement feedback, preventing 'dead stroke' and tilting, ensuring smooth opening and closing without wobbling, and is adaptable to various door and window sizes.

Implementation Method 1

the coupling arrangement comprising a spring element and the length the coupling arrangement can be changed against the spring force of the spring element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP2690241B1Fitting for a parallel set sliding door or a parallel set sliding window
Publication Date: 2014.07.23 ROTO FRANK AG
  • EP2690241B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1d
  • EP2690241B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~4b
  • EP2690241B1 patent drawingFigure 5a~7b

AI summary

The fitting structure (1) has raising arms (4,5) that are provided relative to a fixed frame of movable wing (6) of a window and a door. A carriage is movable along a guide (2,3). A coupling arrangement (11) configured for coupling the carriage and the raising arms. The coupling arrangement is provided with spring element (17) and the length of the coupling arrangement is variable against the spring force of the spring element. An independent claim is included for a sliding door or sliding window.