Sliding Extension Guide for Hidden Frame Part Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing position detection systems for mobile parts in frames, such as doors and windows, face challenges due to varied frame geometries, making it difficult to attach position detectors, especially when the mobile part is hidden under a fixed part, and existing extension devices are not versatile enough to adapt to different types of fittings.

Innovation Solution

An extension device with a guide fixed on the frame and an extension that slides along it, allowing the detection end to support the mobile part without complex connections, ensuring reliability and adaptability to various frame geometries by using a sliding mechanism and optional features like permanent magnets for improved versatility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the position detector is fixed directly to the frame edge, then the detection system is simple, but it cannot adapt to varied frame geometries and hidden mobile parts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to frame geometriesVSAvoiddetection system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The detection system is divided into separate functional modules: a guide element fixed to the frame edge, and a detection element that can be positioned independently. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized separately - the guide provides structural support while the detection element can reach hidden mobile parts through the guide's opening, thus adapting to various frame geometries without increasing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The guide element acts as an intermediary between the frame edge and the detection element. It provides a structured opening that guides the detection element's feeler rod to the mobile part while remaining fixed to the frame. This intermediary structure enables the detection system to adapt to hidden mobile parts without requiring complex reconfiguration of the entire detection system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the moving part is covered by a fixed part, then the frame structure is compact, but the position detector cannot reach the mobile part

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition detection reliabilityVSAvoidextension mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The feeler rod is extracted from the main detector body and guided through the guide element's opening to directly contact the hidden mobile part. This extraction allows the detection function to reach the mobile part independently of the detector's mounting position, ensuring reliable detection without requiring complex extension mechanisms that would increase device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The guide element creates a new spatial dimension by providing an opening that extends toward the hidden mobile part. This dimensional approach allows the feeler rod to access the mobile part through the guide's opening without requiring the detector itself to be positioned in difficult-to-reach locations, thus maintaining detection reliability while avoiding complex extension mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Measurement precision

If connection means are used to attach the extension to the mobile part, then the detection is accurate, but the device becomes complex and less versatile

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition detection precisionVSAvoidcompatibility with fitting types
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The mobile part itself serves as the connection element by directly contacting the feeler rod. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate connection means, as the mobile part's own structure is utilized to transmit its position information to the detector through the feeler rod, thereby maintaining detection precision while maximizing versatility across different fitting types

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The connection function is extracted from the overall system by using the mobile part's inherent structure to contact the feeler rod directly. This extraction eliminates the need for additional connection components, allowing the system to maintain accurate position detection through the mobile part's own geometry while being compatible with various fitting types without requiring adaptation of connection means

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP4130413B1Extension device for a frame and detection system
Publication Date: 2025.02.12 SOMFY ACTIVITES SA
  • EP4130413B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4130413B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4130413B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Extension device, comprising a guide (70), fixed on an edge belonging to a frame and an extension (60), which is mounted to slide on the guide parallel to a longitudinal direction (X70), the extension (60) comprising a detection end (64) and a drive end (62), opposite along the longitudinal direction, the extension (60) being able to be positioned, relative to the guide (70), so that the drive end (62) and the detection end (64) each protrude simultaneously from the guide along the longitudinal direction (X70), the extension (60) being configured to be in contact with a movable part (24) of a fitting belonging to the frame by means of the drive end (62), along the longitudinal direction (X70).