Sliding Leaf Shifting Mechanism With Tolerance-Compensating Locking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing displacement devices for sliding sashes in windows or doors suffer from structural complexity, high cost, and operational issues due to torque-induced jamming and asymmetrical force application, particularly when dealing with high loads, and require precise fitting that is prone to tilting and jamming.

Innovation Solution

A displacement device with a locking mechanism that includes a guide sleeve and elastic element to compensate for dimensional deviations, allowing the locking bolt to slide freely and compensate for tolerances, ensuring secure and jam-free operation, while being compact and cost-effective.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If a sliding leaf is equipped with both a drive unit and a counterbalance unit, then the lifting force required is reduced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelifting forceVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The shifting device is divided into functionally independent modules: a drive unit for active sliding movement and a counterbalance unit for gravitational compensation. This segmentation allows each unit to perform its specific function optimally while reducing the overall lifting force requirement, as the counterbalance unit handles the weight compensation separately from the drive unit's sliding function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The counterbalance unit is integrated within the overall shifting device structure, with the counterbalance lever system nested alongside the drive unit components. The counterbalance lever can be positioned within the window frame structure, and its mechanical elements are arranged to occupy space efficiently without interfering with the drive unit's operation, thus reducing device complexity despite adding functional capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a counterbalance lever with variable mechanical advantage is used, then adaptability to different leaf weights is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different leaf weightsVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The counterbalance lever is designed with variable mechanical advantage through its ability to rotate about a fulcrum point, creating different lever arms for the load and effort forces. As the lever rotates during the window's movement from closed to open position, the mechanical advantage ratio changes dynamically, providing optimal force multiplication at different positions and accommodating various leaf weights without requiring multiple fixed-ratio mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The variable mechanical advantage counterbalance lever serves multiple functions: it compensates for gravitational force on windows of different weights, adjusts to different opening positions, and works within the existing drive unit mechanism. This single component performs what would otherwise require multiple specialized mechanisms, thereby improving adaptability while actually reducing overall device complexity.

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

3Ease of manufacture

If the counterbalance lever rotates about a fulcrum in the window frame, then ease of installation is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of installationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The counterbalance lever is designed as a separate, extractable component that rotates about a fulcrum mounted in the window frame rather than being permanently integrated into the main device structure. This allows the counterbalance unit to be independently installed, adjusted, or removed without affecting the drive unit or other components, significantly improving ease of installation and maintenance while the modular nature actually reduces overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 provides a reliable, aesthetically pleasing, and cost-effective relocation device that ensures smooth operation and secure locking without jamming, with easy installation and adjustment, using a guide sleeve and elastic element to accommodate dimensional variations.

Implementation Method 1

a spring element arranged to be acted upon by the counterbalance lever in the counterbalanced state

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP4573252B1Shifting device for the forced shifting of a leaf, in particular a sliding leaf, of a window or a door
Publication Date: 2026.05.20 SIEGENIA AUBI KG
  • EP4573252B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4573252B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP4573252B1 patent drawingFigure 5~8

AI summary

The invention relates to a shifting device (1) for the forced shifting of a leaf (2), in particular a sliding leaf, of a window or a door (4) relative to a frame (3) of the window or the door (4) in a transverse, in particular perpendicular, direction to the main plane of the window or the door (4), comprising an actuation mechanism (5) which can be arranged on the leaf (2) and which is movably connected to an actuating rod assembly (7) of the shifting device (1) using a section in the rebate circumferential direction (6). The shifting device (1), on a control element (8), has a locking element (46) which is operatively connected on the vertical member (32) of the leaf (2) to a locking element (24) arranged on the frame (3) and which enables a closed position of the leaf (2) relative to the frame (3).