Sliding Lifting Fitting Counterweight and Magnetic Guide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sliding lifting fittings require significant user effort to lift and lock the leaf due to the weight of the leaf, and their mechanisms are complex, especially when using magnetic guides, which complicates construction and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A sliding lifting fitting that uses support means such as magnetic levitation or resiliently supported carriages to reduce the effort required for locking and unlocking, with a mechanism that allows the leaf to move from a closed to a locking position with less force, using a combination of guides and locking means that include wedge elements and actuation systems to facilitate smooth movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If carriages are used to support the leaf weight during opening phase, then the leaf can be lifted from locking position to sliding position, but significant user effort is required to oppose the leaf weight
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a counterweight mechanism that balances the leaf weight during the opening phase. The counterweight system includes weights positioned to create a balancing moment that opposes the leaf weight, reducing the net force the user must apply to the handle. This allows the user to operate the mechanism with significantly less effort while still achieving the required lifting motion.
2Device complexity
If magnetic guides are used to support the sliding leaf, then the structure can be simplified, but electronic devices and actuators are required to move the magnet, complicating construction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the electronic-magnetic actuation system with a purely mechanical solution. Instead of using electronic devices to move magnets in and out of interaction positions, the invention uses a mechanical linkage system connected to the handle that directly transmits the user's rotational input to move the carriage and leaf assembly. This eliminates the need for electronic components while maintaining the simplified guide structure.
3Ease of operation
If magnets are positioned on the leaf edge and frame, then magnetic repulsion can lift the leaf, but the system requires complex electronic and mechanical parts inside the guide for drive purposes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and removes the electronic and mechanical drive components from the guide structure. The magnetic lifting mechanism is retained, but the complex actuation system that was required to move the magnets is completely eliminated. The user's manual operation of the handle directly actuates the mechanical linkage, which in turn moves the carriage and controls the magnetic interaction, leaving the guide structure free of internal drive components.
4Reliability
If the locking mechanism moves the leaf to a lower locking position, then the door is locked and insulation is improved, but the mechanism requires significant force to overcome leaf weight
Solution Approach 1:
The counterweight mechanism is designed to provide balancing force specifically during the locking phase when the leaf is moved to the lower position. The counterweights are positioned and dimensioned to create a moment that opposes the leaf weight during this phase, reducing the force the user must apply to the handle to achieve reliable locking while maintaining the lower locking position for improved sealing and insulation.
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 reduces the effort needed to move the leaf, making the operation more comfortable and efficient, and simplifies the guide structure, allowing for easier maintenance by minimizing the force required to lift and lock the leaf, improving user experience and reducing mechanical stress.
Implementation Method 1
the lower edge of the sliding leaf and the corresponding guide on the frame comprise magnetic elements positioned in such a way that there is a force of repulsion between them
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A sliding lifting fitting (12) comprises: a frame (14) and at least one leaf (16) which can move with respect to said frame (14) between a closed position and a sliding position in a sliding direction (18). The sliding lifting fitting (12) further comprises support means (20) for supporting said at least one leaf (16) while sliding on said frame (14); said support means (20) being designed to: - allow a movement of the leaf (16) from the closed position to a locking position for the leaf (16) along a locking direction (22) substantially perpendicular to the sliding direction (18) when force (F) is applied in said locking direction; - move the leaf (16) from the locking position to the closed position in said closing direction (22) after said force (F) has been applied. The fitting (12) furthermore comprises locking means (24) for pushing the leaf (16) in the locking direction (22) from said closed position to said locking position.