Sliding Window Control Rod with Polygonal Cross-Section

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fittings for sliding windows and doors face challenges in reliably transmitting movement and force while allowing rotational movement of the control rod, requiring complex and costly solutions to achieve a secure and synchronous activation of functional elements, and accommodating varying dimensions without excessive work or storage.

Innovation Solution

A control rod with a square cross-section, where the corners are rounded to lie on a circular path, enabling both form-fitting and rotatable connections, allowing for easy installation in any position and adjustable length without additional work steps.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the control rod has a circular cross-section to allow rotational movement, then the rotatability is improved, but the connection reliability deteriorates due to slippage and twisting

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproverotatabilityVSAvoidconnection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The control rod is given an asymmetric polygonal cross-section (e.g., square or rectangular) instead of a symmetric circular one. This asymmetric shape prevents rotational slippage in the connection while still allowing the control rod to rotate about its longitudinal axis when mounted in a bearing, thus resolving the contradiction between rotatability and connection reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

2Reliability

If the control rod has a polygonal cross-section to ensure form-fitting connection, then the connection reliability is improved, but the storage complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidstorage complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The polygonal cross-section (e.g., square) serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides form-fitting connections for reliable power transmission, allows rotational movement in bearings, and enables universal installation in any orientation. This universal design eliminates the need for complex storage arrangements for different orientations or configurations.

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

3Reliability

If additional profiles are attached to the control rod for connection, then the connection reliability is improved, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The connection functionality is merged into the control rod itself by giving it a polygonal cross-section. This eliminates the need for separate attachment profiles or additional connection components, as the control rod's shape alone provides the form-fitting connection capability, thereby reducing manufacturing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Productivity

If the control rod is made with fixed dimensions for different grades, then the manufacturing efficiency is improved, but the adaptability to different window/door dimensions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing efficiencyVSAvoiddimensional adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The control rod design allows for dynamic adjustment of length while maintaining the same polygonal cross-section profile. This enables a single profile design to be adapted to different dimensions by simply cutting to length, providing dimensional versatility without requiring multiple graded inventories, thus balancing manufacturing efficiency with adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2407624B1Profile for a control rod for sliding windows and doors
Publication Date: 2015.03.25 ROTO FRANK AG
  • EP2407624B1 patent drawingFigure 1~4

AI summary

A profile for a control rod (2) for actuating functional elements (6, 9, 13) in fittings for sliding windows and doors consists of a polygon with rounded corners, having straight side faces and rounded corners. The functional elements (6, 9, 13) are controlled by a rotational movement of the control rod (2) about its longitudinal axis and the transmission of this rotational movement and force to the functional elements (6, 9, 13).