Swing Door Actuator Link Arm for Depth Offset Compensation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Rotary leaf actuators face challenges in generating a torque curve and driving force when the rotary leaf is blunt or significantly narrower than the sash frame, leading to depth offsets and limitations in operation, especially when mounted on the opposite hinge side, and existing solutions complicate assembly and are aesthetically unappealing.

Innovation Solution

A linkage arm design with two parts that can be assembled in two positions relative to the output shaft, allowing for adjustable length and orientation to match different mounting configurations without altering the torque curve, featuring fastening means that enable easy assembly and symmetrical attachment openings to simplify installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the swing leaf actuator is mounted on the opposite hinge side to press open the connected swing leaf, then the actuator can operate on both hinge sides, but a depth offset occurs between the frame and the rotating sash that is lower in the opening direction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting position adaptabilityVSAvoiddepth offset
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The linkage arm is divided into two separate rod parts that can be assembled together. This segmentation allows the linkage arm to be configured in different orientations (first and second assembly states) to compensate for the depth offset that occurs when the actuator is mounted on the opposite hinge side, while maintaining the same torque curve generation capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The two rod parts are designed with asymmetric geometry relative to each other, allowing them to be assembled in two different orientations. This asymmetric design enables the linkage arm to adjust its effective length and orientation to compensate for the depth offset, ensuring proper torque curve generation regardless of which hinge side the actuator is mounted on.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

2Adaptability or versatility

If one rod part is screwed into the other to vary the linkage arm length and adapt to local conditions, then the linkage arm can be adjusted for different mounting configurations, but the constructive effort increases and the thread is externally visible and optically unattractive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelinkage arm length adjustabilityVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The linkage arm is segmented into two rod parts with simplified connection features (first and second connection features) that can be joined without complex threading. This segmentation provides length adjustability while reducing assembly complexity compared to traditional screw-based connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The complex threading mechanism is extracted and replaced with simpler connection features. The rod parts are designed with complementary geometric features that can be joined directly without external threads, eliminating the visible and aesthetically unattractive threading while maintaining adjustability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If the output shaft and linkage arm are positively engaged for safety, then the connection is secure, but the two parts cannot be arranged arbitrarily relative to one another to solve the depth offset problem

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidrelative positioning flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The linkage arm is segmented into two rod parts with separate connection features. This segmentation provides the flexibility to assemble the rod parts in different orientations (first and second assembly states) to achieve the desired relative positioning between the output shaft and the far end of the linkage arm, while maintaining secure positive engagement at each connection point.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection between the output shaft and the linkage arm, and between the two rod parts, is designed with dynamic assembly capabilities. The connection features allow the linkage arm to be assembled in multiple configurations, enabling the system to adapt its relative positioning while maintaining secure engagement for safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2732117B1Swing door actuator link arm
Publication Date: 2019.05.01 DORMAKABA DEUT GMBH
  • EP2732117B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2732117B1 patent drawingFigure 2a
  • EP2732117B1 patent drawingFigure 2b~3a

AI summary

The invention discloses an arm (2) in the form of a linkage arm of a normal linkage, parallel linkage or sliding-rail linkage. The arm (2) has a first and a second linkage-arm part (10, 20). The first linkage-arm part (10) is configured to have one end fitted in a rotationally fixed manner to an output shaft (30) of a swivel-door-leaf actuator (7). The first linkage-arm part (10) is also configured to have its other end fitted in a rotationally fixed manner at one end of the second linkage-arm part (20). The other end of the second linkage-arm part (20) is configured to be connected with rotary articulation to a part arranged in a pivotable manner in relation to the swivel-door-leaf actuator (7) such that the latter is capable of opening and/or closing a connected swivel-door leaf (6) via its output shaft (30) and the connected linkage. The two linkage-arm parts (10, 20), in addition, are configured to be fitted together in a rotationally fixed manner, as seen in the direction along the axis of rotation (R) of the first linkage-arm part (10), such that, in a first assembly state, they enclose a reflex angle (a) on one side (13). They are also configured such that, in a second assembly state, they enclose a reflex angle on another side (14), located opposite the said one side (13). The invention also relates to a swivel-door-leaf actuator (7) equipped with such an arm (2), and to a swivel-door-leaf installation (2) provided therewith.