Telescopic Spring Unit Control Device for One-Handed Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing telescopic assemblies, such as those used in roof and skylight windows, are difficult for users to compress due to the need to disengage a locking device with both hands, which is inefficient and inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a control device with a release element that can be moved between inactive and active positions to counteract the locking force element, allowing for one-handed compression by deactivating the locking device, and an automatic reset mechanism upon compression.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking device with a force element is used to secure the telescopic assembly in its extended position, then the reliability of the locking function is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates because both hands are required to disengage the locking device and compress the spring unit
Solution Approach 1:
A control device acts as an intermediary between the user and the locking mechanism. The control device includes a release element that, when actuated, moves to counteract the force element's locking action. This intermediary mechanism allows the user to disengage the locking device with a simple motion without needing to directly manipulate the force element or use both hands, thus improving ease of operation while maintaining reliable locking function.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device is designed to automatically reset after compression. When the telescopic assembly is compressed, the release element automatically returns to its initial position, re-engaging the locking function. This self-service characteristic eliminates the need for manual resetting and allows one-handed operation, resolving the contradiction between reliable locking and ease of operation.
2Reliability
If a locking device with a force element is used to prevent accidental closing, then the safety of the extended position is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the additional control mechanism required
Solution Approach 1:
The control device is integrated into the existing locking device structure rather than being a separate independent system. The release element is incorporated within the locking device housing and works in conjunction with the existing force element and stop means. This merging approach provides the safety function through automatic locking while avoiding excessive complexity by reusing existing structural elements.
3Reliability
If a resilient element is used to urge the stop means against the cylinder end, then the automatic locking function is improved, but the force required to compress the assembly increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control device introduces dynamic behavior to the locking system. The release element can move between a retracted position (where the resilient element provides strong urging force for reliable locking) and an extended position (where it counteracts the resilient element's force during compression). This dynamic adjustment allows the system to provide strong automatic locking when needed while reducing the compression force requirement when the user activates the control device.
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
Simplifies the compression process, reducing the time and effort required, enabling one-handed operation and ensuring the locking device is automatically reset for easy reactivation.
Implementation Method 1
a resilient element adapted for urging said stop means against said one end of the cylinder
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A telescopic assembly (1) comprising a spring unit (2), preferably a gas spring, arranged in a cylinder (3), a piston rod (4) being connected at one end to said spring unit (2) and having a free end (5) projecting out of the cylinder (3) at one end (3a) thereof, and a locking device (6) having a first end connected to said free end (5), a second end slidably riding on said cylinder (3), and stop means (20; 21) positioned at least at or near its second end, said second end of said locking device (6) being positioned at or near said one end (3a) of said cylinder (3) in an extended position of the assembly (1), the locking device comprising (6) a force element (8) urging said stop means (20; 21) against said said one end (3a) of said cylinder (3), wherein said locking device (6) further comprises a control device (10) for releasing said locking device (6), said control device (10) comprising a release element (11) arranged in such a way as to be movable between a first position in which said release element (11) is inactive and a second position in which said release element (11) counteracts the effect of said force element (8) thus allowing said spring unit (2) to be compressed.