Universal Retaining Element for Connecting Rod Fittings

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing holding elements for window fittings are not adaptable to different fitting grooves and profile systems, leading to a large number of specialized parts that complicate manufacturing and assembly.

Innovation Solution

A holding element with a protruding fixing projection that shears off upon initial actuation, allowing the positioning device to be adapted to various groove sizes, and a spring-elastic support for easy assembly and tolerance compensation, enabling the use of standardized components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If different holding elements are manufactured for fitting grooves of different widths, then the holding element can be precisely adapted to specific groove dimensions, but the number of different parts increases and manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptation to groove widthVSAvoidnumber of different parts
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The holding element is designed with a universal base body that can accommodate different fitting groove widths through adjustable positioning devices. The positioning device can be adjusted laterally to adapt to different groove widths, allowing a single base body to serve multiple functions across different groove dimensions, thereby reducing the number of different parts needed.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The positioning device is made adjustable rather than fixed, allowing it to dynamically adapt to different groove widths. This adjustability enables the same holding element design to be used across multiple applications with varying groove dimensions, reducing inventory complexity while maintaining precise adaptation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If fixing projections are made with low strength to shear off easily, then assembly is simplified, but the structural integrity during assembly must be carefully controlled

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidfixing projection strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing projections are pre-designed with controlled low strength and specific geometry so that they automatically shear off during the initial actuation of the connecting rod fitting. This preliminary design ensures that the shearing action occurs at the intended time and location, simplifying assembly by eliminating the need for separate removal steps while maintaining adequate strength during the assembly process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of manufacture

If standardized base bodies are used for different fitting parts, then manufacturing costs are reduced, but adaptation to different groove sizes requires additional adjustment mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidadjustment mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The holding element is segmented into a standardized base body and an adjustable positioning device. This segmentation allows the base body to be manufactured once in standard quantities, reducing manufacturing costs, while the positioning device can be independently adjusted to adapt to different groove sizes, balancing standardization with adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 simplifies assembly, reduces manufacturing costs, and ensures reliable holding with adjustable spacers and high prestressing forces, accommodating different fitting groove widths and profiles with minimal structural complexity.

Implementation Method 1

the fixing projection having such a low strength that it is designed to shear off when the connecting rod fitting is first actuated

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectShear stress: Shear Stress

Implementation Method 2

the support is designed to be spring-elastic. This design also makes the fitting part particularly easy to install. The resilient support also compensates for tolerances in the fitting groove and the fitting part.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2957693B1Retaining element for a fitting part of a connecting rod fitting
Publication Date: 2018.04.11 WINKHAUS
  • EP2957693B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2957693B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~4b

AI summary

A retaining element (6) for a fitting part (2) of a drive rod fitting has a positioning device (13) detachably connected to a base body (11). The positioning device (13) has a first spacer (14) for support against side walls (5) of the fitting groove (3) and a second spacer (15) for spacing a drive rod section (10) from a faceplate rail (9) of the fitting part (2). By simply replacing the positioning device (13), the retaining element (6) can be adapted for different fitting parts (2) and fitting grooves (3).