Vertical Sliding Window with Hidden Guide Rails

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Solution Overview

Problem

Vertical sliding elements, such as windows, often have complex structures and aesthetically unpleasing designs due to visible fittings even when closed, as existing solutions require visible mechanisms for displacement.

Innovation Solution

A vertical sliding element with an element frame and a wing that can be displaced vertically, featuring guide rails and rollers integrated within fitting chambers formed by the side surfaces of the sash and element frame, allowing for a direct and hidden integration of the guide rail and rollers, eliminating the need for visible coupling elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Shape

If guide rails and rollers are integrated within fitting chambers formed between the sash and element frame, then the aesthetic appearance is improved by concealing the fittings, but the structural complexity increases due to the need for integrated chambers and direct coupling

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaesthetic appearanceVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The guide rails are merged with the element frame structure, and the rollers are integrated with the sash, eliminating the need for separate coupling elements. The fitting chambers are formed by the natural spacing between the sash and element frame, combining multiple functions into unified components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The coupling elements that would normally connect the guide rails and rollers are extracted from the system. Instead, a direct coupling is established where the rollers engage directly with the guide rails, simplifying the overall structure while maintaining functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Device complexity

If the sash is coupled directly to the element frame via guide rails and rollers without intermediate coupling elements, then the device complexity is reduced, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase to ensure proper alignment and engagement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice complexityVSAvoidalignment precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using coupling elements to connect the guide rails and rollers, the approach is inverted: the guide rails are fixed to the element frame and the rollers are attached to the sash, allowing direct engagement without intermediate components. This reverses the traditional assembly sequence and eliminates coupling elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The guide rails and rollers are designed to self-align and self-engage through their geometric contours. The direct coupling mechanism allows the components to find their proper alignment automatically during installation, reducing the need for high-precision manual adjustment while maintaining proper engagement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 provides a technically simple and aesthetically improved integration of fitting parts, ensuring the rollers and guide rails are concealed, resulting in a clean appearance and smooth operation of the sliding mechanism.

Implementation Method 1

At least part of a guide rail and rollers are provided in each of these fitting chambers in order to enable the sliding of the sash by interaction of the rollers with the guide rail

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRolling: Roller

Implementation Method 2

The guide rail has guide means or guide contours (e.g. grooves or a webs protruding outwards) which bring about an inward opening movement of the sash perpendicular to the displacement direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical guidance: Geometry

Data Source

PatentEP3282077B1Vertical sliding element
Publication Date: 2018.11.14 DOBLER METALLBAU GMBH
  • EP3282077B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3282077B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP3282077B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a vertical sliding element comprising an element frame (2) and a sash (3) which is movable in a vertical direction relative to the element frame (2), wherein a fitting chamber is formed in each of the spaces (4) laterally bounded by mutually facing side surfaces of the sash (3) and the element frame (3), in each of which at least a part of a guide rail (5) and rollers (6) are provided, wherein the guide rail (5) has guide means which effect an inwardly directed opening movement (AB) of the sash (3) perpendicular to the direction of movement (VR).