Window Actuation Device with Manual Pin Release Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing window actuation mechanisms face issues with versatility, practicality, and suitability for different window dimensions and orientations, leading to difficulties in opening and potential misalignment during use.

Innovation Solution

An actuation device with a coupling mechanism that requires manual unblocking by a motorized actuator, featuring spherical joints for misalignment compensation and adjustable arm configurations to accommodate various installation requirements, allowing for adaptable use in different window orientations and dimensions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If an automatic release mechanism is used to release the blocking pin, then the window opening process is automated, but the mechanism may not completely release the pin leading to interference during turning movement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveautomatic pin releaseVSAvoidpin release completeness
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling mechanism is designed to automatically engage with the blocking pin through its own movement during window opening, without requiring a separate release mechanism. The coupling body moves away from the blocking pin naturally as the window opens, achieving self-service release that eliminates the reliability issues of complex automatic release mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Device complexity

If a fixed lever arm configuration is used, then the structure is simple, but it creates tension on the lever arm and is not suitable for windows with mean dimensions or fanlights

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelever arm configurationVSAvoidsuitability for different window dimensions
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling mechanism replaces the fixed lever arm configuration with a dynamic system that allows the coupling body to move relative to the blocking pin. This dynamic arrangement eliminates continuous tension on the lever arm by allowing natural movement during window opening, making the system suitable for various window dimensions including mean dimensions and fanlights.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Extent of automation

If the coupling mechanism is automatically opened, then the opening process is fully automated, but manual action is needed to effectively release the pin for correct opening with turning movement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoupling mechanism openingVSAvoidpin release effectiveness
Core Design Contradiction:
Extent of automationVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the pin release function from the automated coupling opening process. The coupling mechanism opens automatically, but the pin release is separated as a distinct manual operation that the user performs by pulling the window, ensuring effective pin release for correct turning movement while maintaining automated coupling opening.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Adaptability or versatility

If spherical joints are used for rotary connections, then misalignment in vertical direction is allowed, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemisalignment compensationVSAvoidjoint structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention employs spherical joints for the rotary connections between the coupling body and the window frame, and between the lever arm and the window. These spherical joints provide misalignment compensation in the vertical direction through their spherical geometry, allowing small angular deviations while maintaining reliable mechanical connection. The spherical shape naturally accommodates vertical misalignments without requiring additional adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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 device ensures effective window opening and closure with reduced stress on the structure, improved usability, and adaptability to different installation scenarios, minimizing the risk of malfunction due to imperfect installations.

Implementation Method 1

The first rotary joint which connects the first arm to the runner and the second rotary joint which connects the frame and the second arm are preferably spherical joints. In fact, it will be appreciated that the spherical joint advantageously allows a misalignment in a vertical direction between the ends of the arm

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpherical joint: Gimbal

Data Source

PatentEP4230829B1An actuation device for a window
Publication Date: 2024.10.30 TOPP SRL A SOCIO UNICO
  • EP4230829B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4230829B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4230829B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

An actuation device for a window comprises a frame, a runner, a first arm which is rotatably connected to the runner and to the window, a second arm which is rotatably connected to the frame and which is slidingly connected to the first arm and an actuator for actuating the runner. The first arm comprises a coupling mechanism which is configured to be coupled/uncoupled to/from a closure pin of the window and which comprises a blocking element and an actuator element. The actuator element is movable between a first position, in which the rotation of the blocking element is prevented, and a second position, in which the blocking element is free to rotate in an independent manner with respect to the actuator element. The closure pin can be disengaged only following a manual stress which is obtained by means of a movement of the closure pin itself.