Window Catch With Adjustable Sliding Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing window and door catches face challenges in providing an adjustable holding force that is not overly complex, as they often require multiple components, leading to increased susceptibility to errors and maintenance efforts.
Innovation Solution
A catch design featuring a base plate, two sliding elements, and a spring element with an adjusting mechanism, allowing for adjustable preload force through a simple eccentric or screw-based system, reducing the number of components and enhancing ease of use and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a relatively high holding force is selected to ensure the catch works in all situations, then the holding function is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates because the force becomes too high for comfortable operation when back pressure is low
Solution Approach 1:
The catch mechanism uses two sliding elements that can move relative to each other along guide surfaces, transforming the static high holding force into a dynamic system where the effective holding force varies during operation. The spring element provides continuous pre-tension while the sliding elements allow controlled movement, making the catch easier to operate while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element's pre-tension force is adjusted through the positioning of the second sliding element, which can be set at different positions along the guide surface. This allows optimization of the holding force parameter to balance both reliability and ease of operation depending on specific application requirements.
2Reliability
If the holding force is increased to compensate for manufacturing tolerances and variability, then the reliability of the holding function is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to excessive force requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic sliding mechanism allows the system to adapt to manufacturing tolerances. The sliding elements can move to accommodate variations in component dimensions while maintaining consistent holding function, without requiring excessively high pre-set forces that would make operation difficult.
3Adaptability or versatility
If an adjustable holding force mechanism is implemented, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the need for multiple components
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment mechanism is merged with the basic catch structure. The second sliding element serves dual purposes: it is part of the moving mechanism that provides adaptability, and simultaneously acts as the adjustment element. The spring element connects both sliding elements, integrating the adjustment function into the existing components rather than adding separate adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding elements perform multiple functions: they provide the moving mechanism for catch operation, enable adjustment of the holding force through their positioning, and work together with the spring element to create the adjustable tension system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components.
4Adaptability or versatility
If more components are added to achieve adjustable holding force, then the adaptability is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to increased susceptibility to failure and maintenance requirements
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the adjustment function into the existing sliding elements and spring mechanism, the invention avoids adding independent adjustment components that would increase failure points. The same components that provide adaptability are the ones that maintain reliability through their integrated design.
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
This design achieves an adjustable holding force with minimal components, reducing complexity, cost, and susceptibility to errors, while simplifying maintenance and operation, thus improving the catch's reliability and service life.
Implementation Method 1
The catch has a spring element which pre-tensions the sliding elements relative to one another
Implementation Method 2
The adjusting element can be designed in the form of an eccentric (eccentric screw)
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a catch (10) for a window or door assembly (54), comprising a base plate (12), a first sliding element (14), and a second sliding element (16), wherein the sliding elements (14, 16) are slidably mounted on or along a displacement direction (11) on the base plate (12) in the operating state (18) of the catch (10) and together define a detent recess (20) for holding a detent lug (60), wherein the catch (10) has a spring element (22) by means of which the sliding elements (14, 16) are coupled to each other and preloaded relative to each other, and wherein the catch (10) includes an adjusting element (24) for adjusting a preload force of the spring element (22). The invention further relates to a window or door assembly (100) with such a catch (10).