Window Door Fitting Clutch Bell Assembly for Reliable Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing window or door fittings with spring-actuated locking mechanisms provide inconsistent latching effects based on the distance between the bearing sleeve and the closure actuating element, requiring multiple shaft attachments and complicating tool-free assembly and secure locking.
Innovation Solution
A window or door fitting design featuring a clutch bell and locking sleeve with a spiral spring or cup springs, allowing independent locking and secure engagement of the handle relative to the clutch bell, regardless of installation conditions, and enabling tool-free assembly with a lockable mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a spring-actuated locking mechanism is used to provide noticeable locking effect, then the locking effect is improved, but the assembly becomes more complex and requires additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the spring element and locking disk into a single integrated component called a 'clutch bell' assembly. The spring element is formed by a spiral spring that surrounds the actuating shaft extension, and the locking disk is formed by one or more cup springs mounted in the locking sleeve. This merging reduces the number of separate components while maintaining the locking function.
Solution Approach 2:
The clutch bell assembly serves multiple functions: it provides the locking effect through the spring element, enables tool-free assembly through the self-contained design, and accommodates different installation conditions through adjustable positioning. The locking mechanism can be actuated by a lock cylinder or pressure switch, making it universally applicable to different window or door fitting configurations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different shaft attachments of different lengths are used to accommodate different distances, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity and inventory requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a movable locking sleeve that can be positioned at different locations along the actuating shaft extension. The locking sleeve is supported on the actuating shaft extension and can be moved to different positions, allowing the same shaft attachment to accommodate different distances between the bearing sleeve and closure actuating element. This dynamic positioning eliminates the need for multiple fixed-length shaft attachments.
Solution Approach 2:
The single shaft attachment design with movable locking sleeve serves multiple installation conditions. The locking mechanism can be adjusted to work with different distances, making one universal component replace multiple specialized shaft attachments. This reduces inventory requirements and simplifies the overall device.
3Reliability
If the spring tension is increased to maximize locking effect, then the locking reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in tool-free assembly
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element is pre-loaded during manufacturing to provide the necessary locking force. The locking mechanism is designed so that the spring element automatically engages the locking disk at the correct position, eliminating the need for tool-free assembly adjustments. The preliminary setup ensures consistent locking effect while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to be self-contained and self-adjusting. The movable locking sleeve automatically positions itself at the correct location along the actuating shaft extension, and the spring element automatically engages the locking disk without requiring external tools or manual adjustment. This self-service design maintains both locking reliability and ease of operation.
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 design achieves a consistent and secure locking effect independent of installation conditions, reducing component variability and ensuring reliable operation over time and frequent use, while minimizing the need for multiple shaft attachments.
Implementation Method 1
the spring element is formed by a spiral spring that surrounds the actuating shaft extension
Implementation Method 2
the spring element and the locking disk are formed by one or more cup springs which are mounted in the locking sleeve in a rotationally fixed manner
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a window or door fitting (1), comprising a handle (2), which with a bearing part (10) is rotatably mounted on a bearing sleeve (8) placed on a sash or leaf member (3) and with an actuating shaft projection (5) engages with a locking actuating element (42), which is rotatably mounted in a fitting housing fastened in a fold recess, and which is secured against axial removal from the locking actuating element (42) by means of a securing member (43) arranged on the actuating shaft projection (5). In order to provide a fitting that allows latching onto the locking actuating element even when the distances between the bearing sleeve and the locking actuating element are different and enables noticeable catching of the switch positions, the bearing part (10) forms an engagement dome (10) that is rotatably received in a cavity (7) of the handle neck (6), which engagement dome is enclosed by a detent sleeve (9) that is fastened thereon with limited axial displacement and in a rotationally fixed manner. A detent bush (20), which comprises detent elements (24) that are rotatably driven by the actuating shaft projection (5), is rotatably supported on the detent sleeve (9). A detent disk (25) comprising counter-detent elements (28, 128), which is non-rotationally but axially displaceably connected to the detent sleeve (9), is associated with the detent bushing (20). The detent disk (25, 125, 131) is supported on a cover (132) of the detent sleeve (9) by at least one spring element (31, 125, 131). The engagement dome (10) is supported on the neck (6) of the handle (2), and a pressure spring (33) is operative between the engagement dome (10) and the detent sleeve (9).