Window Drive End Cap Integration for Compact Mounting

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing window drives face challenges in being space-saving, installation-friendly, and efficient due to complex end cap arrangements with plug-in connections, which increase the drive's length and complexity.

Innovation Solution

A simplified drive system featuring an end cap that securely mounts on the drive unit's housing using a closure plate and threaded pins, facilitating easy electrical connection and installation, while allowing strain relief and access to connection terminals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a complex end cap arrangement with plug-in connection is used, then electrical connection is achieved, but the drive's length and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connectionVSAvoidend cap arrangement complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the end cap and the electrical connection elements into a single integrated component. The plug-in connection is built directly into the end cap structure, eliminating the need for separate connection mechanisms. This merging reduces the overall number of parts and simplifies the assembly while maintaining reliable electrical connectivity between the drive unit and the control system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If a complex end cap arrangement with plug-in connection is used, then electrical connection is achieved, but the drive's length increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connectionVSAvoiddrive length
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the end cap and the electrical connection elements into a single integrated component. The plug-in connection is built directly into the end cap structure, eliminating the need for separate connection mechanisms. This merging reduces the overall number of parts and simplifies the assembly while maintaining reliable electrical connectivity between the drive unit and the control system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of manufacture

If a simplified end cap design is used, then installation is easier and space is reduced, but mounting security and structural stability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation easeVSAvoidmounting security
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The end cap is designed with a closure plate that can be separately engaged with the housing. This segmentation allows the end cap to be installed in two distinct steps: first inserting the main body, then securing the closure plate. This modular approach simplifies the installation process while ensuring robust mounting security through the separate engagement mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The closure plate is engaged with the housing in a direction substantially perpendicular to the insertion direction of the end cap. This dimensional change in the engagement approach allows for secure mounting without increasing the insertion complexity, as the perpendicular engagement provides structural stability while maintaining ease of installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Strength

If the closure plate is engaged in a direction perpendicular to the insertion direction, then mounting security is improved, but the installation process becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting securityVSAvoidinstallation process
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The end cap is designed with a closure plate that can be separately engaged with the housing. This segmentation allows the end cap to be installed in two distinct steps: first inserting the main body, then securing the closure plate. This modular approach simplifies the installation process while ensuring robust mounting security through the separate engagement mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2634344B1Drive for a wing of a window or the like and method for fitting an end cap of the drive
Publication Date: 2017.06.21 GEZE GMBH
  • EP2634344B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2634344B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2634344B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

The drive (1) has a drive unit (5) for moving the wing against a fixed blind frame (3) by a drive element (6). The drive unit is fixed to the wing or the blind frame by a holder. An end cap is designed to be arranged in a housing of the drive unit on the front side in a direction. The end cap is fixed in the housing by the engagement of a closure plate in a recess in the housing in another direction perpendicular to the former direction. A bar is arranged on the end cap, on which a threaded pin is supported. An independent claim is included for a method for mounting an end cap on a drive unit of a drive for a wing of a window.