Window Drive Assembly Segmented Electrical Connection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drive arrangements for window or flap sashes are difficult to maintain due to the complexity of removing and replacing the drive, particularly when the connecting cable is installed within the sash or frame, requiring the entire cable to be replaced or loosened.

Innovation Solution

A drive arrangement where the drive is connected to a separate electrical connection means rather than directly to the power source or control unit, allowing for a shorter connecting cable and enabling easier replacement by detaching the connecting line between the drive and the connecting means, with options for plug, clamp, or snap connections.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the connecting cable is directly connected to the drive for power supply and control, then the drive can be reliably powered and controlled, but the maintenance and replacement of the drive becomes extremely complex requiring complete cable replacement or housing opening

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply reliabilityVSAvoiddrive replacement ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical connection system is segmented into three distinct parts: the connecting cable, the electrical connection means (interface), and the drive. This segmentation allows the drive to be replaced independently without affecting the cable or the connection interface, resolving the contradiction between reliable connection and easy maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The electrical connection means acts as an intermediary component between the connecting cable and the drive. This intermediate interface enables simple detachment and reattachment of the drive, maintaining reliable electrical connection while dramatically simplifying maintenance procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Length of stationary object

If a long connecting cable (up to 2m) is used to connect the drive to the power source, then the drive can be powered over longer distances, but the cable installation becomes complex and maintenance becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnecting cable lengthVSAvoidcable installation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical connection path is divided into segments: a short connecting cable from the power source to the electrical connection means, and a separate detachable cable connection at the drive end. This segmentation reduces the permanently installed cable length and simplifies installation while maintaining flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the connecting cable is installed within the sash or frame, then the cable is protected and organized, but replacing the drive requires complete cable replacement which is extremely difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable protectionVSAvoiddrive maintenance ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical connection means serves as an intermediary that separates the permanently installed protected cable portion from the replaceable drive portion. This allows the cable to remain protected and fixed in the sash or frame while enabling simple drive replacement without cable manipulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Ease of repair

If the drive housing is opened to access the connecting cable connection point, then the connecting cable can be reconnected, but the maintenance procedure becomes extremely complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnecting cable accessVSAvoidmaintenance procedure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical connection means is extracted from the drive housing as a separate, easily accessible component. This extraction allows the connecting cable to be reconnected or replaced without opening the drive housing, dramatically simplifying maintenance procedures while keeping the connection point readily accessible.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentEP4212691B1Drive assembly
Publication Date: 2025.01.22 GEZE GMBH
  • EP4212691B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1c
  • EP4212691B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP4212691B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

Drive arrangement for a sash of a window or flap, comprising at least one drive for moving the sash relative to a fixed frame by means of a flexible pull and push element, wherein the drive comprises a connecting cable connected to the drive for its power supply and/or control, and comprising a mounting structure, in particular a bracket, for attaching the drive to the sash or the frame, wherein an electrical connecting element separate from the drive is arranged on the mounting structure, comprising a supply connection for electrically connecting the connecting element to a power source and/or a control unit and comprising a drive connection electrically connected to the supply connection, via which the drive is electrically connected to the connecting element via its connecting cable.