Window Fitting Lever Drive Axis Rotation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional window and door fittings with a drive gear located behind the faceplate are not suitable for tilt and turn solutions, as they require a large space in the rebate groove and hinder the operation with conventional locking elements or scissor stays, especially in double-leaf windows without mullions, where the axis of rotation needs to be in front of the drive rod or faceplate for aesthetic and space reasons.

Innovation Solution

A fitting with a lever drive mechanism where the axis of rotation is in front of the faceplate, utilizing a lever arm that deflects rotational movement into linear displacement, allowing for 180-degree adjustability and reducing the space requirement within the rebate groove, enabling a compact design suitable for tilt and turn applications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Area of stationary object

If the drive gear is arranged behind the faceplate as in conventional fittings, then the fitting structure is simple and conventional locking elements can be used, but the space requirement in the rebate groove is large and the axis of rotation cannot be positioned outside the rebate groove for aesthetic purposes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace requirement in rebate grooveVSAvoidfitting structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent moves the axis of rotation from a position behind the faceplate to a position in front of the faceplate, effectively changing the spatial dimension and arrangement of the drive mechanism. This dimensional shift allows the gear to be positioned outside the rebate groove while maintaining functional connectivity through the faceplate, thereby reducing the space occupation within the rebate groove without fundamentally complicating the overall fitting structure

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If the axis of rotation is positioned in front of the faceplate to reduce space in the rebate groove, then aesthetic appearance is improved and space is reduced, but the fitting cannot achieve 90-degree rotation and requires new drive mechanisms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotation angle rangeVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity of drive mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of positioning the axis of rotation behind the faceplate as in conventional designs, the patent inverts the arrangement by placing the axis in front of the faceplate. This inversion enables the gear to operate outside the rebate groove, achieving both aesthetic improvements and space reduction, while still allowing for extensive rotation angles through proper mechanical design of the lever arm and gear engagement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Ease of operation

If conventional locking elements or scissor stays are used with the new axis position, then compatibility with existing systems is maintained, but the direction of displacement is reversed and operation becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation ease of fittingVSAvoidcompatibility with conventional locking elements
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a lever arm as an intermediary element that connects the drive gear to the actuating element. This lever arm acts as a mediator that transforms the rotational movement of the gear into the appropriate linear displacement of the connecting rod, enabling compatibility with conventional locking elements and scissor stays while maintaining ease of operation despite the reversed displacement direction caused by the front-positioned axis of rotation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 lever drive mechanism allows for a compact design that fits within the rebate clearance of double-leaf windows without obstructing operation, enabling aesthetically appealing solutions with 180-degree adjustability and compatibility with conventional locking systems.

Implementation Method 1

The lever drive (15) comprises a lever arm (16) which is mounted rotatably about an axis of rotation (18) and a deflection section (36)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLever: Lever

Data Source

PatentEP2374969B1Fitting for windows, doors or similar
Publication Date: 2013.11.20 MACO TECHNOLOGIE GMBH
  • EP2374969B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP2374969B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The fitting has a connecting rod (10), a guard rail (12) and a gearbox (14) with a drive element (20), where the gearbox is pivotally supported for switching the fitting around a rotational axis (18). The gearbox is rotatably coupled with the drive element. The gearbox has a lever drive (15) which has a lever arm (16) pivotally supported around the rotational axis and a switching section (36). An independent claim is also included for a window or door with notches.