Window Profile Reed Switch Assembly Without Cable Threading

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Solution Overview

Problem

The installation of reed switches in window profiles is cumbersome due to the need to thread long contact cables through the profile, which is time-consuming and can result in cable damage during transport.

Innovation Solution

A profile with an integrated switching element and a separate retaining element with a linear stop, allowing the switching element to be guided through the opening from the rear and connected to the retaining element at the front, eliminating the need to thread the cable through the entire length.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If reed contact cables are threaded through the profile during on-site installation, then the switching element can be installed in the profile, but the installation process becomes time-consuming and the cable may be damaged

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable integrityVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the reed switch assembly into separate components: the switching element (with its cable) and the profile housing. The switching element can be pre-assembled with its cable attached to the housing, eliminating the need to thread the cable through the profile during installation. This segmentation allows the switching element to be installed as a complete unit, reducing installation time while maintaining cable integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent enables preliminary assembly of the switching element with its cable and housing at the factory before final installation. The cable is pre-attached to the housing and the switching element is pre-positioned, so that during on-site installation, only the complete assembly needs to be inserted into the profile. This preliminary action eliminates the time-consuming cable threading step and reduces the risk of cable damage during transport and installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Productivity

If reed contacts are pre-assembled at the factory, then installation is faster, but the contact cables can be sheared off or damaged by window weight during transport

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation speedVSAvoidcable integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the assembly into the switching element with cable attached to its housing, as a complete unit that is inserted into the profile. The cable is attached to the housing of the switching element itself, not to the profile, so the cable does not extend through the entire profile length. This segmentation allows factory pre-assembly without exposing the cable to the damage risks of extending through the full profile during transport.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the cable from the profile structure by attaching it only to the switching element housing, which is then inserted as a unit into the profile. The cable does not need to extend through the profile or be threaded through it, eliminating the vulnerability point where cables were previously exposed to shear forces from window weight during transport. The cable is effectively taken out of the high-stress profile threading process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the switching element is integrated into the profile opening, then the profile has an integrated switching function, but the assembly requires threading the cable through the entire profile length

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintegrated switching functionVSAvoidinstallation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the switching element assembly from the profile structure, allowing the switching element with its cable to be pre-assembled as a complete unit. This unit is then inserted into the profile opening as one piece, eliminating the need to thread the cable through the profile. The segmentation maintains the integrated switching function while dramatically simplifying installation operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of threading the cable through the profile from one end to the other and then attaching the switching element, the patent inverts the sequence: the switching element with cable already attached to its housing is assembled first, then this complete assembly is inserted into the profile opening. This inversion of the assembly sequence eliminates the complex cable threading operation while achieving the same integrated function.

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

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 solution significantly simplifies the installation process by allowing the switching element to be assembled and placed in the profile without threading the cable through the entire length, reducing installation time and minimizing the risk of cable damage.

Implementation Method 1

The magnetic field can be generated by permanent magnets or coils. This magnetic field is provided by a trigger element of the circuit. If the reed switch is integrated as a switching element in a first profile of a window, the trigger element can be provided in a second profile of the window

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentEP4394157B1Profile with integrated circuit element of a circuit
Publication Date: 2025.06.11 SCHUECO INTERNATIONAL KG
  • EP4394157B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4394157B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A profile (1) for doors, windows, frames or facade constructions with a profile body (2) comprising an opening (17) and an arrangement inserted therein consisting of a switching element (4) of a circuit and a separate retaining means with a linear stop (10) for limiting the linear movement of the arrangement within the opening (17) of the profile body (2), wherein the switching element (4) has a terminal cable (5) and the retaining means is designed to be mounted from a direction perpendicular to the longitudinal direction of the cable (5) and wherein the retaining means, in particular the anchor sleeve (3), has a slot (12) which extends over the entire length of the retaining means.