Self-Locking Worm Gear Window Fitting Adjustment Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fitting arrangements for windows and doors face issues with unreliable adjustment mechanisms, particularly longitudinal adjustment mechanisms that shift over time, requiring repeated adjustments to maintain proper alignment and prevent uneven gaps.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating self-locking longitudinal and transverse adjustment mechanisms, utilizing worm gears to ensure that adjustments are consciously made and maintained, with a carriage system and housing for stability and protection, and an assembly play to facilitate precise positioning and load transfer.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a longitudinal adjustment mechanism is used to move the frame part and wing part relative to each other parallel to the pivot axis, then the fitting arrangement can be adjusted for proper alignment, but the mechanism shifts over time requiring repeated adjustments

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment capabilityVSAvoidadjustment stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces a standard mechanical adjustment mechanism with a worm gear mechanism. The worm gear engages with a gear wheel to convert rotational movement into linear adjustment movement, while the self-locking property of the worm gear prevents back-driving and maintains the adjusted position without shifting over time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the mechanical parameters of the adjustment mechanism by introducing a self-locking worm gear with specific geometric parameters. The worm gear's thread angle and engagement geometry are designed to provide sufficient friction and mechanical advantage to lock the adjustment in place, preventing time-dependent drift while maintaining adjustability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Adaptability or versatility

If an adjustment unit is added to correct positioning inaccuracies, then the fitting arrangement can compensate for errors, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition correction capabilityVSAvoidmechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustment unit is designed to perform multiple functions: it enables longitudinal adjustment parallel to the pivot axis, transverse adjustment perpendicular to the pivot axis, and automatically maintains positioning through self-locking. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate adjustment mechanisms for each degree of freedom.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the longitudinal and transverse adjustment mechanisms into a single integrated adjustment unit that operates on the same carriage assembly. Both adjustment mechanisms share common components such as the carriage, guide elements, and housing, reducing overall device complexity compared to separate independent adjustment systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If self-locking mechanisms are implemented to prevent displacement, then adjustment reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment maintenanceVSAvoidmechanism structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex locking mechanisms (such as separate locks, brakes, or clamps) with a self-locking worm gear mechanism. The self-locking property arises naturally from the worm gear's geometry and friction characteristics, providing reliable adjustment maintenance without requiring additional locking components or control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 self-locking mechanisms prevent unwanted displacement, ensuring reliable and permanent adjustments, simplifying the installation process by maintaining alignment without mechanical stress, and allowing for precise positioning of multiple fitting arrangements without interference.

Implementation Method 1

The longitudinal adjustment mechanism comprises at least one worm gear

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectWorm gear mechanism: Worm Drive

Implementation Method 2

the longitudinal adjustment mechanism has self-locking properties

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSelf-locking: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP2589735B1Fitting device
Publication Date: 2021.09.01 MACO TECHNOLOGIE GMBH
  • EP2589735B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2589735B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2589735B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

A fitting arrangement for a sash of a window, door, or the like is described, comprising a sash part (14) designed for attachment to the sash and a frame part (12) designed for attachment to a fixed frame. The sash part and the frame part are pivotably coupled to each other about a pivot axis, and the frame part (12) and the sash part (14) are movable relative to each other in a direction (B1) parallel to the pivot axis for adjustment purposes by means of a longitudinal adjustment mechanism (42) of an adjustment unit, wherein the longitudinal adjustment mechanism (42) has self-locking properties.