Childproof Locking Mechanism for Balcony Glazing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing locking systems for openable elements like balcony glazing are not secure for families with children or elderly individuals, as they can be easily opened by simply turning a knob, posing a safety risk.

Innovation Solution

A childproof locking system where a locking part must be pressed inside the body before the turning member can be turned, allowing the element to be opened, making it difficult for children and elderly individuals to open while remaining easy for adults to operate with one hand.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a simple turning member is used to operate the locking system, then the ease of operation is improved, but the safety against unauthorized opening by children or elderly individuals deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoidsafety
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The locking system is divided into two functional parts: a turning member for operation and a locking part that must be pressed to disengage. This segmentation separates the opening action into two distinct steps (pressing then turning), making it childproof while remaining manageable for adults with one hand

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The locking part must be pressed into a disengaged position before the turning member can rotate. This preliminary action (pressing) must be performed first, creating a two-step operation that prevents accidental opening by children who cannot perform the coordinated pressing-and-turning motion

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If a locking part requiring pressing action is added to prevent childproof opening, then the safety is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesafetyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking part is integrated into the turning member assembly, with the locking part positioned on the turning member. This merging combines the pressing and turning functions into a single compact unit, adding safety functionality without significantly increasing overall device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking part is positioned on or within the turning member structure, with the locking part moving between engaged and disengaged positions relative to the turning member. This nesting arrangement allows the locking mechanism to be contained within the existing turning member footprint, minimizing additional complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP3650619B1Locking system and method for opening and closing an element
Publication Date: 2024.01.17 RIIKKU GRP OY
  • EP3650619B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3650619B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~4c
  • EP3650619B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6b

AI summary

A locking system (1) for an openable and closable element (2) which system comprises a safety lock (8) on the edge of the element (2) and a locking member (9) on its opposite edge and a tensile stress conveying member (10) between the safety lock (8) and the locking member (9). The safety lock (8) comprises a turning member (11) for opening and closing the locking of the safety lock (8) and the locking member (9) and a locking part (12) arranged to move between the open and closed positions, which locking part (12) is arranged to prevent the motion of the turning member (11) the locking part (12) being in the closed position and to allow the motion of the turning member (11) the locking part (12) being in the open position. The locking system (1) is arranged in the open position of the locking part (12) to allow the motion of the turning member (11), whereby the tensile stress conveying member (10) turns at least partially inside the safety lock (8) thus opening the locking of the safety lock (8) and the locking member (9).