Door Lock with Extracted Receptacle for Thin Leaf Installation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing door and window locks require significant work to install, are limited by the thickness of the leaf, and have ergonomic issues, particularly requiring auxiliary gripping members and complex emergency opening mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A lock design that includes a lock body with a magnetic retaining device, a bar with a polygonal cross-section for actuating the bolt, and ergonomic handles that can be telescopically coupled to fit various leaf thicknesses, including those as thin as 14 millimeters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional locks with recessed receptacles are used, then the lock can be actuated from both sides, but the leaf requires significant thickness and complex installation work

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandle actuationVSAvoidrecessed seat construction
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the receptacle from the leaf structure and relocates it to the frame structure. The receptacle is now formed in the frame rather than requiring a recessed seat in the leaf, eliminating the need for complex leaf machining while maintaining bidirectional actuation capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces a bridge element that connects the handle to the bolt through the frame structure. This intermediary mechanism allows the handle to actuate the bolt from either side of the leaf without requiring the handle to directly contact the bolt, thereby eliminating the need for recessed receptacles in the leaf

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If traditional locks with recessed receptacles are used, then the lock can be actuated from both sides, but the installation time and work required increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandle actuationVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the receptacle from the leaf structure and relocates it to the frame structure. The receptacle is now formed in the frame rather than requiring a recessed seat in the leaf, eliminating the need for complex leaf machining while maintaining bidirectional actuation capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The receptacle is pre-formed in the frame during frame manufacturing, eliminating the need for time-consuming on-site leaf machining. The bridge element and handle assembly can be directly installed onto the pre-prepared frame structure, significantly reducing installation time

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Length of moving object

If the leaf thickness is reduced, then the aesthetic appearance and material usage improve, but the traditional lock cannot be installed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveleaf thicknessVSAvoidlock installation
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the receptacle from the leaf structure and relocates it to the frame structure. The receptacle is now formed in the frame rather than requiring a recessed seat in the leaf, eliminating the need for complex leaf machining while maintaining bidirectional actuation capability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention shifts the lock mechanism from a leaf-mounted configuration to a frame-mounted configuration. By moving the receptacle and bridge element to the frame, the lock can accommodate thin leaves without requiring thickness for recessed seats, effectively utilizing the frame dimension instead

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

4Ease of operation

If auxiliary gripping members are added for ergonomic handles, then the handle becomes easier to grip, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandle grippingVSAvoidgripping member structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The bridge element serves multiple functions: it acts as a structural connector between the handle and bolt, provides a mounting surface for the receptacle, and creates an ergonomic gripping surface. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate auxiliary gripping members while maintaining ease of operation

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

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 solution allows for rapid and easy installation on leaves with reduced thickness, enhances ergonomics with intuitive handle design, and simplifies emergency opening, while maintaining aesthetic appeal.

Implementation Method 1

a lock body (2) connectable to a leaf (A) of a door or a window, the lock body (2) comprising a bolt (4) reversibly movable between a retracted position, in which it is at least partly housed inside the lock body (2), and an extracted position, in which it is at least partly projecting from the lock body (2) so as to define a condition of closure of the door or the window

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic retaining: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP4372188B1Lock for a door or a window
Publication Date: 2025.02.12 ALBAN GIACOMO SPA
  • EP4372188B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4372188B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4372188B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A lock (1) for a door or a window comprising a lock body (2) and an actuating means (6) for moving a locking element (3). The lock (1) further comprises a fixed handle (7) and a rotating handle (8) coupled to the actuating means (6) and rotatable relative to the lock body (2) in order to move the locking element (3) between an extracted position and a retracted position. In particular, the lock (1) comprises a first and a second support element (9, 10), each having a main longitudinal dimension of extension such that they take on a configuration, during use, projecting from a leaf (A). Furthermore, the fixed handle (7) and the rotating handle (8) can be fitted over the first support element (9) and the second support element (10), respectively.