Electric Pull Locks for Warping Compensation in Doors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing closure elements, such as doors and windows, face challenges in securing locking mechanisms, especially when there is warping or misalignment of wing and frame elements, leading to inefficiencies in locking and potential leaks.
Innovation Solution
A closure element with a system of electrically driven pull locks arranged at distances along the frame and sash elements, which engage and pull the locking elements towards each other, ensuring secure locking and compensating for warping or misalignment through a 'zipper-like' independent locking mechanism, utilizing swivel latches and locking pins that retract radially to tighten the seal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If traditional mechanical locks are used in closure elements, then the structure is simple, but the locking force is insufficient and cannot compensate for warping or misalignment
Solution Approach 1:
The lock system is divided into multiple independent electrically driven pull locks arranged at different positions on the closure element. Each pull lock can independently apply locking force and compensate for local warping or misalignment, while collectively providing secure overall locking. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high locking force without requiring a single overly complex mechanical mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical key-operated locking mechanisms with electrically driven pull locks. This substitution enables precise control of locking force through electric motors, allowing the system to apply sufficient force to compensate for warping or misalignment while maintaining ease of operation through electronic control systems.
2Reliability
If multiple locks are arranged at distances on the closure element, then warping and misalignment are compensated, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The closure element is equipped with multiple independent pull locks positioned at different locations. Each lock independently monitors and compensates for local alignment issues through its sensor and electric drive mechanism. This segmentation of the locking function across multiple positions ensures reliable locking even when parts of the closure element are warped or misaligned.
Solution Approach 2:
Each pull lock is equipped with its own sensor that automatically detects whether its associated locking element can engage behind the locking element of the closure element. The electric drive mechanism then automatically activates to perform the locking action without manual intervention. This self-service capability at each lock position ensures reliable operation while reducing the need for complex centralized control mechanisms.
3Ease of operation
If the closure element is designed to be easy to operate, then user convenience is improved, but the locking security may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The traditional mechanical key-operated lock is replaced with an electrically driven pull lock system controlled by sensors and electronic actuators. This substitution maintains ease of operation through simple user actions (such as pressing a button or using a key card) while achieving superior locking security through electrically actuated high-force locking mechanisms that can be precisely controlled and monitored.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock system incorporates sensors that automatically detect when the closure element is properly positioned and ready for locking. The electric drive mechanisms then automatically activate to engage the locking elements without requiring complex manual manipulation by the user. This automated self-service approach maintains user convenience while ensuring secure locking through reliable electronic control of the locking force.
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 provides secure locking with high force application, reduces warping and misalignment issues, and ensures the closure element is always locked when closed, enhancing sealing efficiency and ease of operation.
Implementation Method 1
each lock (6) has an electric drive device (36), which transforms electrical energy to mechanical energy to move the lock element (39, 42) and, in doing so, pull the sash element (3) towards the frame element (4)
Implementation Method 2
The lock elements are designed as swivel latches (41). These move around pivot axes, driven by the already mentioned electric drive device of each lock
Implementation Method 3
They have a peg-like shape and enter the lock element in particular radially to their longitudinal extension and are then drawn in during the locking process—likewise in the radial direction
Implementation Method 4
A warped or incorrectly aligned sash element is thus pulled against the frame element by the first active lock, with the result that the warp and/or the misalignment is reduced by the elasticity of the components
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a locking element (2) of a property, in particular a door, window or the like, with a locking system (129) comprising several locks (6) spaced apart from one another, each of which is arranged on a frame element (130) or sash element (131) of the locking element (2) and comprises locking elements (132) that interact in a locking or unlocking manner with locking elements (8) of locking elements (7) arranged on the sash element (131) or frame element (130), wherein the locks (6) are designed as electrically driven pull-type locks (6') and lock independently of one another when the respective lock element (132) can engage behind the respective locking element (8). The invention further relates to a corresponding method.