Espagnolette Gear Box Blocking Element for Burglary Protection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing connecting rod fitting mechanisms for windows and doors lack effective burglary protection, as the locking device can be inadvertently disengaged by unauthorized persons due to its design and arrangement, particularly in outward-opening configurations common in Scandinavian countries.

Innovation Solution

A gear mechanism featuring a linearly movable blocking element that interacts with a locking contour to prevent connecting rod movement, supported by a spring element and housed within a blind hole, ensuring stable back-pressure protection and preventing unintended disengagement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a locking device is provided to prevent unauthorized opening, then burglary protection is improved, but the risk of inadvertent disengagement by unauthorized persons increases due to the design and arrangement of the locking lever

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveburglary protectionVSAvoidinadvertent disengagement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is divided into two independent functional components: a blocking element that prevents unauthorized opening and a release element that enables controlled opening. The blocking element remains engaged unless deliberately actuated by the release element, segmenting the locking function from the releasing function to prevent inadvertent disengagement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The release element acts as an intermediary between the actuating element and the blocking element. It mediates the interaction by requiring deliberate action to disengage the blocking element, thereby preventing accidental or unauthorized release while maintaining the locking function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a blocking element is designed to prevent connecting rod movement, then security is improved, but the complexity of the gear mechanism increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking securityVSAvoidgear mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking element and release element are combined into a single integrated component structure. The release element is positioned such that it can disengage the blocking element through a specific movement path, merging the locking and releasing functions into one unified mechanism that reduces overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The blocking element moves linearly transverse to the direction of movement of the connecting rod, utilizing a different dimensional space for the locking action. This transverse movement allows the blocking element to engage and disengage without interfering with the primary rotational movement of the connecting rod, simplifying the overall mechanism design.

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

3Reliability

If the blocking element is made massive for reliable back pressure protection, then security is improved, but the size of the gear mechanism increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveback pressure protectionVSAvoidgear mechanism size
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking element is designed with concentrated mass at the critical locking interface where it engages the connecting rod. This localized mass distribution provides the necessary back pressure protection and stability without requiring the entire blocking element to be massive, thereby minimizing the overall volume of the gear mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 provides reliable and secure back-pressure protection by ensuring the blocking element only moves transversely, preventing unauthorized opening and maintaining a locked position without risk of accidental disengagement, thus enhancing burglary security.

Implementation Method 1

the blocking element can be supported on the housing via a spring element. In particular, the blocking element can be supported on the bottom of the blind hole via the spring element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP2581531B1Drive for an espagnolette of a window, door or similar item
Publication Date: 2015.01.21 ROTO FRANK AG
  • EP2581531B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2581531B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2c
  • EP2581531B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4b

AI summary

The gear box (1) has an operation element (3) for driving a drive rod (6), and movement blocking element (7) which moves transverse to drive rod moving direction such that in lock position of the gear box the drive rod movement is prevented. A release element (5) comprises an unlock portion that moves the drive rod from the lock position to unlock position.