Espagnolette Lock Daytime Position Single Opener

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing drive rod locks require multiple electric door openers for secondary locks, leading to complex construction and limited application versatility.

Innovation Solution

A drive rod lock design with a daytime functional position that allows the main latch to be pre-tensioned while secondary latches are retracted, requiring only a single electric door opener, and includes a decoupling mechanism for independent control of main and secondary latches.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a separate electric door opener is installed for each secondary lock, then each secondary lock can be independently controlled, but the construction effort and device complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveIndependent control of secondary locksVSAvoidConstruction effort and number of electric openers

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple lock functions (main lock and secondary locks) into a single integrated drive rod mechanism. The drive rod transmits motion from a single electric door opener to control both the main bolt and secondary bolts simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate electric openers for each secondary lock while maintaining coordinated control of all locking components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The drive rod serves multiple functions: it controls the main bolt, controls all secondary bolts, and can be blocked in different positions to enable various locking modes. This multi-functional component allows a single electric door opener to perform what would otherwise require multiple separate actuators, reducing system complexity while preserving versatility

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Device complexity

If the drive rod lock only has traditional locked and unlocked positions, then the construction remains simple, but the application versatility is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveConstruction simplicityVSAvoidApplication possibilities

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The drive rod is designed with the capability to be blocked in multiple distinct positions: the unlocked position, the locked position, and a daytime functional position. This dynamic positioning capability allows the same mechanical structure to serve different application needs without increasing construction complexity, enabling versatile use cases such as daytime latching, nighttime locking, and intermediate states

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If the main latch and secondary latches are controlled together, then the control mechanism is simple, but the ability to independently control latches is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveControl mechanism simplicityVSAvoidIndependent latch control capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The locking system is segmented into independent latch units (main latch and secondary latches) that can be selectively engaged or disengaged. The drive rod can be blocked at different positions to control which latches are active, allowing independent control of main and secondary latches through a single control mechanism without requiring separate control systems for each latch

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4575151A1Espagnolette lock with a main lock and at least one secondary lock

Publication Date: 2025.06.25 AUG WINKHAUS SE

Figure 1
Figure 2a
Figure 3~4

AI summary

In a drive rod lock with a main lock (4) and at least one secondary lock (5), a drive rod (8) can be driven into a locking position, an unlocking position, and a daytime operating position. In the daytime operating position, only one main latch (11) of the main lock (4) is in a protruding position. The drive rod (8) can be locked in the daytime operating position by means of a daytime operating switch (9).