Compact Espagnolette Lock with Nested Blocking Element

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing espagnolette switching locks require large installation spaces and weaken the corner reinforcement of tubular frame doors, making them difficult to install and compromising the structural integrity of the door.

Innovation Solution

A compact espagnolette switching lock design where the activated blocking element dips into a recess of the drive bolt, utilizing a compression spring to reset the button independently, allowing for a symmetrical button shape and U-shaped lock housing to minimize space requirements and facilitate easy adjustment and installation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of stationary object

If a conventional rectangular box lock housing is used, then the espagnolette and switching latch can be accommodated, but the installation space required is large and weakens the corner reinforcement of tubular frame doors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation spaceVSAvoidcorner reinforcement
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of stationary objectVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking element and button are merged into a single integrated component rather than separate parts. This integration eliminates the need for additional spacing between components, significantly reducing the overall installation space required in the lock housing while maintaining all necessary functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The blocking element is designed to nest within the recess of the drive bolt when activated, with the button serving as both the actuating mechanism and part of the blocking structure. This nested arrangement minimizes the space occupied by moving parts and allows compact installation in the corner region of tubular frame doors without compromising corner reinforcement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of manufacture

If the blocking element and button are separate components, then each can be optimized independently, but the installation space increases and requires larger recesses

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent optimizationVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking element and button are combined into a single integrated component manufactured as one piece. This merger eliminates the need for separate manufacturing optimization while dramatically reducing installation space requirements, as the combined component occupies significantly less volume than two separate components would require.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If the button is asymmetrical to achieve reset function, then the reset mechanism works, but the lock cannot be used on both left and right pivoting wings

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereset functionVSAvoidbilateral use
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The button is designed with asymmetrical pressing surfaces where one side has a larger pressing surface than the other. This asymmetry enables the reset function to work in a single direction while the entire lock assembly can be mounted on either left or right pivoting wings, achieving versatility through symmetrical mounting capability rather than symmetrical button design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

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

Enables safe and reliable release of the espagnolette with minimal installation space, maintaining the structural integrity of tubular frame doors and allowing for easy adjustment and use on both left and right pivoting wings.

Implementation Method 1

only the compression spring (18) urging the blocking element (15) into the activated position (3) serves to reset the button (19) via the surfaces (20, 35)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCompression spring: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP2642052B1Fastener released upon closing a door
Publication Date: 2018.08.01 KARL FLIETHER GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2642052B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2642052B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP2642052B1 patent drawingFigure 3~5

AI summary

The lock (10) has a locking element which holds the driving latch (7) in retracted position, and a releasing unit releases the driving latch secured to locking element. The locking element is provided into recess of driving latch. A power storage device is displaceably mounted transverse to traveling direction of driving latch and is sliding supported in activated position by which force is acted upon. The releasing unit has a forend in traveling direction of driving latch for managing the button. The locking element is inclined to displacement direction of main surface.