Fitting Lock Coupling Mechanism for Compact Door Handle Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing door and window fittings with anti-fogging mechanisms have bulky structures due to built-in locking mechanisms, which increase volume and affect appearance, and often require complex designs that are not cost-effective or user-friendly.

Innovation Solution

A fitting with a coupling mechanism that includes a clip arrangement and a pusher element on a common axis, where the clip arrangement is spring-loaded and can be decoupled from the polygonal mandrel, allowing for a compact and elegant design that locks the handle in any position (0°, 90°, or 180°) without altering the handle's appearance, using a pusher element that can be actuated mechanically or via a magnetic/motor drive.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a locking mechanism with pusher element is built into the fitting, then the handle can be locked in position, but the fitting structure becomes bulky and complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking functionVSAvoidfitting structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the locking mechanism and coupling mechanism into a single integrated assembly. The pusher element, clip arrangement, and coupling elements are merged into one compact unit that performs both locking and coupling functions simultaneously, eliminating the need for separate mechanisms and reducing overall structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated mechanism serves multiple functions: it acts as both a locking mechanism (via the pusher element engaging with the clip arrangement) and a coupling mechanism (connecting the handle to the polygonal mandrel). This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed and simplifies the overall fitting structure.

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

2Reliability

If the locking mechanism is placed parallel to the axis of rotation, then the locking function is achieved, but the handle neck volume increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking functionVSAvoidhandle neck volume
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent repositions the locking mechanism elements along the common axis of the pusher and polygonal mandrel, rather than placing them parallel to the axis of rotation. This dimensional reconfiguration allows the pusher element and clip arrangement to be arranged radially, significantly reducing the handle neck volume while maintaining the locking function.

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

3Reliability

If a complex locking mechanism is used, then secure locking is achieved, but the fitting appearance differs significantly from conventional fittings

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking securityVSAvoidfitting appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the locking and coupling mechanisms into a single integrated assembly that lies on the common axis, the patent creates a compact structure that does not protrude or alter the external appearance of the fitting. The mechanism is contained within the handle neck without requiring additional external components, maintaining the conventional fitting appearance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Reliability

If the pusher element and coupling mechanism are on different axes, then the locking function works, but the overall fitting volume increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking functionVSAvoidfitting volume
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the pusher element and coupling mechanism onto the same common axis, eliminating the need for separate axial arrangements. This consolidation allows both functions to be performed within a compact radial space, significantly reducing the overall fitting volume compared to designs where these mechanisms are positioned on different axes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 a simpler, space-saving, and cost-effective design that maintains the functionality of locking doors or windows in any position, offering easy installation and operation while resembling conventional fittings, with optional key-based or wireless actuation for enhanced security.

Implementation Method 1

a spring element, the longitudinal axis of which is oriented perpendicular to the axis, and comprises at least two legs, each leg being pivotable about a pivot point, and wherein the at least two legs can be pressed radially outwardly to the axis by the spring element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Implementation Method 2

the clip assembly and the pusher element lying on a common axis about which the pusher (8) is rotated

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP3258036B1Fitting with a fitting lock
Publication Date: 2018.11.28 GLUTZ AG
  • EP3258036B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3258036B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3258036B1 patent drawingFigure 5~8

AI summary

The present invention relates to a fitting (1) with a fitting locking mechanism, comprising a fitting body (5) and a handle (8), wherein the handle (8) is rotatable relative to the fitting body (5), and wherein the rotation of the handle (8) can be transmitted to a polygonal spindle (11). In this fitting, the handle (8) has a coupling mechanism (30) which comprises a clamping arrangement (50) and a strike element (40). Furthermore, the clamping arrangement (50) and the strike element (40) lie on a common axis (W).