Frameless Glazing Locking Layout for Side-Movable Window Panels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing glazing arrangements face limitations in design and use due to the implementation and positioning of locking arrangements, particularly when vertical bars are not desired, making it difficult to achieve easy locking and cooperation between locking parts, especially in corner or straight arrangements.

Innovation Solution

A glazing arrangement with a locking device positioned at the bottom strip of the window element and an operating interface on the side, featuring a locking tongue and counter-piece, allowing for easy locking and unlocking of sideways movable window elements without vertical frames, with the counter-piece located on the bottom rail and the operating interface accessible from the side.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the locking tongue and counter-part are positioned on vertical edges to enable locking, then locking function is achieved, but vertical bars are required which complicate the design and restrict movement freedom

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking functionVSAvoidvertical bar requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism transitions from vertical edge positioning to bottom strip positioning, changing the spatial dimension of locking engagement. The locking tongue on the bottom strip engages with a counter-part on the vertical rail, eliminating the need for vertical bars on window edges while maintaining reliable locking through a different geometric arrangement.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The bottom strip serves as an intermediary element that carries the locking tongue, mediating between the window element and the vertical rail counter-part. This intermediary positioning allows locking functionality without requiring direct vertical bar structures on the window elements themselves.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the locking device protrudes from the window element end to engage with counter-part, then locking engagement is achieved, but the operating interface restricts reciprocal movement of window elements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking engagementVSAvoidreciprocal movement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism engages in the longitudinal direction along the bottom strip rather than protruding laterally from the window end. This dimensional repositioning allows the operating interface to remain between window elements, preserving reciprocal movement capability while achieving secure locking engagement through the bottom strip to vertical rail interface.

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

3Reliability

If the counter-part is positioned on the vertical rail at the edge of installation opening, then locking tongue engagement is achieved, but corner configurations become complex or require vertical bars

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking tongue engagementVSAvoidcorner configuration flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The bottom strip locking mechanism provides a universal solution that works consistently across different configuration types including corners and straight runs. By positioning the locking tongue on the bottom strip rather than requiring vertical edge bars, the same locking principle applies universally without needing special corner-specific components or additional vertical bar structures.

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

Data Source

PatentEP4039933B1Glazing arrangement
Publication Date: 2026.05.20 ALUTEC OY
  • EP4039933B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4039933B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4039933B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A glazing arrangement comprising a frame structure with a bottom and bottom rail and sideways movable window elements arranged between the rails, and a locking arrangement comprising a locking device with a locking tongue and a counter-piece for the locking tongue, wherein the counter-piece is a projection on the bottom rail, and the locking element comprises a top and a bottom position, wherein a bottom of the locking tongue in the bottom position is between an inner bottom of the bottom rail and a top of the counter-piece such that the counter-piece prevents a movement of the window element to direction of the counter-piece, and the bottom of the locking tongue in the top position is above a top of the counter-piece enabling the movement of the window element to direction of the counter-piece.