Front-Access Door Frame Locking Device Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing door frame systems and latching devices are cumbersome to assemble and retrofit, requiring access to the metal frame from behind, which is often inaccessible and involves significant effort, especially when installing new doors with mismatched latches or modifying frames deviating from standard dimensions.

Innovation Solution

The frame system and latching device design allow the latching device to be installed from the front, with a width in the Y-direction enabling easy insertion and adjustment, eliminating the need for rear access and allowing for effortless assembly and retrofitting without major structural changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the locking device is designed to be mounted from the rear of the metal frame, then the mounting structure can be securely attached, but the assembly process becomes complex and time-consuming requiring access to both sides of the frame

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting structure securityVSAvoidassembly process
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The locking device is inverted in its mounting approach: instead of requiring rear access to the metal frame for attachment, all mounting operations are performed from the front. The carrier is inserted through the locking opening from the front, and all fastening screws are accessible from the front side, eliminating the need for rear access while maintaining secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking device is segmented into a carrier component and a locking element component that can be assembled separately. The carrier serves as the mounting interface that attaches to the metal frame from the front, while the locking element attaches to the carrier, allowing independent optimization of each component's mounting requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of manufacture

If the locking device requires access to the rear of the metal frame for installation, then proper structural attachment can be achieved, but retrofitting existing frames becomes difficult and labor-intensive

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural attachmentVSAvoidretrofitting capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting approach is inverted to enable retrofitting: the carrier is designed to be inserted through the locking opening from the front and attached using screws accessible from the front. This allows the locking device to be installed on existing metal frames without requiring disassembly or access to the rear of the frame, significantly improving adaptability for retrofitting applications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Ease of manufacture

If the locking device is designed with standard dimensions, then manufacturing is simplified, but it cannot accommodate doors with mismatched latch positions or non-standard frame dimensions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidlatch position compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The locking element is designed with adjustability along the carrier, allowing its position to be dynamically changed to match different latch positions on various doors. The locking element can be repositioned and fixed at multiple locations on the carrier, providing adaptability for doors with mismatched latch positions while maintaining a standardized carrier design for simple manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The position parameter of the locking element along the carrier can be changed to accommodate different door configurations. By allowing the locking element to be adjusted to different positions on the carrier, the system can adapt to various latch positions and frame dimensions without requiring custom-manufactured components for each variation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Ease of operation

If the locking device width in Y-direction is reduced for easier insertion, then assembly is simplified, but the structural integrity and locking strength may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsertion easeVSAvoidlocking strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The locking device is segmented into a narrow carrier for easy insertion through the locking opening and a locking element that provides the actual locking function. The carrier can be made narrow in the Y-direction to facilitate easy insertion, while the locking element maintains sufficient width and structural features to ensure adequate locking strength and engagement with the door latch.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4008862B1Frame system for a door and use of a striker system for such a frame system
Publication Date: 2023.02.08 ZABAG ZARGEN & ELEMENTEBAU GMBH
  • EP4008862B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4008862B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4008862B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a frame system (2) for a door (4), comprising a metal frame (6) with a locking opening (10) formed in a front face (8) of the metal frame (6) and a locking device (12) for a latch (14) of the door (4) engaging in the locking opening (10) from front to back, which is attached in an assembly state of the frame system (2), wherein the metal frame (6) in the assembly state of the frame system (2) has a width extending in the X direction, i.e., from front to back starting from the front face (8), a depth extending in the Y direction, and a height extending in the Z direction, and wherein the locking device (12) has a support (16) and a locking element (18) that is adjustable and fixable on the support (16) parallel to the Y direction in the assembly state of the frame system (2), characterized in that the metal frame (6) in the area of ​​the locking opening (10) has a protective box (38) hasthe metal frame (6) in the area of ​​the locking opening (10) is enclosed in such a way that the interior of the metal frame (6) in the area of ​​the locking opening (10) is inaccessible from the rear, wherein the locking device (12) is designed such that the locking device (12) can only be mounted on the metal frame (6) from the front. Furthermore, the invention relates to a locking device (12) for a frame system (2).