Joinery Locking Sensor Device for Remote Monitoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing home automation systems lack effective solutions for remotely controlling the locking status of doors and windows due to the difficulty in integrating sensor devices at the carpentry level, which requires notching operations and specialized manufacturing, limiting their application and stock management.

Innovation Solution

A locking and/or unlocking sensor device that can be fitted in the rebate of a door or window without notching, featuring a casing with independent power supply and a displacement sensor, transmitting data wirelessly to a receiver unit, allowing for remote monitoring and control of the locking status through a Smartphone app.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If sensor devices are integrated at the carpentry level with conventional locking fittings, then the locking status can be monitored, but notching operations and specialized manufacturing are required, increasing device complexity and installation difficulty

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking status monitoringVSAvoidintegration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the locking mechanism and the sensor. A magnet is attached to the moving part of the locking mechanism, while a magnetic sensor (such as a Hall effect sensor) is mounted on the stationary frame. The magnetic field transmits position information without requiring direct mechanical contact or integration, thereby simplifying the overall system complexity while maintaining reliable monitoring capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If sensor devices are mounted on the carpentry, then locking status detection is possible, but additional notching operations are required, increasing manufacturing and installation complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking position detectionVSAvoidinstallation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the sensing function from the carpentry structure itself and separates it into an independent magnetic sensor component mounted on the frame. The magnet is attached to the moving locking element. This extraction allows the sensor system to be installed independently without requiring notching or modification of the carpentry structure, significantly improving ease of manufacture and installation while maintaining precise locking position detection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Reliability

If specialized locking fittings with integrated sensors are produced, then locking status monitoring is achieved, but distinct manufacture and production line requirements increase manufacturing complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking monitoring capabilityVSAvoidproduction line requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs universal magnetic sensors and magnets that can be applied to any conventional locking mechanism regardless of the specific type or manufacturer. The magnetic field-based detection method is generic and does not require specialized production lines or custom-manufactured locking fittings. This universality allows existing locking mechanisms to be retrofitted with monitoring capability using standard components, greatly simplifying manufacturing while ensuring reliable locking status detection across different joinery types.

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

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 secure, remote monitoring and control of door and window locking status without additional notching constraints, applicable to various door and window configurations, including pivoting and sliding types, facilitating secure building management within home automation systems.

Implementation Method 1

a sensor capable of detecting a variation in the magnetic field through the operating rod in order to deduce its position therefrom

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field detection: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentEP3594433B1Joinery locking and/or unlocking sensor device
Publication Date: 2023.04.19 FERCO
  • EP3594433B1 patent drawingFigure 1~5
  • EP3594433B1 patent drawingFigure 6~9

AI summary

The invention relates to a locking and/or unlocking sensor device intended to equip a door or window type joinery (2) comprising at least one opening sash (3) mounted on a fixed frame (4) and provided with a locking fitting (5) of the cremone bolt or cremone bolt-lock type, located in a groove (6; 6A) in the rebate (7) of said opening sash (3) and/or the fixed frame (4), locking fitting (5) comprising at least one operating rod (9) moving in said groove (6; 6A) between at least two distinct locked and/or unlocked positions, characterized in that it is designed to take position in the rebate (7) of the opening sash (3) or fixed frame (4) and comprises a defined housing (12) capable of extending at least partially into said groove (6; 6A), said housing (12) incorporating autonomous power supply means (13), on the one hand, of a displacement sensor (14) of the rod (9), this sensor extending between two housings (15;16) which comprises the housing (12) and in one of which said rod (9) is engaged in at least one of its locked and/or unlocked positions (17; 18) and, on the other hand, at least one transmitter (19) for the transmission of data from the displacement sensor (14) to a receiver unit (20).