Keyless Window Restrictor Nested Connector Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing window and door restrictors with key-operated locking mechanisms are cumbersome in emergencies and lack child-resistant features, as they require keys that may be misplaced or lost, complicating full opening during emergencies.

Innovation Solution

A keyless restrictor system with a nested connection mechanism using first and second connector parts that require at least two distinct movements to unlock, incorporating projections and slots for guiding these movements, and optionally elastic bodies or magnets for enhanced security.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a key-operated locking mechanism is used, then the window can be securely locked, but it becomes difficult to open fully in emergencies and requires keys that may be misplaced or lost

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidease of opening
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the key element from the locking mechanism, extracting the problematic component that causes difficulty in emergency situations. The locking mechanism is redesigned to be operated directly by hand through a multi-step manual process, eliminating the need for keys that can be misplaced or lost while maintaining security through the multi-movement requirement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The unlocking operation is segmented into multiple distinct movements (rotating the handle, pressing the release button, and detaching the connector). This segmentation creates a sequence of actions that provides security by preventing accidental opening while allowing deliberate full opening when needed, resolving the contradiction between security and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If a simple locking mechanism is used, then the window can be easily opened, but it lacks child-resistant features

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of openingVSAvoidchild safety
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates preliminary anti-action by designing the locking mechanism to require multiple deliberate movements that are intuitively beyond the capability of young children. The sequence of rotating the handle, pressing the release button, and detaching the connector creates a barrier that prevents children from accidentally opening windows while remaining operable by adults in emergency situations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Ease of operation

If a keyless mechanism is used, then full opening is readily available, but child-resistant features are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of openingVSAvoidchild safety
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamics by making the connector detachable rather than fixed. The connector can be easily detached by adults through the multi-movement mechanism for full opening when needed, but the same mechanism presents sufficient complexity to children to prevent accidental opening. The dynamic nature of the detachable connector provides flexibility while maintaining child safety.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Device complexity

If a fixed connector design is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot be readily fully opened in emergencies

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidease of full opening
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The connector is segmented into detachable parts (first connector part and second connector part) that can be separated through a multi-step process. This segmentation allows the structure to remain relatively simple while enabling full opening in emergencies. The connector can be quickly detached by rotating the handle and pressing the release button, providing ease of full opening without excessive structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

Provides a simple, keyless locking mechanism that ensures easy full opening in emergencies while offering child-resistant features by requiring multiple, complex movements to detach the connector parts.

Implementation Method 1

a keyless restrictor (10) for limiting the maximum opening of a closure (W), comprising: a first fixture (20) with a first connector part (30); a second fixture (40); a cable element (50) which is attached to the second fixture (40) at one end and is provided with a second connector part (60) at the other end

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the keyless restrictor (10) comprises at least one elastic body and/or at least one pair of magnets which is arranged between the first and second connector parts and configured to urge the second connector part in such a way that the projection is retained within the locking path of the slot (80A-80D)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP4097319B1Restrictor and opening restriction system having closure
Publication Date: 2026.04.15 UAP
  • EP4097319B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4097319B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4097319B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A keyless restrictor (10) for limiting the maximum opening of a closure is provided. The restrictor (10) comprises a first fixture (20) with a first connector part (30), a second fixture (40), and a cable element (50). The cable element (50) is attached to the second fixture (40) at one end and is provided with a second connector part (60) at the other end. The first connector part (30) and the second connector part (60) are configured to be detachably connectable with each other to form a nested connection defining a rotation axis (X). The first connector part and the second connector part of the nested connection are locked together unless at least two movements of the second connector part (60) in different directions relative to the first connector part (30) of the first fixture (20) are performed.