Lock

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing locks with interchangeable functions face challenges in coupling the changeover lever with the locking mechanism, leading to increased manufacturing costs, reduced operational reliability, and potential jamming due to stiff gears, especially when the changeover lever is articulated and requires springs for preloading.

Innovation Solution

A lock design featuring a control plate with a control pin guided in a connecting link, allowing precise displacement between coupled and decoupled positions, and a control lever with a guide rib and centering bevels for easy assembly, along with a spring for prestressing the changeover lever, ensuring reliable operation without additional components like springs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the changeover lever is articulated and coupled to the locking mechanism, then the lock can be actuated by the locking cylinder, but the assembly becomes more complex and requires additional springs for preloading

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinterchangeable functionVSAvoidarticulated arrangement

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The coupling element is divided into separate components: a control plate with a control pin guided in a connecting link, and a control lever with a guide rib. This segmentation allows each component to perform its function independently while simplifying the overall assembly process and eliminating the need for articulated arrangements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The control plate acts as an intermediary between the connecting rod and the control lever. The control pin guided in the connecting link transfers movement from the locking mechanism to the control lever, enabling the coupling function without requiring complex articulated arrangements or additional springs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the changeover lever is pivotably mounted to avoid interference during locking, then the lock can operate freely, but automatic assembly becomes difficult and manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefree movement during lockingVSAvoidautomatic assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The control lever with guide rib and centering bevels automatically positions itself relative to the control plate during assembly. The guide rib fits into the groove with automatic centering, enabling simple automated assembly without requiring complex articulated mounting mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If springs are added to preload the changeover lever, then operational reliability improves, but manufacturing costs and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperational reliabilityVSAvoidadditional components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The solution extracts and eliminates the need for additional springs by using the control pin guided in the connecting link and the control lever with guide rib. The geometric constraints of the guide rib in the groove provide sufficient control and positioning without requiring elastic elements, thereby reducing component count while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Ease of manufacture

If the coupling element is displaced linearly between coupled and decoupled positions, then automated assembly is enabled, but the mechanism requires precise control

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomated assemblyVSAvoidposition control

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The guide rib has centering bevels at its tip and the bottom of the groove in the control plate has corresponding beveled surfaces. These curved/angled surfaces facilitate automatic self-alignment and centering during assembly, reducing the precision requirements for automated assembly while ensuring accurate positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Data Source

PatentEP3109382B1Lock

Publication Date: 2019.09.18 ROTO FRANK FENSTER UND TUERTECH GMBH

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AI summary

The invention relates to a lock for a door or a window, comprising a housing (1), locking elements (4) which can be actuated by means of a locking mechanism (2) via a push rod (3), and a spring-loaded latch (5) which can be actuated via a latch retraction lever (6). can be brought into a retracted position, the latch retraction lever (6) being operable by means of the locking mechanism (2) via a displaceable changeover lever (7) and optionally via a nut (8). The changeover lever (7) can be displaced exclusively linearly, preferably in a vertical direction parallel to the direction of movement of the connecting rod (3). A coupling element (10) comprising a control plate (11) and a control lever (12) is provided for coupling the changeover lever (7) to the locking mechanism (2), preferably to a cylindrical gear wheel (9), the coupling element (10) being essentially normal to the direction of movement of the changeover lever (7) between a coupling position when the blocking mechanism (2) is in the unlocked position and a decoupled position when the lock is locked, and wherein in the coupling position the control lever (12) creates an operative connection between the blocking mechanism (2) and the changeover lever (7 ) and is displaceable in relation to the control plate (11) in the direction of movement of the changeover lever (7).