Integrated Locking Cam and Toothed Comb for Window Fittings

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing locking devices for turn/tilt window fittings struggle to reliably keep the sash in a closed position while also allowing for gap ventilation, often requiring multiple parts to be stocked and assembled.

Innovation Solution

A holding part on the drive rod with a retaining element for positive engagement with the toothed comb and a tightening cam that engages behind the locking cam in the closed position, allowing the tooth comb to be omitted if needed, and enabling easy adaptation for gap ventilation by attaching the retaining part to the drive rod with or without the toothed comb.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the toothed comb is firmly screwed to a base body connected to the drive rod, then the gap ventilation position is enabled, but the device complexity increases and multiple parts have to be kept in stock

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegap ventilation positionVSAvoidnumber of parts
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the toothed comb and tightening cam into a single integrated component. The toothed comb is formed as one piece with the tightening cam, eliminating the need for separate base bodies and reducing the number of parts that need to be manufactured and stored. This merging maintains the gap ventilation function while simplifying the overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated component serves multiple functions: the toothed comb provides gap ventilation positioning, while the tightening cam ensures reliable closing of the sash. This multi-functional design allows a single component to replace what would traditionally require multiple separate parts, reducing inventory complexity while maintaining versatility.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If the toothed comb is attached to the drive rod with a base body, then the gap ventilation position is enabled, but the assembly and disassembly becomes complex and requires tools

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegap ventilation positionVSAvoidassembly and disassembly
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By merging the toothed comb with the tightening cam into a single monolithic component, the patent eliminates the base body that would otherwise require tool-based attachment and disassembly. The integrated design allows for simpler, tool-free assembly by directly attaching the combined component to the drive rod.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If individual tightening cams and toothed combs with tightening cams have to be kept in stock, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity and inventory requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration optionsVSAvoidnumber of parts to be stocked
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the toothed comb and tightening cam into a single integrated component, eliminating the need to maintain separate inventories of individual parts. Instead of stocking multiple combinations of toothed combs and tightening cams, only one type of integrated component needs to be manufactured and stored, significantly reducing inventory requirements while maintaining configuration versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP1790811B1Locking device for a pivoting and tiltable fitting
Publication Date: 2011.10.12 WINKHAUS
  • EP1790811B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1790811B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP1790811B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The device has a mounting part at a side of a frame and another mounting part at a side of a leaf, where the mounting parts are connected with each other. A retaining cam (14) that is opposite to a toothed ridge (20) retains a stay arm in a gap ventilating position. A retaining part (19) has a retaining unit and an actuation cam (13) that is arranged at a side facing a connecting rod (16). The retaining unit stays in contact with the toothed ridge in a form-fit manner, and the actuation cam engages with the retaining cam in a locking position.