Multi-Point Locking Device Drive Rod Protection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing locking devices for doors and windows lack sufficient burglary security, as the drive rods are exposed and can be manipulated or accessed even if the door or window frame is damaged during a break-in attempt.

Innovation Solution

A multi-point locking device with a protective tube made of steel, encasing the drive rod on all sides, providing enhanced protection by preventing unauthorized access and manipulation, combined with a drive device protected by a stainless steel tube body that extends beyond the drive device housing to deter tool-based interference.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the drive rod is left exposed for easy access and operation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the burglary security deteriorates as the drive rod can be manipulated during break-in attempts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess to drive rodVSAvoidburglary security
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The drive rod is nested inside a protective tube that is integrated with the faceplate structure. The protective tube acts as a container within the locking device assembly, protecting the drive rod while maintaining operational access through the tube's opening at the faceplate surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The protective tube serves as an intermediary element between the drive rod and the external environment. It allows the drive rod to perform its function while preventing direct access and manipulation by unauthorized persons during break-in attempts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If a protective cover is added to protect the drive rod, then the burglary security is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveburglary securityVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The protective tube is merged with the faceplate structure, forming an integrated assembly where the tube and faceplate work together as a unified component. This reduces overall device complexity compared to having separate protective covers and mounting mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The protective tube serves multiple functions: it protects the drive rod from manipulation, provides structural support, and integrates with the faceplate mounting system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional protective components, thereby simplifying the overall device structure.

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

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the protective tube completely encloses the drive rod, then the burglary security is improved by preventing manipulation, but the ease of operation may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveburglary securityVSAvoidaccess to drive rod
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The protective tube provides complete enclosure along its length to prevent manipulation, but maintains local openness at the faceplate surface where operation is required. This localized differentiation allows both security and operational access to be achieved simultaneously.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP4215702B1Locking device
Publication Date: 2024.01.10 GRETSCH UNITAS GMBH BAUBESCHLAGFABRIK
  • EP4215702B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1c
  • EP4215702B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4215702B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3c

AI summary

The invention relates to a locking device (10), in particular a multi-point locking device (10), for a door or window, with a faceplate (14) extending along an axial direction (12), a main lock (16) and a secondary lock (18), wherein the main lock (16) and the secondary lock (18) are attached to the faceplate (14) and coupled to each other by means of a drive rod (26), so that the secondary lock (18) can be actuated by the main lock (16) at least in the opening direction, wherein a drive rod protection device (30) is provided to protect the drive rod (26), wherein the drive rod protection device (26) has a protective tube (32) made of steel with a rectangular cross-section extending along the faceplate (14) and attached to the faceplate (14), wherein the drive rod (26) is arranged in the protective tube (32) and the protective tube (32) surrounds the drive rod (26) to the outside.