Locking device for a locking fitting for a frame and frame with a locking fitting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing locking fittings for narrow frames are not compact enough while maintaining structural simplicity and safety, making them inefficient for narrow furniture applications.

Innovation Solution

A compact locking device design featuring a one-piece or multi-part base body with a release lever, catch lever, and energy accumulator, where the catch lever and release lever move in parallel planes, and the energy accumulator is tensioned to securely pull a panel towards the frame, with a spiral spring arrangement providing the necessary spring force for actuation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If a locking device is designed for narrow frames, then the compactness is improved, but the structural simplicity deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking device sizeVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functional elements (base body, catch lever, release lever, and energy accumulator) into a integrated locking device assembly. The energy accumulator is positioned within the base body structure, and the levers are arranged in parallel planes to share common mounting points, merging separate components into a compact unified structure that reduces overall volume while maintaining functional simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The catch lever and release lever are arranged in parallel planes and aligned in sections when viewed perpendicular to these planes. This three-dimensional spatial arrangement allows the levers to move without interfering with each other, achieving compactness in narrow frame applications while maintaining clear functional separation and structural simplicity through optimized spatial configuration

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Force

If the energy accumulator is positioned to pull the panel securely, then the holding force is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveholding forceVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The energy accumulator is configured to automatically pull the connecting fitting toward the frame when the release lever is not engaged. The spring mechanism self-actuates to secure the panel without requiring additional actuators or complex control systems, achieving strong holding force while maintaining device simplicity through self-service operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The energy accumulator is integrated within the base body structure with its ends passing through holes in the base body. This merging of the force-generating component with the structural base eliminates the need for separate mounting brackets or external positioning mechanisms, achieving secure holding force while reducing overall device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If the catch lever and release lever are arranged in parallel planes, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelever operationVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The catch lever and release lever are positioned in parallel planes with their movement paths aligned in sections when viewed perpendicular to these planes. This spatial arrangement allows both levers to be operated independently without mechanical interference, improving ease of operation while the levers share common mounting points on the base body, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

The solution achieves a compact and securely operating locking fitting that is suitable for narrow frames, ensuring the panel is securely held and easily released, addressing the need for a more efficient and space-saving design.

Implementation Method 1

The energy storage can consist of one or more spring elements and possibly connecting or deflection elements, bolts or levers.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

The energy accumulator is tensioned to securely pull a panel towards the frame, with a spiral spring arrangement providing the necessary spring force for actuation.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

the energy storage is designed as a spiral spring arrangement, since such a spiral spring arrangement particularly well provides the necessary spring force for actuation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpiral spring: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP3335592B1Locking device for a locking fitting for a frame and frame with a locking fitting
Publication Date: 2019.07.03 PAUL HETTICH GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3335592B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3335592B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3335592B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a locking device (14) for a locking fitting for a frame, which is designed to interact with a connecting fitting (15) for a panel (8), having the following features: a) a one-piece or multi-piece base body, b) on the The locking device (14) is provided with at least three main functional elements, which can move at least to a limited extent: i) a release lever (24), ii) a catch lever (25, 25'), and iii) an energy accumulator (26), c) the catch lever (25 , 25 ') and the trigger lever (24) are movable in parallel levels and, in one point of view, perpendicular to these levels are in any case in sectional escape, d), with one end (36) of the strength memory (26) a hole (38 ) and the other end (37) passes through an elongated hole (39) in the base body, in which it can be moved, e) the other end (37) of the energy accumulator (26) also moving in the elongated hole (39) of the base body the catch lever (25). i a relaxation of the force accumulator (26) moves into a locking position.