Modular Door and Window Locking Assembly for Local Bar Configuration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Suppliers face challenges with long lead times and excess inventory due to the need to stock multiple types and sizes of door and window locks, which are traditionally manufactured overseas, leading to inefficiencies and waste.
Innovation Solution
A modular gearbox for door or window locking assemblies that secures first and second locking bars, allowing for local assembly with various types and sizes of locking bars, reducing the need for extensive inventory and shortening delivery times.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple types and sizes of locks are stocked to meet diverse customer demands, then customer service capability is improved, but inventory cost and storage requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The locking assembly is divided into modular components: a standardized gearbox and interchangeable locking bars. The gearbox contains universal actuating members that can engage with different locking bar configurations, allowing suppliers to stock only the gearbox and various locking bar types separately, rather than pre-assembling every possible lock combination.
Solution Approach 2:
The gearbox is designed as a universal component with actuating members that can work with multiple types and sizes of locking bars. This multi-functionality allows a single gearbox design to serve diverse locking applications, reducing the need to manufacture and stock specialized locked assemblies for each application.
2Ease of manufacture
If locks are manufactured overseas to reduce production costs, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but delivery time and lead time increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the locking assembly into a standardized gearbox and interchangeable locking bars, the system enables local assembly operations. Suppliers can import only the gearbox and locking bar components and assemble final configurations locally, dramatically reducing delivery time compared to importing fully assembled locks.
Solution Approach 2:
The gearbox is pre-configured with universal actuating members during manufacturing, creating a ready-to-use base component. This preliminary action allows rapid local assembly of different locking bar configurations without requiring complex setup or reconfiguration, enabling fast response to diverse customer orders.
3Adaptability or versatility
If locks are pre-assembled in factored form overseas, then manufacturing flexibility is improved, but assembly time and local customization capability worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The locking assembly is segmented into a standardized gearbox and interchangeable locking bars, enabling efficient local assembly. The modular design with standardized interfaces allows rapid assembly of different locking bar configurations without complex procedures, improving both local customization capability and assembly productivity.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A door or window locking assembly (1) comprises a gearbox (3), a first locking bar (5), a second locking bar (7), and a locking bar retainer (9). The first locking bar (5) and second locking bar (7) are arranged upon a locking surface of the gearbox (3) such that, upon actuation of the gearbox (3), the first locking bar (5) moves in a first direction and the second locking bar (7) moves in an opposite second direction. The first locking bar (5) and the second locking bar (7) are positioned between the gearbox (3) and a retaining portion (901) of the locking bar retainer (9) and a securing portion (903) of the locking bar retainer (9) is secured to the gearbox (3) such that the first locking bar (5) and second locking bar (7) are held in place upon the locking surface of the gearbox (3) by the locking bar retainer (9).