Multipoint Lock Backset Facia Orientation Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing multipoint lock assemblies for windows require multiple variations in backset distances and rod assembly lengths to accommodate different window sizes, leading to increased manufacturing costs and potential installation delays due to incompatible components.

Innovation Solution

A multipoint lock assembly featuring a gearbox with a removably connected backset facia that can be adjusted between two different backset orientations using castellations, allowing for easy switching between 20mm and 22mm backset settings without requiring additional components, and facilitating easy engagement of faceplates and rod assemblies of varying lengths.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple different lock assemblies are manufactured to cover all backset and rod assembly lengths, then all window sizes can be accommodated, but manufacturing costs increase and inventory complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with different window sizesVSAvoidnumber of different lock assembly variations
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The gearbox is designed with a universal interface that can accept multiple backset facia configurations (20mm and 22mm backsets) and multiple rod assembly lengths through the same connection aperture. This allows a single gearbox design to serve multiple functions across different window specifications, eliminating the need for separate lock assemblies for each variant.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The lock assembly is divided into separable components: the gearbox, backset facia, and rod assemblies. The backset facia can be detached and reattached in different orientations to change backset distance, and rod assemblies of different lengths can be interchangeably connected. This segmentation allows flexibility without requiring multiple complete lock assembly variants.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple different lock assemblies are manufactured to cover all backset and rod assembly lengths, then all window sizes can be accommodated, but stock levels and manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with different window sizesVSAvoidstock levels required
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

A single universal gearbox design can accommodate multiple backset distances (20mm and 22mm) and multiple rod assembly lengths through interchangeable components. This universality reduces the total quantity of different lock assembly variants that need to be stocked, as one gearbox model replaces what would previously require multiple specialized models.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The backset facia can be detached from the gearbox and reattached in a different orientation to change the backset distance. Instead of discarding a lock assembly with the wrong backset, the backset facia is removed and reconfigured, allowing the same components to be recovered and reused for different window specifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Ease of manufacture

If a fixed backset design is used, then manufacturing is simplified, but installation compatibility with different windows is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidinstallation compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The backset facia is designed to be detachable and reconfigurable, allowing the lock assembly to dynamically adapt between different backset distances (20mm and 22mm). This dynamic capability is achieved through a simple attachment mechanism that requires no complex manufacturing, maintaining ease of production while enabling installation compatibility across different window types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Quantity of substance

If incompatible lock assemblies are used, then manufacturing stock is reduced, but installation delays increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestock requirementsVSAvoidinstallation delays
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The backset facia is pre-configured with castellations that align with corresponding features on the gearbox for specific backset distances. This preliminary configuration allows the installer to quickly identify and attach the correct orientation without complex measurements or adjustments, preventing installation delays while maintaining reduced stock requirements through component versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4026966B1Multi-point lock and method of manufacturing such a lock
Publication Date: 2024.06.19 ASSA ABLOY LTD
  • EP4026966B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4026966B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4026966B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

The present invention concerns a multipoint lock assembly. More particularly, but not exclusively, this invention concerns a multipoint lock assembly for a window. The multipoint lock assembly comprises a gearbox and a backset facia removably connected to the gearbox. The backset facia is configured such that when removably connected to the gearbox in a first orientation, a first backset is provided, and when removably connected to the gearbox in a second orientation, a second, different, backset is provided. This allows the lock assembly to be easily adjusted to provide a first backset or a second backset using the same components.