Nested Lever Mechanism for Compact Locking Force Transmission

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing locking devices for doors and windows face challenges in achieving high flexibility and optimal power transmission between central locks and espagnolette devices within minimal installation space, with significant force transmission losses.

Innovation Solution

A locking device featuring a lever mechanism with two directly coupled two-armed pivoting levers, allowing for adjustable transmission ratios and minimal friction, enabling efficient force and movement adaptation between central locks and espagnolette devices, and a modular design for easy upgrade or retrofitting.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional locking device with additional locking points is used, then the locking security is improved, but the installation space requirement increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking securityVSAvoidinstallation space
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The espagnolette device is nested within the lock housing, with the locking rod and lever mechanism integrated into the existing lock structure. The connecting element interfaces directly with the lock mechanism's slide plate, allowing the additional locking function to be contained within the original installation footprint without requiring separate mounting space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking device is segmented into modular components: the central lock mechanism, the espagnolette device with locking rod, and the connecting element. This segmentation allows the espagnolette device to be independently installed and configured within the available space, optimizing the use of the lock housing interior.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If a locking device with additional locking points is installed, then the locking security is improved, but the force transmission losses increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking securityVSAvoidforce transmission losses
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

A lever mechanism serves as an intermediary between the connecting element and the locking rod. This lever mechanism includes a first lever arm connected to the connecting element and a second lever arm connected to the locking rod, with a fulcrum point providing mechanical advantage. The lever mechanism amplifies the force from the central lock mechanism while actuating the espagnolette locking rod, thereby reducing force transmission losses.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Area of stationary object

If the espagnolette device is integrated into the lock housing, then the installation space is minimized, but the flexibility for optional configuration decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation spaceVSAvoidoptional configuration flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The espagnolette device is designed with dynamic configurability through the lever mechanism, where the lever arms and fulcrum point can be positioned to provide different mechanical advantages based on specific installation requirements. The connecting element can be selectively engaged or disengaged from the lock mechanism's slide plate, allowing the device to be adapted to different locking configurations while maintaining compact integration within the lock housing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 ensures high force transmission with minimal losses and adaptable installation, allowing for optimal locking performance in various conditions while maintaining a compact design, and can be easily upgraded or retrofitted to existing locks.

Implementation Method 1

By means of the two directly coupled two-armed swiveling levers, it is possible to set an optimal transmission ratio of the lever mechanism in a limited space. By varying the length of the lever arms of the pivoted levers, the transmission ratio of the lever mechanism can be varied in such a way that it can be optimally adapted to the respective general conditions of a lock.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Implementation Method 2

In addition, only few friction losses occur in the lever mechanism.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3299556B1Locking device for a pivoting mounted wing
Publication Date: 2020.02.12 ASSA ABLOY (SCHWEIZ) AG
  • EP3299556B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3299556B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP3299556B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

The invention relates to a locking device (1) for a pivotally mounted sash of a door or window with a lock (2) comprising a lock housing (21) and at least one bolt element (222, 224) actuated via a lock mechanism, as well as a bolt-operating device (3) comprising a bolt housing (31) and at least one bolt rod (32) or bolt rod, wherein the bolt-operating device (3) is detachably connectable to the lock housing (21) and can be connected to the lock mechanism via a connecting element (43). In order to provide optimal force transmission between the lock mechanism and the bolt-operating device in a limited installation space, it is proposed that the bolt-operating device (3) has a lever mechanism (4) acting between the connecting element (43) and the bolt rod (32), comprising two directly coupled two-armed pivot levers (41, 42).