Orthogonal Locking Element for Secure Window Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional locking systems for windows and doors are either insecure, visually obtrusive, or pose a risk of injury due to protruding components, and they often provide inadequate protection against forced entry and environmental sealing.
Innovation Solution
A novel locking system featuring a locking element that moves orthogonally to its guide element, allowing for secure engagement and disengagement within a recessed locking receptacle, providing a secure, visually integrated, and injury-reduced locking mechanism that can lock multiple sides of an opening, enhancing security and sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a protruding locking plate is used to secure the window sash, then the locking security is improved, but the visual appearance deteriorates and injury risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is nested within a recess in the window sash, and the locking receptacle is nested within a recess in the frame. This nesting arrangement allows the locking mechanism to function securely while remaining visually concealed and eliminating protruding parts that could cause injury.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking plate is extracted from a protruding configuration and repositioned into a recessed locking receptacle. This extraction eliminates the visual obtrusion and injury risk associated with protruding locking plates while maintaining the security function through the engagement of the locking element with the locking receptacle.
2Reliability
If a conventional locking plate is used, then the locking function is achieved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The guide element serves multiple functions: it guides the locking element during movement, provides structural support, and integrates with the recessed configuration. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the overall device structure and easing manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element and guide element are merged into a single integrated component, and the locking receptacle is integrated into the frame structure. This merging reduces the total number of parts, simplifies assembly, and eases manufacturing while maintaining reliable locking function.
3Reliability
If the locking element moves laterally into the locking plate, then the locking security is improved, but the visual appearance and safety deteriorate due to protrusion
Solution Approach 1:
Both the locking element and locking receptacle are positioned within recesses, creating a nested configuration where the locking mechanism is concealed within the overall shape of the window sash and frame. This eliminates protrusions while maintaining the security provided by the locking engagement.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of the locking plate protruding outward to receive the locking element, the configuration is inverted: the locking receptacle is recessed into the frame, and the locking element moves into this recessed space. This inversion achieves the same security function while improving visual appearance and safety.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The invention relates to a device (1) for selectively closing an opening, such as a window or a door, comprising at least a first and a second element (2, 3) that are movable relative to each other, wherein at least one of the first or second element (2, 3) has at least one guide element (3a) projecting from an end face (12) of this element (2, 3), which is arranged to be movable along the end face (12), characterized in that the first element (2, 3) has a locking element (5), wherein the locking element (5) is moved by means of the guide element (3a) between a locking position, in which the locking element (5) engages in a locking receptacle (2b, 3b) on the side of the second element (2, 3) such that the two elements (2, 3) are locked together, preferably at least on the side of the device (1) having the locking element (5), and a release position.in which the locking element (5) is spaced apart from the locking receptacle (2b, 3b) and the second element (2, 3), preferably such that the two elements (2, 3) are movable relative to each other, preferably at least on the side of the device (1) having the locking element (5), and are movable with at least one movement component (x, z) orthogonal to the direction of movement of the guide element (3a). The invention further relates to an elongated locking device (V) for locking a window or door (1) and a method for selectively closing an opening, such as a window or door (1).