Panel-Mounted Latch Actuator for Frame-Integrated Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional latch arrangements for doors and windows often require interaction with frame-mounted mechanisms for unlocking, which can be inconvenient and lack intuitive operation, especially when trying to open panels without accessing the frame-side mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A latch arrangement featuring a locking element mounted on the frame that can be unlocked via a panel-mounted actuating mechanism, including a handle and linkage system, allowing the locking element to be displaced out of engagement with the panel through a combination of rotational and non-parallel motion, enabling easy opening of the panel without interacting with the frame.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the locking element is mounted on the frame and requires interaction with frame-mounted mechanisms for unlocking, then the locking security is maintained, but the ease of operation deteriorates as users must access frame-side mechanisms which is inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by mounting the actuating mechanism on the panel instead of the frame. The locking element remains frame-mounted for security, but the actuator is relocated to the panel, allowing users to operate the latch from the panel side rather than needing to access frame mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a linkage mechanism as an intermediary between the panel-mounted actuator and the frame-mounted locking element. This linkage transmits the unlocking motion from the panel side to the locking element, enabling remote actuation without direct interaction with the frame mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If the locking element is displaceable through rotational motion and/or non-parallel displacement, then the ease of operation is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic linkage mechanism that adapts its motion path during operation. The linkage allows the locking element to follow a complex trajectory combining rotation and non-parallel displacement, providing intuitive operation while the mechanism itself accommodates manufacturing tolerances through its degrees of freedom.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the motion parameters of the locking element from simple linear displacement to a combination of rotational and non-parallel displacment. This provides more intuitive operation for users while the linkage mechanism absorbs the increased complexity through its mechanical design.
Data Source
AI summary
A latch arrangement for fastening a panel of a door or a window to a frame element is provided. The latch arrangement includes a locking element mounted on the frame element and displaceable between a locked position in which the locking element can be engaged with the panel locking thereby the panel to the frame element, and an unlocked position in which the locking element is disengaged from the panel unlocking thereby the panel from the frame element. An actuating mechanism, optionally including a manually operable handle, is mounted on the panel and configured to selectively engage the locking element and to displace the locking element to the unlocked position. Where a stop latch provides deadlock functionality, the panel-mounted actuating mechanism preferably sequentially releases the stop latch and then displaces the locking element.