Pivot Cover for Window Lever Security

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing espagnolette fittings for double-leaf windows or doors are vulnerable to unauthorized unlocking, as the operating lever can be easily accessed and manipulated when the gap between the sashes is enlarged.

Innovation Solution

The cover is mounted on a pivot axis transverse to the operating lever's direction of movement, preventing direct access and making it difficult to activate the locks when attempting to unlock without authorization, with additional features such as a U-shaped frame and lock to enhance security and accessibility.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the operating lever is arranged in the gap between the secondary sash and the main sash for easy operation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the security against unauthorized unlocking deteriorates because the lever becomes accessible when the gap is enlarged by levering open

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessibility of operating leverVSAvoidunauthorized access to operating lever
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A cover is introduced as an intermediary element between the operating lever and the external environment. The cover pivots about a vertical axis and can be rotated to cover or expose the operating lever, preventing direct access to the lever even when the gap between sashes is enlarged by forcing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The cover is designed to be rotatable about a vertical pivot axis, allowing it to dynamically change its position between covering and exposing the operating lever. This dynamic element adds an additional layer of control over access to the operating mechanism

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the cover is mounted on the secondary sash for protection, then the security is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates because the cover complicates access to the operating lever

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection against manipulationVSAvoidaccessibility of operating lever
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The cover is designed as a rotatable element about a vertical axis rather than a fixed cover, allowing users to easily rotate it to access the operating lever when needed. This dynamic design maintains security while preserving ease of operation through simple rotational movement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The cover is designed as a separate, movable component that can be independently rotated to expose or cover the operating lever. This segmentation allows the cover to function as a protective element that does not permanently obstruct access to the operating mechanism

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the pivot axis of the cover is arranged transverse to the direction of movement of the operating lever, then the security is improved by blocking access, but the device complexity increases due to the additional pivot mechanism

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedifficulty of unauthorized accessVSAvoidcover pivot mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The cover acts as an intermediary element that blocks direct access to the operating lever. By positioning the pivot axis transverse to the lever's movement direction, the cover effectively intercepts forcing attempts while the lever operates independently through its own pivot mechanism

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system is segmented into two independent rotational mechanisms: the cover rotating about a vertical pivot axis and the operating lever rotating about a horizontal pivot axis. This segmentation allows each element to function independently, blocking unauthorized access while maintaining operational simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2666942B1Connecting rod fitting of a side leaf of two-leafed windows or doors
Publication Date: 2019.01.23 WINKHAUS
  • EP2666942B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2666942B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP2666942B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The driving rod fitting (5) has a control lever (6) for actuating the drive rod fitting main structure. The control lever is arranged in a gap between the side wings (3) and a main wing (2). The control lever is concealed when the window is closed. The control lever is accessed, when window is opened by a cover.