Pivotable Latch Bolt That Stays Locked When Unlocked

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Solution Overview

Problem

Tilt latches remain disengaged when the lock is unlocked, allowing doors to be easily opened without a handle or key, and cannot be integrated with electronic door openers due to the unlocking mechanism disengaging the tilt mechanism, requiring precise strike plate adjustments and causing noise during closure.

Innovation Solution

A tilting latch with a switchable latch head and blocking element, featuring a locking connection that remains engaged when unlocked, and a translational slide mechanism with return springs to control the latch's position, allowing it to be opened only with deliberate action.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the latch is designed as a tilt latch that disengages when unlocked, then the door can be easily opened under preload, but the door can be easily pushed open without deliberate action and cannot be integrated with electronic door openers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of opening under preloadVSAvoidsecurity when unlocked
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The latch mechanism is divided into two independent functional parts: a retraction mechanism controlled by the lock and a tilting mechanism controlled by a separate actuating device. This segmentation allows the lock to control latch retraction while a distinct mechanism controls the tilting action, preventing automatic disengagement when unlocked and enabling integration with electronic door openers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A slide mechanism acts as an intermediary between the latch head and the blocking element. The slide guides the translational movement of the latch head and controls the engagement and disengagement of the locking means, providing precise control over when the tilting mechanism becomes active and enabling reliable operation with electronic openers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the latch head remains engaged when unlocked, then the door cannot be easily pushed open, but the door cannot be opened under preload with minimal force

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity when unlockedVSAvoidease of opening under preload
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The latch mechanism transitions from a static engaged state to a dynamic tilting state through a deliberate actuating action. The tilting latch head can pivot about its longitudinal axis when the actuating device is activated, allowing the door to be opened under preload with minimal force while maintaining security when unlocked through the engaged locking means.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the strike plate is precisely adjusted for tilt latch operation, then the latch operates smoothly, but the device complexity and adjustment requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesmooth latch operationVSAvoidstrike plate adjustment requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The slide mechanism automatically guides the translational movement of the latch head and controls the engagement of the locking means with the strike plate. This self-guiding mechanism reduces the need for precise manual adjustment of the strike plate, as the slide ensures proper alignment and smooth operation during latch engagement and disengagement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 latch maintains the locked position when unlocked, enabling integration with electronic openers and preventing accidental opening, while allowing opening under preload with minimal force, reducing noise and eliminating the need for precise strike plate adjustments.

Implementation Method 1

The trap stem has a first return spring between the slide and the locking element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The trap head has a second return spring between the locking element and the trap head

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4484679B1Activatable latch bolt with pivotable head
Publication Date: 2026.03.04 GLUTZ AG
  • EP4484679B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4484679B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4484679B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a tilt latch, as well as a lock or door or window equipped therewith. The invention further relates to a method for operating such a door or window. The tilt latch according to the invention is characterized in that, when the door or window is unlocked, the tilt latch remains in the locked position.