Polygonal-Pin Locking System for Internal Security and Emergency Release

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing door and window locking systems do not allow for secure locking from one side, particularly in rooms requiring internal security like bathrooms or toilets, and lack efficient emergency release mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A locking system featuring a polygonal pin with a base pin and engagement element that can switch between a holding and release state, combined with an emergency release slide, allowing secure locking and easy unlocking from one side using a handle-operated mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a conventional locking system with polygonal pin and lock nut is used, then the door can be locked from the outside, but the door cannot be secured from the inside and requires complex multi-component assemblies

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking operationVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking system is divided into functionally independent segments: the polygonal pin handles locking engagement, while the sliding mechanism handles the locking action. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently without requiring complex integration, resolving the contradiction between operational ease and assembly complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The locking function is extracted from the handle assembly and implemented as a separate sliding mechanism that operates independently. This extraction allows the handle to remain simple while the locking action is performed by a dedicated component, reducing overall assembly complexity while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If internal locking is implemented using existing mechanisms, then secure locking from inside is achieved, but the mechanism becomes overly complex and difficult to manufacture

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking securityVSAvoidmanufacturing simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The sliding mechanism is designed with localized functionality - it only performs the locking action when needed, rather than being integrated into every component. This local quality approach ensures reliable internal locking while keeping individual components simple and easy to manufacture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses a dynamic sliding mechanism that can move between locked and unlocked positions, providing reliable internal locking when required while maintaining simplicity in the overall design. The dynamic nature of the slide allows it to engage and disengage cleanly, ensuring manufacturing simplicity without compromising security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If emergency release functionality is added to existing locking systems, then emergency unlocking capability is provided, but the system complexity increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveemergency release capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sliding mechanism serves multiple functions: normal locking operation, internal locking, and emergency release. By making this single component multi-functional, the system achieves emergency release capability without significantly increasing overall complexity, as the same slide handles all three operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The slide acts as an intermediary component that mediates between the handle operation and the locking mechanism. It provides a simple interface for emergency release while maintaining the complexity of the locking function internally, thus adding versatility without proportionally increasing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4438836B1Locking system and door or window comprising such a locking system
Publication Date: 2025.10.22 HERMAT METALLWAREN B PORST GMBH
  • EP4438836B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4438836B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4438836B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A locking system for a door or window is proposed, comprising a first handle (14, 72), a second handle (16, 74) and a polygonal pin (22, 80, 140) which engages at a first end (26, 84) in a rotationally fixed manner in the first handle (14, 72), engages at a second end (30, 88) in a rotationally fixed manner in the second handle (16, 74) and which includes a base pin (24, 82) extending continuously between the two handles (14, 16, 72, 74), characterized by a bolt slide (44, 96) which is displaceable on the base pin (24, 82) in the axial direction of the polygonal pin (22, 80, 140).The multi-sided pin (22, 80, 140) comprises an engagement element (36, 94, 150) for engagement in a lock nut (40) of a lock (42), which is rotatably mounted relative to the base pin (24, 82) and which can be switched between a holding state, in which it is rotationally fixed relative to the base pin (24, 82), and a release state, in which it is rotatable relative to the base pin (24, 82), by means of the bolt slide (44, 96).