Retrofit Window Locking Element with Segmented Strike Plate

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing closures for windows and French doors lack ease of retrofitting and sufficient burglary protection, requiring significant adjustments to the frame and being unsuitable for timber windows.

Innovation Solution

A closure design featuring a longitudinally displaceable locking element housed in a stable structure with a flange for easy retrofitting, enhanced by a locking plate and adapter sleeve for precise alignment, and a T-shaped locking element with protruding webs for increased stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a locking mechanism with anti-burglary device is attached to secure the sash vertically, then burglary protection is improved, but modifications to the frame are required which prevent simple retrofitting

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveburglary protectionVSAvoidretrofitting ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is divided into separate modular components: a locking element that can be attached to the drive rod fitting, and a strike plate that mounts to the frame. This segmentation allows the components to be installed independently without requiring frame modifications, enabling easy retrofitting while maintaining high burglary protection through the coordinated action of the locking element and strike plate.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If a slide with additional locking pin is used to create positive locking connection, then burglary protection is improved, but significant modifications to the connecting rod fitting are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveburglary protectionVSAvoidmodification complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking element is designed with universal compatibility to attach to existing drive rod fittings without requiring modifications to the connecting rod fitting. The element provides multiple functions: it creates a positive locking connection through engagement with the strike plate, prevents prying through its robust construction, and maintains compatibility with standard drive rod fittings, thereby improving burglary protection without increasing device complexity.

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

3Device complexity

If the locking element engages directly in a recess of the opposite component, then the structure is simplified, but prying resistance is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidprying resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The locking element incorporates protruding webs that extend laterally beyond the basic engagement recess, creating engagement in multiple dimensions. These webs engage with corresponding recesses or features on the strike plate, distributing the prying forces across multiple contact points rather than a single engagement point. This dimensional extension maintains structural simplicity while significantly enhancing prying resistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP3293330B1Fastener for a connecting rod fitting
Publication Date: 2019.06.26 WINKHAUS
  • EP3293330B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3293330B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3293330B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A locking device (7) for a window's locking bar (3) has a bolt element (11) guided in a housing (10) and a strike plate (9) opposite the housing (10). The bolt element (11) has a coupling member (17) for connection with a known locking bolt (12) of the locking bar (3). The locking device (7) can be retrofitted to existing windows and offers a high level of protection against prying.