Retrofittable Electrical Locking Unit Compact Bolt Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking units for windows and doors are bulky and space-consuming due to the large distance the bolt needs to travel between unlocked and locked positions, and incorporating an electric motor for easy operation further increases their size, making them visually unappealing and inefficient in terms of design.
Innovation Solution
A retrofittable electric locking unit with a bolt that only needs to travel a short distance between unlocked and locked positions, utilizing a compact design where the bolt's axis of rotation is aligned parallel to the base plate, and an electric motor with a rotary axis perpendicular to the bolt's movement, housed in a space-saving manner, along with a base plate for protection and enhanced security features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the bolt travels a large distance to bridge the gap between lock and bolt receptacle, then the locking unit achieves reliable security, but the locking unit becomes large and space-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of moving the bolt a large distance to bridge the gap, the patent inverts the approach by having the bolt head engage the locking mechanism directly when the sash is closed. The bolt protrudes from the frame and engages with the lock body, eliminating the need for long bolt travel while maintaining secure locking.
2Ease of operation
If an electric motor is added to reposition the bolt for convenient operation, then ease of operation is improved, but the size of the locking unit increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electric motor integration into the compact lock body design. The motor is positioned to directly drive the bolt mechanism without requiring additional space, and the control unit is integrated into the same housing, achieving convenient automated operation while maintaining a compact overall size.
3Shape
If the locking unit is designed to be compact for visual appeal, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but the bolt may not be able to travel sufficient distance to ensure secure locking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the dimensional approach by having the bolt oriented perpendicular to the mounting plane of the frame, protruding outward. This vertical/protruding arrangement allows the bolt to engage securely with the lock body in a compact horizontal footprint, achieving both compactness and reliable locking through three-dimensional spatial optimization.
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 locking unit achieves a compact and discreet appearance while ensuring high security by minimizing bolt travel and integrating the electric motor efficiently, with a base plate providing protection against forced entry and jamming mechanisms to deter unauthorized access.
Implementation Method 1
the drive unit has an electric motor with a rotary axis that is aligned parallel to the base plane and at least substantially perpendicular to the relocation direction of the bolt
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a retrofittable electrical locking unit for a window or door, having a lock for fastening to a leaf of the window or door which can be pivoted between a closed position and an open position, and having a mating piece for fastening to a frame or a further leaf of the window or door, wherein the mating piece comprises at least one bolt, which is oriented at a right angle to a fastening plane of the mating piece, and wherein the lock has: a baseplate, which extends substantially along a base plane and has at least one through-opening for the bolt; a displaceable bar, which has, in a locking section, a slot with a through-section for a head of the bolt and a hooking section, which extends from the through-section in the displacement direction of the bar, wherein the hooking section has a smaller clear width transverse to the displacement direction of the bar than the through-section of the slot and than the head of the bolt; and a drive unit for displacing the bar, said drive unit having an electric motor with a rotational axis which is oriented parallel to the base plane.