Reversible Connector for Lock Fittings Retrofitting

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing locking fittings, such as espagnolette or espagnolette-lock type, require complex dismantling and specific manufacturer-specific connection means for retrofitting with home automation features, limiting adaptability and ease of installation.

Innovation Solution

A connector device with reversible horizontal and vertical rotation, featuring multiple connection means on each end to accommodate various locking fittings, allowing for interconnection without dismantling and enabling adaptation to different configurations, including interlocking, hooking, and screwing mechanisms, which can be installed in a recessed groove without additional intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If specific manufacturer-specific connection means are used for locking hardware, then the connection reliability is improved, but the adaptability to different locking fittings deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidadaptability to different locking fittings
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The connector device incorporates multiple types of connection means (interlocking, hooking, screwing) at both ends, allowing it to interface with various locking fitting types from different manufacturers. This multi-functional design enables a single connector to adapt to different locking mechanisms while maintaining reliable connections through the appropriate connection type for each specific fitting.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If complex dismantling and reassembly operations are performed for retrofitting, then the adaptability to add home automation functionalities is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to add home automation functionalitiesVSAvoidease of installation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The locking system is divided into modular components: the existing locking fitting, the connector device with multiple connection means, and the additional home automation equipment. This segmentation allows the connector to be installed independently without dismantling the original locking mechanism, enabling retrofitting through simple attachment operations while maintaining the existing fitings.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connector device serves as an intermediary component between the existing locking fitting and the new home automation equipment. It provides standardized connection interfaces that simplify the integration process, allowing home automation features to be added without direct modification or dismantling of the original locking hardware.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple connection means are provided on each end of the connector device, then the adaptability to different locking fittings is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different locking fittingsVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connector device is designed with reversible horizontal and vertical rotation capabilities, allowing dynamic adjustment of the connection orientation. This dynamic feature enables the same physical connector to present different connection means in different orientations, effectively adapting to various locking fitting configurations without requiring multiple separate connector designs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3680429B1Connector device for a lock fitting, in particular such as a window catch or espagnolette
Publication Date: 2021.11.24 FERCO
  • EP3680429B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3680429B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3680429B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a connector device for the end 24 of an operating rod 7, a transmission element 25, or a similar locking fitting 4, particularly of the cremone bolt or cremone-lock type. More specifically, this connector device comprises a first side 16 and a second opposite side 17 extending between a first end 18 and a second end 19, each provided, on said first side 16 and on the second opposite side 17, with separate connection means 20, 21, 22, 23, adapted to cooperate with an end 24 of an operating rod 7 and/or a transmission element 25. The invention further relates to the application of such a connector device to a cremone bolt or cremone-lock type locking fitting for detecting the position of an operating rod.