Reversible Elastic Locking Mechanism for Window Fitting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fitting arrangements for windows and doors have blocking devices that irreversibly fix the faceplate and drive rod in position, making it impossible to reinstall or move the fitting arrangement, and loose parts can cause sluggish operation or unwanted blocking.
Innovation Solution
A fitting arrangement with a resiliently elastic latching element and counter-lock that can be adjusted between a blocking and release position, allowing the positional fixation to be canceled and restored as needed, preventing the latching element from automatically returning to the blocking position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a shear element is used to fix the drive rod in position, then the locking device can prevent the drive rod from shifting, but the fixation is irreversibly lost after first actuation and cannot be re-established
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device transitions from a static irreversible locking mechanism to a dynamic reversible one. The resiliently elastic detent element can be moved between locking and release positions, allowing the system to switch between fixed and movable states repeatedly, enabling both reliable fixation and subsequent repositioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism utilizes changes in the physical state of the detent element through elastic deformation. By applying force to move the detent element between engaged and disengaged positions, the system can reversibly change its locking state, allowing fixation to be established and released multiple times.
2Reliability
If a shear element is used to fix the drive rod in position, then the locking device can prevent the drive rod from shifting, but the sheared-off part remains loose and uncontrolled causing stiff operation or unwanted blockage
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the problematic sheared-off part from the system by replacing it with a reusable resiliently elastic detent element. Instead of discarding the locking mechanism after use, the detent element can be repeatedly engaged and disengaged, eliminating loose parts while maintaining locking reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The resiliently elastic detent element can be recovered and reused multiple times without degradation. Unlike a shear element that is consumed after single use, the detent element returns to its original state after releasing the drive rod, allowing continuous operation without generating waste parts.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the locking element is made resiliently elastic and adjustable between locking and release positions, then the positional fixation can be released and restored as often as desired, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The resiliently elastic detent element automatically returns to its locking position after releasing the drive rod, without requiring external intervention. This self-resetting capability simplifies the control mechanism while maintaining the ability to repeatedly establish and release fixation.
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
Enables the faceplate and drive rod to be fixed and released repeatedly, preventing unwanted blocking and ensuring smooth operation, while avoiding the need for shearing or tearing off parts, thus allowing for easy reinstallation and movement.
Implementation Method 1
a resiliently elastic detent element (12) which is adjustable between a locking position and a release position
Data Source
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AI summary
The fitting assembly has a faceplate, a connecting rod and a blocking device (10) arranged relative to the faceplate. The blocking device has an elastic locking element (12) and is mounted at the face plate or the connecting rod. The locking element is displaced between a blocking position and a releasing position. The locking element is in contact with a counter lock in the blocking position.