Rotatable Cam Lock Mechanism for Compact Door and Window Security

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing door and window locks require significant space for longitudinal displacement of components and are susceptible to dirt accumulation, limiting their compactness and reliability.

Innovation Solution

A lock mechanism featuring a rotatably mounted cam device with a spring and transmission system, allowing for multiple coupling configurations with outer nuts, and utilizing magnetic coupling between transmission and coupling elements for compact and reliable operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a carriage is used for longitudinal movement to pivot transmission levers, then the lock can achieve multiple coupling configurations, but the space required increases and the screw mechanism becomes susceptible to contamination

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoupling configurationsVSAvoidspace for carriage movement
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from linear longitudinal movement of a carriage to rotational movement of a cam assembly. The cam assembly rotates within a limited angular range (e.g., 0-90 degrees) to achieve multiple coupling configurations, eliminating the need for extensive linear travel space while maintaining versatility in coupling arrangements.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the carriage-and-screw mechanism with a cam-based mechanical system. The cam assembly uses cam profiles and cam followers to convert rotational motion into the desired coupling movements, eliminating the need for a carriage that is susceptible to contamination and requiring significant longitudinal space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a carriage mechanism is used for pivotable transmission levers, then coupling selections are possible, but the lock becomes more susceptible to dirt accumulation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecoupling selectionsVSAvoiddirt accumulation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the open carriage mechanism with a cam assembly that operates within a more enclosed and protected space. The cam profiles and cam followers are designed to minimize exposure to external contaminants while maintaining the ability to select different coupling configurations through rotational movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The cam assembly is integrated within the existing lock structure in a nested manner, with the cam rotating within a cam housing that protects the mechanism from dirt and contamination while allowing the necessary rotational movement to achieve various coupling selections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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 solution enables a more compact and functionally reliable lock design with enhanced coupling configurations, reducing susceptibility to dirt and improving adaptability for various applications.

Implementation Method 1

The locking mechanism may include a spring device that directly or indirectly acts on the first coupling element and/or the second coupling element.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

The first transmission element and the first coupling element are magnetically coupled and/or that the second transmission element and the second coupling element are magnetically coupled.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic coupling: Magnetism

Data Source

PatentEP3126597B1Lock for door or window
Publication Date: 2019.07.03 ASSA ABLOY NEDERLAND
  • EP3126597B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3126597B1 patent drawingFigure 2a
  • EP3126597B1 patent drawingFigure 2b

AI summary

The invention relates to a lock 1 for a door or a window with a movably mounted leaf, comprising a locking mechanism with at least one latch and a lock nut for actuating the latch and a selection device which interacts with the lock nut and which comprises an electric actuator 2m. The lock nut is designed as a three-part nut with an inner nut 1b, a first outer nut 1a, and a second outer nut 1c. The lock also comprises a coupling device made of a first coupling element 3a and a second coupling element 3c. The output of the electric actuator 2m has a rotatably mounted cam device 2n or interacts with said cam device, and the cam device 2n interacts directly or indirectly with the first coupling element 3a and/or the second coupling element 3c.