Rotating Latch Immobilization for Sun Protection Panels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing closure plate immobilization methods in sun protection and closing installations are either unattractive, easily accessible, and costly, or require specific customization, making them vulnerable to unauthorized access.

Innovation Solution

A device comprising a pin mounted on the closure plate with a rotatable latch that can switch between a locked and unlocked position, providing discreet immobilization without visible access points, allowing the closure plate to be securely locked without structural modifications to the plate.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If bolts movable in translation are used to block a closure plate, then the closure plate can be immobilized, but the bolts are relatively easy to access and visible from the outside, allowing malicious persons to easily locate and remove the closure plate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimmobilization securityVSAvoidvisibility of immobilization device

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDifficulty of detecting and measuring

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using visible external bolts to immobilize the closure plate, the invention inverts the approach by using a latch mounted on the interior side of the closure plate that engages with the heel from inside. This makes the immobilization mechanism invisible and inaccessible from the outside, while still providing secure blocking functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The latch acts as an intermediary element between the closure plate and the heel, providing the immobilization function without requiring direct external access. The latch mediates the connection by engaging the heel's features from the interior side, thus hiding the immobilization mechanism from external view.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Stability of the object's composition

If operating members are made accessible from the outside to make the closing surface integral with the heel, then the closing surface can be made integral, but this constitutes an indication for malicious persons who wish to dismantle the surface and gain access to the drive mechanism

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveintegrality of closing surfaceVSAvoidunauthorized access risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The invention inverts the traditional approach by placing the operating mechanism (latch) on the interior side of the closure plate rather than making it externally accessible. This allows the closing surface to remain visually integral and seamless from the outside, while the immobilization function is achieved through internal components that are invisible and inaccessible to malicious persons.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Reliability

If specific configuration of the closure plate is required to use bolts for blocking, then the immobilization can be achieved, but the cost price of the closure plate increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimmobilization functionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The latch is designed as a universal component that can be mounted on standard closure plates without requiring specific customization. The latch engages with features already present on the heel (such as the recess and protrusion), allowing the same latch design to work with different closure plate configurations, thus avoiding increased manufacturing costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The latch serves as a versatile intermediary component that bridges the closure plate and the heel without requiring modifications to either part. By designing the latch to engage with existing heel features, the invention avoids the need for specialized closure plate configurations, thereby maintaining ease of manufacture and controlling costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2453102B1Device for immobilising a closing panel and closing or sun-protection facility including such a device

Publication Date: 2016.01.27 ZURFLUH FELLER SA

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AI summary

The device i.e. locking key (100) has a pin (112) mounted on closing panel (9) in vicinity of upper wall (91) of the panel. A latch (120) is completely or partially mounted to move in rotation relative to the panel between positions. The latch does not interact with end cheek plate (7), and does not oppose removal of the panel relative to a tunnel housing (2) in one of the positions when the pin is mounted on the panel. The latch interacts with the plate for locking the panel relative to the plate in another position when the pin is mounted on the panel in position relative to the housing. An independent claim is also included for a closing or sun protection facility, comprising a box.