Door Leaf Locking Device With Sensor-Controlled Force Release

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing locking devices for doors and windows require high manual force for release, leading to noise, wear, and are unsafe for fire protection applications.

Innovation Solution

A locking device with a sensor-controlled mechanism that detects external forces acting on the sash to release the locking mechanism, allowing for low-force, quiet, and reliable operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a purely mechanical locking element with a steep stop surface is used, then the locking element can securely hold the door leaf in the open position, but a relatively high force must be applied manually to deflect the stop cam and release the lock

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecure holding capabilityVSAvoidmanual release force required

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the purely mechanical release mechanism with an electromechanical system. A sensor detects forces applied to the door leaf, and an evaluation and control unit activates an electromechanical holding device to transfer the locking element from the locking position to the release position. This substitution eliminates the need for high manual force to deflect the stop cam.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces intermediate components between the user and the locking element: a sensor acts as an intermediary to detect applied forces, and an electromechanical holding device serves as a mediator to transfer the locking element position. This intermediary system translates small user forces into the necessary locking element movement without requiring direct high-force mechanical interaction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the locking element is overpressed by applying high force in the closing direction, then the lock can be manually released, but this results in a loud, annoying noise and causes wear and tear on the sliding block and locking element

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanual release capabilityVSAvoidnoise and wear

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the high-force mechanical overpressing mechanism with an electromechanical release system. The sensor and control unit activate the electromechanical holding device to transfer the locking element position, eliminating the need for loud, high-force mechanical impacts that cause wear and noise.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides self-service release functionality where the sensor automatically detects when a user intends to release the lock by applying force to the door leaf, and the electromechanical holding device automatically transfers the locking element position without requiring the user to manually overpress the mechanical components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If a purely mechanical locking device that can only be released by overpressure is used, then the locking mechanism is simple, but it is not permitted on fire protection compartments for safety reasons

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking mechanism simplicityVSAvoidfire safety compliance

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the purely mechanical locking system with an electromechanical system that includes sensors and control units. This substitution enables the locking device to comply with fire safety regulations by providing controlled release capabilities while maintaining relatively simple overall device architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates a sensor that provides feedback about forces applied to the door leaf. This feedback mechanism allows the system to detect user release intentions and automatically activate the electromechanical holding device to transfer the locking element position, enabling safe operation in fire protection compartments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP4624716A1Fixing device

Publication Date: 2025.10.01 GEZE GMBH

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AI summary

The present invention relates to a locking device (14) for locking a leaf (22) of a door, a window, or the like, wherein the locking device (14) comprises: a guide rail (28) and a sliding element (26) guided longitudinally displaceably in the guide rail (28); a locking element (34) preferably arranged in or on the guide rail (28) and having a locking portion, wherein the locking element (34) is selectively operable in a locking position, in which the locking element (34) blocks a movement of the sliding element (26) coupled to a closing movement of the leaf (22) past the locking element (34) and thereby locks the leaf (22) in an open position, and a release position, in which the locking element (34) releases a movement of the sliding element (26) coupled to a closing movement of the leaf (22);a holding device (33) designed to operate the locking element (34) selectively in the locked position or in the release position; a sensor device (36) designed to detect sensor information representative of a force acting on the wing (22) fixed in the open position; and an evaluation and control unit (32) designed to control the holding device (33) as a function of the sensor information such that the locking element (34) is transferred from the locked position to the release position.