Shutter Locking Actuation via Cranked Rod Through Glazing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional shutter systems for windows or doors with fixed glazing present a challenge as the locking device is inaccessible from the inside, making it difficult to unlock or lock the system when the building opening is closed.

Innovation Solution

A cranked rod actuating device is used, guided through a slit-shaped opening from the outside to the inside of the shutter element, allowing for unlocking or locking without interior access, with a sliding latch or pawl mechanism that can be operated from the outside, and optionally a cable system for ease of use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the locking device is arranged on the inside of the shutter element for aesthetic and security reasons, then burglary protection is improved, but accessibility for manual operation is worsened when building openings are closed with fixed glazing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveburglary protectionVSAvoidaccessibility for manual operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The actuating element is extended through the shutter element in a direction perpendicular to the shutter plane, creating a new dimensional access path from the outside to the inside. This allows the locking device to remain on the inside for security while the actuating element provides external accessibility, effectively adding a spatial dimension to resolve the contradiction.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The actuating element serves as an intermediary component that connects the external operating environment with the internal locking mechanism. It transmits the operating force from the outside through the shutter element to the locking device on the inside, enabling remote operation without compromising the internal arrangement of the locking device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the building opening is closed with fixed glazing for security and insulation, then burglary protection and thermal insulation are improved, but accessibility to the locking device is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveburglary protectionVSAvoidaccessibility to locking device
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The actuating element extends through the shutter element in a direction perpendicular to the shutter plane, creating external accessibility without requiring access to the building interior. This dimensional extension allows the fixed glazing to remain closed for security and insulation while maintaining operational access to the locking device.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The actuating element is divided into distinct segments: an external operating portion, a transmission portion through the shutter element, and an internal connection portion to the locking device. This segmentation allows each part to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall system integrity and accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If a cranked rod actuating element is used to enable external operation, then accessibility is improved, but device complexity is worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveexternal accessibilityVSAvoidactuating mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The actuating element employs a cranked (curved) rod design instead of a straight rod. This curvature allows the actuating element to navigate around internal obstructions within the shutter element while maintaining a compact form factor. The curved path enables force transmission from the external operating end to the internal locking device connection without requiring complex mechanical linkages.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Data Source

PatentEP3444417B1Load system for building openings
Publication Date: 2022.06.22 EHRET GMBH
  • EP3444417B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3444417B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3444417B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a shutter system (1) for covering windows (9) or doors in building openings (2) with at least two interconnected and movably mounted shutter elements (6), each having an outer side (7) and an inner side (8) opposite the outer side, and with a locking device (14) arranged on the inner side (8) of at least one shutter element (6), which has a bolt (15), characterized in that the bolt (15) of the locking device (14) can be actuated from the outer side (8) of the at least one shutter element (6) by means of an actuating device.