Sliding Door Locking Device Multi-Directional Bolt Guide

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing locking systems for sliding doors face challenges in providing comprehensive burglary resistance, particularly for large sliding doors, as they often fail to secure against directions other than those locked by the engagement of locking parts and are not suitable for sliding doors that are raised before an opening movement.

Innovation Solution

A locking device with a closing element and latch that features a curved guide with both horizontal and vertical sections, allowing the bolt to be secured against removal and blocking movement in multiple directions, including the sliding direction, while being integrated with an elastic carrier to reduce sound transmission and enhance stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a traditional locking system with locking elements is used, then the sliding door is secured in the locked position, but the security is insufficient in directions not covered by the engagement of the locking elements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveburglary resistanceVSAvoidsecurity coverage in multiple directions
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a curved guide with multiple sections (horizontal, vertical, and inclined) that guides the bolt in three-dimensional space. This multi-dimensional guide structure enables the bolt to engage with the locking element at multiple positions and orientations, providing security coverage in horizontal, vertical, and diagonal directions simultaneously, thus resolving the limitation of traditional single-direction locking systems.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The curved guide is divided into multiple sections (first curved guide section, second curved guide section, third curved guide section) with different orientations. Each section provides locking engagement in a specific direction, and collectively they cover all possible attack directions. This segmentation allows the single bolt to perform multiple locking functions that would traditionally require multiple separate locking mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If a locking system is designed for horizontally moving sliding doors, then the locking function is achieved, but it cannot be used for sliding doors that are lifted before opening

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with lift-and-slide operationVSAvoidlocking security
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The curved guide is designed with a dynamic path that accommodates the bolt's movement during both lifting and sliding operations. The guide's curved geometry allows the bolt to naturally follow the lifting motion vertically and then transition to horizontal engagement, providing seamless support for lift-and-slide door operations while maintaining secure locking throughout the entire movement sequence.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If multiple locking elements are used to provide comprehensive security, then burglary resistance is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveburglary resistanceVSAvoidnumber of locking components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The single bolt is designed with a multi-functional capability through the curved guide system. The bolt serves multiple functions: it provides horizontal locking engagement, vertical anti-lift protection, and diagonal security coverage. By making one component perform multiple locking functions that would traditionally require separate locking elements, the patent achieves comprehensive security without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 significantly increases burglary protection by securing the sliding door in all directions except the vertical lifting direction, improving air and sound tightness, and allowing for a compact design that enhances the overall security and functionality of the sliding system.

Implementation Method 1

The support preferably comprises or is made of an elastic, in particular elastomeric, material, so that sound transmission via the locking device is reduced

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration isolation: Damping

Data Source

PatentEP4245956A1Locking device and sliding assembly
Publication Date: 2023.09.20 SCHUECO INTERNATIONAL KG
  • EP4245956A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4245956A1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP4245956A1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3B

AI summary

A locking device (1) for a sliding door (4) comprises a locking element (20, 20') and a bolt (11, 11') on a bolt element (10) that can be inserted into a cam guide (22) of the locking element (20, 20'), wherein the bolt (11, 11') has a widened end section (12, 12') which, in the locked position, engages behind the cam guide (22) of the locking element (20, 20'), wherein, in the mounted position, the cam guide (22) is angled with a substantially horizontal section (23) and a substantially vertical section (24). The locking device is preferably mounted between a sliding door and a frame or mullion to secure a sliding door (4).