Sliding Door Locking Arm Geometry Against Forced Unlocking

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sliding doors lack secure locking mechanisms that prevent unauthorized opening, particularly in closed positions, and are vulnerable to forced unlocking.

Innovation Solution

A sliding door with a locking device featuring a pivotable locking arm mounted on a horizontal axis, actuated by an electromechanical system, which locks in a position angled greater than 0° to the vertical, obstructed by the upper horizontal sash frame profile, and includes a locking bolt for enhanced security.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a vertical locking arm is used, then the locking mechanism is simple, but it is vulnerable to forced unlocking with tools

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity against forced unlockingVSAvoidlocking mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking arm is designed with an asymmetric angular orientation (α > 0°) relative to the vertical axis, creating a non-standard geometry that prevents symmetric tool insertion and forced unlocking attempts. This asymmetric configuration makes it difficult for tools like screwdrivers or rods to engage with the locking mechanism, thereby enhancing security against forced unlocking.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

2Reliability

If the locking arm is positioned vertically, then the structure is compact, but it allows forced unlocking with tools

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection against unauthorized openingVSAvoidlocking arm extension
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The locking arm is oriented at an angle α > 0° from the vertical, creating an asymmetric position that blocks tool access while maintaining compact dimensions. This angular offset prevents tools from being inserted vertically into the locking mechanism, providing protection against unauthorized opening without requiring excessive extension of the locking arm.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

3Reliability

If a robust locking mechanism is implemented, then security is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity against break-in attemptsVSAvoidlocking device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism employs an asymmetric angular orientation (α > 0°) of the locking arm, which provides robust security against break-in attempts by preventing tool engagement. This asymmetric design achieves enhanced security without significantly increasing device complexity, as it utilizes a simple geometric modification rather than adding multiple components or mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

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 provides a robust and easy-to-use locking mechanism that effectively prevents forced unlocking and unauthorized opening, ensuring secure closure.

Implementation Method 1

movable from an unlocked position into a locked position by means of a pivoting movement by an electromechanical actuator

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromechanical actuation: Electromechanical Film

Implementation Method 2

locking arm (508), which is pivotably mounted on the base element (501) about a horizontal axis of rotation A

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPivoting movement: Hinge

Data Source

PatentEP4421285B1Sliding door with a lockable sliding wing
Publication Date: 2025.12.24 SCHUECO INTERNATIONAL KG
  • EP4421285B1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP4421285B1 patent drawingFigure 1c~1e
  • EP4421285B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

A sliding door comprises at least the following: a vertically alignable frame (300) which, in the vertical orientation, preferably has at least two vertical and at least one upper and one lower horizontally oriented frame members; a sliding sash (1) which is slidably guided in the frame (300), wherein the sliding sash (1) is slidably guided horizontally in the frame in the vertical orientation; wherein the sliding sash (1) has a sash frame (100) which is formed from at least one lower horizontal sash frame profile (150), two vertical sash frame profiles (110, 120) and one lower horizontal sash frame profile (140).In this arrangement, a base element (501) of a locking device (500) is inserted into the upper horizontally oriented frame member (340) of the frame 300, wherein the locking device (500) has a locking arm (508) which is pivotably mounted on the base element (501) and can be moved from an unlocking position to a locking position by an actuator (502) by a pivoting movement, and wherein the locking arm (508) in its locking position has an angle α to the vertical which is greater than 0°.