Sliding Leaf Locking Mechanism Resisting Wind Loads

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sliding and rotating leaf systems fail to provide reliable locking mechanisms that prevent unintentional opening due to horizontal wind loads, as the latch has a small immersion depth in the horizontal rails.

Innovation Solution

A sliding and rotating leaf system with a locking mechanism that includes a drive and operating part, allowing the door leaf to be displaced within the rail profile to prevent alignment with the outlet opening, featuring a mechanical drive with a thrust element and an operating lever that converts rotary motion into horizontal movement, and a clamping piece for lateral stabilization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a latch-based locking mechanism is used in the rail profile, then the door leaf can be locked in the closed position, but the locking mechanism fails under horizontal wind loads due to small immersion depth

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking reliabilityVSAvoidwind load susceptibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism transitions from a two-dimensional latch system (engaging only in the horizontal rail plane) to a three-dimensional system by utilizing both horizontal and vertical rail profiles. The bearing element engages with outlet openings in both horizontal and vertical directions, creating a multi-dimensional locking configuration that resists wind loads from multiple directions simultaneously.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The drive mechanism automatically displaces the door leaf in the closing direction before potential wind loads can act on it. This preliminary action ensures that the bearing elements are continuously positioned to engage with the outlet openings, maintaining locked status without requiring reactive adjustments during wind events.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If the door leaf is made completely openable for ventilation, then airflow is maximized, but unauthorized opening becomes a security risk

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveventilation capabilityVSAvoidsecurity reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism dynamically adjusts between two states: fully locked (preventing opening) and unlocked (allowing complete opening for ventilation). The drive mechanism enables smooth transitions between these states, allowing the system to adapt to different operational requirements while maintaining security when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The operating part provides tactile feedback to indicate the locking status, and the mechanism's design ensures that the door leaf position is continuously maintained in the locked state through the drive mechanism's positioning action, creating a feedback loop that maintains security integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If a complex locking mechanism with deep immersion is used, then wind load resistance is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewind load resistanceVSAvoidlocking mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rail profile system serves multiple functions: it guides the door leaf movement, provides the locking interface through outlet openings, and structurally supports the multi-dimensional engagement. The same rail profiles used for guidance also serve as the locking mechanism framework, eliminating the need for separate complex locking structures.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism components are merged with the existing rail profile structure. The outlet openings are integrated into the horizontal and vertical rail profiles, and the bearing element serves both as a guide component and a locking element, combining multiple functions into unified structural elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Ensures reliable locking even under horizontal wind loads, preventing unauthorized opening and maintaining the door leaf's position securely.

Implementation Method 1

the drive is a mechanical drive which is designed in such a way that a rotary movement of the operating lever can be converted into a horizontal movement of the door leaf along the rail profile

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical energy conversion: Mechanical Advantage

Implementation Method 2

the operating lever can also be locked, which prevents unauthorized opening

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical locking: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 3

the drive has a thrust element that is connected to an arranged side profile and can be extended by rotating the operating lever against the side profile, which acts as an abutment, causing a thrust force on the door leaf

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThrust force generation: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 4

the transformation arrangement preferably has a cam disk, a crank mechanism or a gear mechanism for deflecting a vertical movement of the push rod into a horizontal movement of the push piece

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMotion transformation: Cam

Data Source

PatentEP3835526B1Sliding and rotating leaf system
Publication Date: 2021.11.10 SUNFLEX ALUMINUMSYST
  • EP3835526B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3835526B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3c
  • EP3835526B1 patent drawingFigure 4a~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a sliding and pivoting wing system comprising at least one rail profile (1, 2) in which at least two wings (3) are each slidably mounted via two support elements (4) and which has a lateral outlet opening (13) for disengaging a support element (4) of a wing (3), wherein one wing (30) functions as a door leaf which, in the engaged state of all other wings (3), can be pivoted into the remaining opening, and wherein a locking mechanism (6, 7) is arranged by means of which opening of the door leaf (3) can be prevented, wherein the locking mechanism (6, 7) comprises an operating lever (61, 72) by means of which a drive can be actuated, by means of which the door leaf (30) can be displaced in the rail profile (1, 2) in the direction of the adjacent wing (3) to such an extent that no support element (4) of the door leaf (30) is aligned with the outlet opening (13).which prevents a support element (4) from exiting through the lateral outlet opening (13).