Sliding Panel Lock Faceplate for Hidden Tool-Free Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locks for sliding doors or windows require numerous manual operations and visible screws for installation, which are time-consuming and aesthetically unappealing, and necessitate different faceplates for varying panel heights.
Innovation Solution
A lock design featuring a lock body with a latch mechanism and a plate that hides the lock body, connected via plate connection means perpendicular to the panel plane, using half-shells and securing means without visible screws, allowing tool-free installation and adaptation to different panel heights.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If threaded screws are used to connect the faceplate to the lock body and secure the lock to the door/window, then the lock installation is secure and reliable, but the installation requires numerous manual operations and special tools, slowing down installation work and making the screw heads visible which is aesthetically unappealing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the traditional threaded screw connection system from the visible and functional interface between the faceplate and lock body. Instead, it extracts the fastening function and implements it through hidden pressing elements that engage with recesses, eliminating the need for visible screw heads and manual threading operations while maintaining secure attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces pressing elements as intermediary components between the faceplate and lock body. These pressing elements transmit the securing force without requiring threaded engagement, acting as a mediator that achieves reliable attachment through simple pressing motions rather than complex screw threading, thereby simplifying installation while ensuring security.
2Adaptability or versatility
If different faceplates are used for housings at different heights, then the lock can be properly installed on various panel configurations, but it necessitates having multiple faceplate types which increases device complexity and inventory requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the faceplate with a universal pressing element system that can adapt to housings at different heights through a single faceplate design. The pressing elements can be positioned to engage with recesses at various vertical locations, allowing one faceplate type to serve multiple height configurations, thereby eliminating the need for multiple specialized faceplate variants.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a dynamic positioning capability where the pressing elements can be adjusted or repositioned within the faceplate structure to accommodate different housing heights. This dynamic adaptability allows the same faceplate to function across varying panel configurations without requiring physical replacement with different faceplate types.
Data Source
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Figure 2b
AI summary
The invention is a lock (1) for securing a door or window panel (900) to an upright. The lock (1) comprises a lock device (2) insertable into a lock housing (950) comprising a lock body (3) and a latch mechanism (4) movable along a panel plane (P) parallel to the panel (900) between a released configuration and a locked configuration of the panel (900) to the upright. The lock body (3) is provided with securing means (6) for securing to the panel (900). In addition, the lock (1) comprises a plate (5) installed on the lock device (2) that defines a front face (5') facing the outside of the panel (900) and a rear face (5") facing the lock body (3). Said plate (5) is connected to the lock body (3) by means of plate connection means acting in a direction perpendicular to the panel plane (P) in such a way that, when the lock (1) is installed on the panel, the front face (5') of the plate (5) is free of any connection elements for connecting the plate (5) to the lock body (3) and to the panel (900).