Sliding Panel Locking Device with Rotary Cam and Link Guide

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing locking devices for sliding panel systems require multiple units to secure a side wing and can cause wear and tear due to interaction with the floor or ceiling rail, leading to unauthorized displacement issues.

Innovation Solution

A locking device for sliding panels that prevents unauthorized displacement without interacting with the floor or ceiling rail, featuring a locking hook with a link guide and rotary cam for defined rotary positions, a pivoted blocking lever, and an emergency release mechanism, allowing for secure locking and easy operation using a key or coin.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a locking device interacts with the floor rail or ceiling rail to secure a sliding leaf, then the sliding leaf can be fixed in position, but wear and tear occurs due to repeated interaction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition fixationVSAvoidservice life of rail
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The locking device is extracted from the rail interaction system. Instead of locking against the floor rail or ceiling rail, the locking hook engages with a locking eyelet that is integrated into the sliding leaf itself. This removes the harmful interaction with the rail while maintaining the position fixation function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If a locking device is designed to prevent unauthorized displacement, then security is improved, but the device complexity increases requiring multiple components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection against unauthorized displacementVSAvoidnumber of locking components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple locking functions are merged into a single integrated locking device. The housing contains the locking hook, operating lever, link guide, and blocking lever mechanisms all in one unit. This provides comprehensive security while avoiding the need for multiple separate locking devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking device performs multiple functions: the locking hook secures the sliding leaf, the operating lever provides controlled operation, the link guide ensures defined rotary positions, and the blocking lever prevents unauthorized access. All these functions are integrated into one universal locking mechanism.

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

3Ease of operation

If the locking hook is freely pivotable to allow easy operation, then ease of operation is improved, but unauthorized displacement can occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking hook operabilityVSAvoidprotection against unauthorized displacement
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The locking hook's pivoting behavior is made dynamic and conditional. It can pivot freely when the operating lever is in the unlocked position, allowing easy operation. When the operating lever engages the link guide in the locked position, the pivoting is restricted, preventing unauthorized displacement. This dynamic control balances ease of operation with security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The link guide acts as an intermediary between the operating lever and the locking hook. It mediates the pivoting motion of the locking hook, allowing free movement during normal operation but blocking unauthorized pivoting when the locking position is engaged. This intermediary component resolves the contradiction between freedom of movement and security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If means are added to fix the locking hook and prevent pivoting, then protection against unauthorized displacement is improved, but the ease of operation may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking hook fixationVSAvoidlocking hook maneuverability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The fixation mechanism is dynamic rather than static. The blocking lever can pivot to either allow the locking hook to pivot freely (for easy operation) or block its pivoting (for security). This dynamic switching resolves the contradiction by providing both states as needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The link guide provides feedback to the operating lever about the locking hook's position. When the locking hook reaches the correct rotary positions, the link guide engages with the operating lever to confirm the locked or unlocked state. This feedback mechanism ensures that the fixation only engages when appropriate, maintaining ease of operation while providing security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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 reliable protection against unauthorized displacement with reduced wear and tear, ensuring secure locking and easy operation, while allowing for adjustment and emergency access.

Implementation Method 1

The locking hook is advantageously prestressed against the rotary cam by a spring, as a result of which reliable interaction between the rotary cam and link guide is ensured.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the sliding leaves are provided with rollers on the bottom side, with which they can be moved on the catwalks of the bottom rail arranged parallel to one another

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRolling: Roller

Data Source

PatentEP2476828B1Locking device
Publication Date: 2013.08.28 SUNFLEX ALUMINUMSYST
  • EP2476828B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2476828B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2476828B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The locking device has housing, in which a locking hook is mounted in a rotating manner and is connected with a control lever (5). A locking hook is movable into a locking and an unlocking position over a control lever. The control lever is connected with a sliding guide (421), which is designed such that the control lever is locked in two defined rotational positions.