T-Shaped Foot Locking Piece for Window Frame Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing window fittings require pre-assembly of locking pieces on a frame, which must be released for final assembly, leading to inconvenient and unreliable locking mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A locking piece with a T-shaped foot and a spring function, where the spring is attached to an inclined plane, allowing for free positioning on the window frame without additional fastening elements, ensuring the locking piece remains in place without sliding due to gravity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If locking pieces are pre-assembled on the frame using additional fastening elements, then the locking piece can be securely fixed during pre-assembly, but the assembly process becomes more complex and time-consuming requiring release and reassembly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the need for additional fastening elements by extracting the essential function of the T-shaped groove geometry itself to provide both positioning and retention. The groove's shape alone prevents lateral displacement and maintains the locking piece in place during pre-assembly and final assembly, eliminating extra components and simplifying the assembly process.
Solution Approach 2:
The T-shaped groove design enables the locking piece to self-position and self-retain within the groove through its geometric shape. The locking piece automatically maintains its position during pre-assembly and final assembly without requiring external fastening elements or complex release mechanisms, making the system self-sufficient.
2Measurement precision
If locking pieces are pre-assembled with additional fastening elements, then the locking position can be marked, but the pre-assembly must be released for final assembly reducing productivity
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the positioning function from a separate pre-assembly step with fastening elements and integrates it directly into the T-shaped groove geometry. The groove shape inherently marks and maintains the locking position throughout the entire assembly process, eliminating the need to release and reassemble components and thereby improving productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The T-shaped groove is pre-configured in the frame to automatically guide and position the locking piece during insertion. This preliminary geometric configuration ensures accurate position marking and retention from the moment of insertion, eliminating the need for separate pre-assembly and release steps, thus enhancing assembly efficiency.
3Device complexity
If the locking piece is designed to remain in position without additional fastening elements, then the assembly process is simplified, but the locking piece may slide down due to gravity
Solution Approach 1:
The T-shaped groove features an asymmetric geometry with a horizontal base and vertical sides. This asymmetry creates a geometric interlock where the locking piece fits snugly within the groove, preventing lateral displacement and downward sliding due to gravity. The shape alone provides sufficient stability without requiring additional fastening elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The T-shaped groove design creates a stable equilibrium position for the locking piece where the geometric constraints balance gravitational forces. The locking piece naturally settles into a fixed position within the groove where it remains stable during pre-assembly and final assembly, eliminating the need for extra fastening elements while maintaining position stability.
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
Facilitates easy and secure assembly of the locking piece on the window frame, allowing pre-assembly without additional fixation, and maintains the position during final assembly and use, ensuring reliable locking without the need for additional fasteners.
Implementation Method 1
The T-shaped foot has a spring function, in that it has a spring which is attached to an inclined plane on the side of the T-shaped foot facing the groove
Implementation Method 2
The spring force of the spring acts in a direction preventing the locking piece from sliding out of the T-shaped groove
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The latch piece (2) has a mold element i.e. t-shaped foot (4), corresponding with a geometric of a mold element i.e. t-shaped groove (3), of a blind frame (1), so that the mold elements are interlinked with each other. A spring (10) is provided at a side (12) of the latch piece turned towards the blind frame to hold the latch piece with respect to a traveling direction that is parallel to a longitudinal extension of a blind frame profile. The blind frame profile is actuated at the blind frame. The spring exhibits a circular cross-section. The spring is made of elastic material. An independent claim is also included for a method for assembling a latch piece into a groove in a blind frame profile.