Two-Point Lock with Adjustable Guide Plates

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional two-point locks are complex, prone to non-synchronous rotation of hook members over time, and have a double-casing structure that increases weight and manufacturing cost, requiring excessive force for operation due to inefficient mechanical leverage.

Innovation Solution

A two-point lock design featuring a single elongated casing unit with adjustable guide plates and assemblies that allow independent adjustment of hook members, simplifying the mechanism and reducing weight and manufacturing costs, while optimizing the force required for operation by improving the angle of mechanical advantage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a double-casing structure (inner and outer casings) is employed to adjust the extent by which hook members extend, then the locking mechanism can be adjusted, but the weight of the lock increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustability of hook extensionVSAvoidweight of the lock

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the inner and outer casings into a single integrated casing structure. The adjusting guide plates are mounted directly to the casing, eliminating the need for a separate inner casing while maintaining the ability to adjust hook extension through the guide plates and adjusting assemblies.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The single casing structure serves multiple functions: it provides structural support, houses the locking mechanism, and integrates the adjusting guide plates that enable hook extension adjustment. This multi-functional design eliminates redundant components and reduces overall weight.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a double-casing structure is employed to adjust the extent by which hook members extend, then the locking mechanism can be adjusted, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveadjustability of hook extensionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By combining the inner and outer casings into one piece, the manufacturing process is simplified. Instead of producing, finishing, and assembling two separate casing components, only one casing needs to be manufactured and assembled, reducing labor and material costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Device complexity

If the rotary operating member is simply pivotally connected to the link member with a small angle, then the structure is simple, but excessive force is required to operate it

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of connectionVSAvoidoperational force required

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a rotatable adjusting assembly that dynamically adjusts the angle between the rotary operating member and the link member. This allows the operator to optimize the mechanical advantage angle during operation, making it easier to rotate the operating member while still maintaining a simple pivotal connection structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

4Device complexity

If the rotary operating member is simply pivotally connected to the link member, then the structure is simple, but the torsion spring deforms considerably and occupies large space

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of connectionVSAvoidspace occupied by torsion spring

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The rotatable adjusting assembly allows dynamic adjustment of the mechanical advantage angle, which optimizes the force transmission and reduces the deformation range required for the torsion spring. This minimizes the space the spring occupies while maintaining structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 design ensures synchronous movement of hook members with reduced operational force and weight, independent adjustment of hook extension, and a more efficient locking mechanism, enhancing usability and cost-effectiveness.

Implementation Method 1

the torsion spring 206 deforms considerably during the operation of the rotary operating member 204

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a link member 205 (see FIG. 3) that is pivotally connected between the actuating plate 203 and the rotary operating member 204

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical leverage: Lever

Implementation Method 3

two hook members 202 that are pivotally mounted to the mounting casing 201

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRotation:

Data Source

PatentUS10323438B2Two-point lock

Publication Date: 2019.06.18 DOOR & WINDOW HARDWARE

AI summary

A two-point lock includes a casing unit, an adjusting unit and a locking unit. The adjusting unit includes two first adjusting guide plates pivoted to casing unit, and two second adjusting guide plates pivoted to the casing unit. The locking unit includes first and second hook members respectively pivotable between the first adjusting guide plates and between the second adjusting guide plates. The first adjusting guide plates are operable to adjust an extent by which the first hook member extends out of the casing unit. The second adjusting guide plates are operable to adjust an extent by which the second hook member extends out of the casing unit.