Undercut Fitting Groove Closure with Dynamic Plate Guide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing closures for window or door connecting rods with undercut fitting grooves face challenges in easy assembly and withstanding high forces, as they require resilient guide means that can transfer operating forces effectively.
Innovation Solution
The closure design features a guide unit with an upper and lower plate that moves from a tilted assembly position to a parallel operating position, securely engaging behind the undercut webs, with a base enclosing the locking pin's shaft and countersunk screws for easy assembly and high force resistance, avoiding unnecessary weakening of the connecting rod section.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If resilient guide elements are used to engage webs forming the undercut, then the closure can be assembled from the longitudinal side, but the guide elements must transmit high operating forces which complicates the design
Solution Approach 1:
The guide unit employs dynamic plates that can change their relative position: in the assembly position, the upper plate is movable relative to the lower plate, allowing easy insertion between the webs; in the operating position, the upper plate becomes firmly connected to the lower plate to withstand high forces. This dynamic transformation resolves the contradiction between ease of assembly and force transmission capability.
2Ease of operation
If the opening in the drive rod section is made large enough to allow the locking bolt with radial widening to pass through, then the locking bolt can be assembled, but this leads to unnecessary weakening of the drive rod section
Solution Approach 1:
The locking pin is designed to change its orientation dynamically: during assembly, the extension points in the sliding direction allowing passage through the opening; after installation, the locking pin is rotated so the extension positions perpendicular to the sliding direction, engaging the strike plate edge. This dynamic repositioning allows assembly through a small opening while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking pin's extension transitions from one spatial dimension (parallel to sliding direction during assembly) to another dimension (perpendicular to sliding direction during operation), enabling the locking bolt to pass through a minimal opening while still achieving proper engagement without weakening the drive rod section.
3Strength
If the upper plate is firmly connected to the lower plate in the assembly position, then the lock can withstand high forces, but the components cannot be inserted between the webs into the fitting groove
Solution Approach 1:
The guide unit is designed with movable plates in the assembly position, allowing the upper plate to move relative to the lower plate, enabling insertion between the webs. After assembly, the plates are firmly connected to withstand high operating forces. This dynamic design resolves the contradiction between ease of assembly and force resistance.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~6
AI summary
A locking device (6) for an undercut hardware groove (12) of a window espagnolette (3) has an upper plate (18) and a lower plate (19) for engaging webs (13, 14) of the hardware groove (12). The plates (18, 19) carry a locking pin (8) and can be moved along the hardware groove (12) by means of an espagnolette section (7). For installation, the plates (18, 19) are tilted against each other and inserted between the webs (13, 14). This gives the locking device (6) particularly high stability and makes it easy to install.