Universal Safety Lock with Movable Button for Window Fittings

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing shift locks for connecting rod fittings require different pivoting levers and buttons for left- and right-hinged windows, leading to potential confusion and errors during assembly, as it's unclear whether the lock will be used on a left- or right-hand window during pre-assembly or mounting on the espagnolette fitting.

Innovation Solution

The button is movably mounted on the pivoting lever, allowing it to be oriented during final assembly, with a design that includes a deflection device to pretension the lever and a stop to limit movement, ensuring correct positioning and preventing malfunctions, while maintaining a compact form that fits within the window's sealing gap without compromising tightness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If different pivoting levers with corresponding buttons are used for left- and right-hand windows, then the switching lock can be correctly configured for specific window orientations, but it leads to confusion and assembly errors during pre-assembly and mounting

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecorrect configuration for specific window orientationsVSAvoidassembly process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The switching lock is designed with a universal pivoting lever that can function for both left- and right-hand windows. The button is made movable relative to the pivoting lever, allowing it to be positioned on either side. This enables a single lock design to serve multiple window configurations, eliminating the need for different levers and reducing assembly confusion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The button is designed to be movable relative to the pivoting lever, transitioning from a fixed position in traditional designs to a dynamic, adjustable position. This allows the button to be repositioned during assembly to match the required window orientation (left or right), providing flexibility without requiring multiple specialized components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If the button is fixed on the pivoting lever, then the structure is simple, but the switching lock cannot be pre-assembled or mounted on the espagnolette fitting before knowing the window orientation

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovestructureVSAvoidpre-assembly capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The button is designed to be movable relative to the pivoting lever through a guidance device and stop mechanism. This dynamic configuration allows the button to be positioned at different locations during assembly, enabling pre-assembly and mounting before the window orientation is finalized, while maintaining structural simplicity through standardized components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The switching lock can be pre-assembled with the button in a neutral or default position on the pivoting lever. The actual orientation-specific positioning of the button is performed as a preliminary adjustment during final installation, allowing the lock mechanism itself to be prepared in advance without knowing the specific window configuration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If the button protrudes perpendicularly from the pivoting plane, then it can interact with the window frame during closure, but it may collide with the frame or compromise window tightness

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinteraction with window frameVSAvoidcollisions and tightness compromise

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The button's protrusion distance from the pivoting plane is precisely controlled within specific dimensional parameters. The button protrudes enough to engage the window frame during closure but remains within limits that prevent collision with the frame structure. This parameter optimization ensures functional interaction while maintaining window tightness and avoiding harmful contacts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enables pre-assembly or mounting on either left- or right-hinged windows without confusion, ensuring correct operation and avoiding errors, while maintaining window tightness and preventing collisions with the frame during closure.

Implementation Method 1

The deflection device supports the swivel lever with the button on the front side of the base plate and the locking element on the rear side of the base plate. The base plate is prestressed relative to the base plate from a non-pivoted position into a pivoted position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP1975358B1Safety lock

Publication Date: 2014.04.16 WINKHAUS

Figure 1
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Figure 3a~4b

AI summary

The interlock has a baseplate, a pivot lever with a push-button, a deflection device and a blocking device. The pivot lever is supported on the front side of the baseplate to rotate with the push button and is connected in torque-proof manner with the locking element arranged on the rear side of the baseplate. The push button is pivotably supported in a pivoting plane on a front side of the pivot lever opposite the baseplate and protrudes vertically from the pivoting plane.