Window Catch Device with Inclined Spring-Loaded Locking Guide

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing latching devices for windows and doors fail to securely fix heavier moving parts in multiple latching positions and are prone to unwanted movements due to low prestressing, which can lead to damage from wind forces and inadequate locking positions.

Innovation Solution

The guide of the locking body is inclined at a second angle relative to the sliding guide, with a spring-elastic preload acting towards the closed end, and multiple locking recesses along the sliding element, allowing secure positioning in various gap-open positions and absorbing wind forces without shifting to unintended latching positions, while a connecting rod facilitates locking with reduced friction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a low prestressing locking means is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of securing heavier moving parts in multiple latching positions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking means complexityVSAvoidsecuring reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The locking body is designed to be resiliently biasable, allowing dynamic adjustment of the prestressing force. This enables the locking means to adapt to different moving part weights and maintain reliable securing without excessive complexity. The resilient biasing mechanism allows the locking body to automatically adjust its engagement force based on the applied load.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The guide of the locking body is inclined at a specific angle relative to the sliding guide, changing the geometric parameter to redirect forces. This angular configuration allows the spring-elastic preload to act effectively in the direction of the closed end, improving securing reliability while maintaining a relatively simple device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the sliding guide is inclined at an angle, then the locking reliability is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to increased friction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking reliabilityVSAvoidlocking operation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The guide of the locking body is inclined asymmetrically at a second angle relative to the sliding guide. This asymmetric configuration optimizes the force distribution during locking, allowing reliable engagement while the connecting rod mechanism compensates for the increased friction through mechanical advantage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

A connecting rod is introduced as an intermediary element to transmit the locking force. The connecting rod fits with several locking points and allows locking in the closed position by sliding along the side wall of the guide with reduced friction, thereby maintaining ease of operation despite the inclined guide configuration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple locking positions are provided, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional locking recesses

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelatching position versatilityVSAvoidlocking mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism is segmented into multiple locking recesses arranged along the sliding element at different positions. Each locking recess corresponds to a specific latching position, allowing the movable part to be securely fixed in multiple gap-open positions. This segmentation provides versatility while keeping each individual locking element relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

This configuration ensures secure positioning of the moving part in multiple latching positions, absorbs wind forces effectively, and reduces the risk of damage by compressing the spring-elastic preload, providing enhanced security against unintentional opening or closing, especially in strong winds.

Implementation Method 1

a locking body which is resiliently biasable in a guide (14) arranged directly in the housing (4) and inclined by a second angle relative to the sliding guide (5), so that the force of the resiliently prestressed locking body acts on the sliding element (6) in the direction of the closed end (15) of the sliding guide (5)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring-elastic preload: Spring

Implementation Method 2

Forces acting on the moving part in the opening direction, e.g. caused by gusts of wind, can simply be absorbed by the spring-elastic preload without unintentionally adopting a different latching position or causing damage to the latching device, since the spring-elastic preload counteracts the opening force.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring-elastic preload: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP3015627B1Catch device for a window or a door
Publication Date: 2017.12.13 WINKHAUS
  • EP3015627B1 patent drawingFigure 1~5
  • EP3015627B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

A locking device (1) for a movable part (2) of a window, door, or the like, comprising a housing (4) arranged on the frame (3) with a sliding guide (5) in which a sliding element (6) is arranged and the sliding element (6) has a first hook (7) at a first end, which is suitable for catching a catch element (8) fixedly arranged on the movable part (2), with locking means (9) suitable for defining a number of positions of the sliding element (6). A locking element (11) is spring-elastically biased in a guide (14) against a locking recess (12), wherein the sliding guide (5) is inclined at a first angle (10) to an axis (28) of the movable part (2) parallel to an opening and closing movement (27).The guide (14) of the locking element (11) is arranged directly in the housing (4) and is inclined relative to the sliding guide (5) by a second angle (13), so that the pressure of the locking element (11) on the sliding element (6) acts in the direction of the closed end (15) of the sliding guide (5) and that the locking means (9) are arranged along the sliding element (6) and consist of a plurality of locking recesses (12).