Window Or Door Catch Device for Automatic Sash Latching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing windows and doors experience dynamic and self-destructive movement due to wind, necessitating manual intervention to lock the sash after slamming shut, which is inefficient and potentially damaging.

Innovation Solution

A latch catch device is integrated into the window or door mechanism, allowing automatic locking of the sash to the frame after closure, using a spring-loaded locking pin and latch assembly, which can be released by moving the locking bar fitting into and out of a locking position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a locking bar fitting is used to lock the sash, then the sash can be locked against wind pressure, but manual intervention is required to move the locking bar fitting into the locking position after slamming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking reliabilityVSAvoidoperational convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The latch catch device is designed to automatically engage and lock the sash to the frame upon closing, without requiring manual intervention. The spring-loaded locking pin automatically moves into the latched position when the sash closes, enabling the system to perform the locking function autonomously

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism is prepared in advance by positioning the spring-loaded locking pin and latch assembly such that they are ready to engage immediately upon sash closure. The spring is pre-loaded to ensure automatic engagement without manual action

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Stability of the object's composition

If the locking bar fitting is moved into the locking position to prevent self-destructive movement, then the sash stability improves, but additional manual steps are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesash stabilityVSAvoidtime for manual intervention
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The latch catch device automatically stabilizes the sash upon closing by engaging the spring-loaded locking pin with the latch assembly, eliminating the need for manual intervention to achieve stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The spring-loaded locking pin is pre-positioned and pre-loaded to automatically engage with the latch assembly immediately upon sash closure, ensuring stability is achieved without time loss for manual operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Productivity

If a latch catch device is added to automatically lock the sash, then operational efficiency improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidmechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking function is divided into two independent systems: the locking bar fitting for secure locking against wind pressure, and the latch catch device for automatic closure locking. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function with simple, dedicated mechanics

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The spring-loaded locking pin acts as an intermediary element that automatically translates the closing motion into engagement with the latch assembly, providing automatic locking functionality through a simple mechanical intermediary rather than a complex control system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 latch catch device securely locks the sash without additional manual intervention, preventing unwanted movement and ensuring the sash remains closed until intentionally unlocked, enhancing operational efficiency and durability.

Implementation Method 1

a locking pin movable by a drive means, preferably spring-loaded

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP4441320B1Window or door
Publication Date: 2025.10.08 SCHUECO INTERNATIONAL KG
  • EP4441320B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4441320B1 patent drawingFigure 2a
  • EP4441320B1 patent drawingFigure 2b

AI summary

A window or door, which has an outer frame (1) comprising a plurality of outer-frame profiles (10) and a casement or leaf (2), arranged on the outer frame such that it can be rotated about a horizontal or vertical axis of rotation and made up of a plurality of casement-frame/leaf-frame profiles (2), with a locking-bar fitting (4) also being formed on the casement frame/leaf frame with one or more locking bars (10), by means of which first locking elements can be moved into a locking position to engage behind corresponding locking elements on the outer frame and back into an open position, has the distinguishing feature of also being provided with a catch device (5, 15), by means of which the casement or leaf can be latched on the outer frame (10) in a latching position even when the locking-bar arrangement (4) is in the open position and the casement or leaf is closed after being opened, wherein the catch device (5, 15) is designed such that it is released from the latching position by means of the locking-bar fitting in such a way that the latter is moved out of an open position into a locking position and then back into the open position.