Window Fitting with Segmented Locking and Return Spring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing window fittings fail to meet both energy-saving and fire protection requirements, particularly in terms of air permeability, impermeability, and self-closing functionality, which are essential for certification under the Energy Saving Ordinance and fire protection standards.

Innovation Solution

A window fitting with a gear mechanism, a first locking device with a pin, and a second locking device with spring catches, where the handle element can be moved into different positions to activate or deactivate the locking devices, featuring a return spring for automatic closure and positive locking, ensuring the window remains closed until actively opened.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a simple locking device is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the window fails to meet fire protection requirements for self-closing and positive locking

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefire protection complianceVSAvoidfitting structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking system is divided into two independent locking devices: a first locking device with a pin for primary locking and a second locking device with spring catches for secondary locking. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while collectively meeting fire protection requirements without requiring a single overly complex mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The spring catches are pre-loaded in a ready-to-lock position, and the return spring is pre-tensioned to automatically return the handle to the closed position. This preliminary action ensures that the window automatically returns to a locked closed state without requiring manual intervention, satisfying fire protection requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If the handle can be freely positioned, then the ease of operation is improved, but the window fails to maintain closed position automatically

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehandle positioningVSAvoidautomatic closure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The return spring automatically returns the handle to the closed position (handle position B) after the user releases it from any position. This self-service mechanism ensures the window automatically closes and locks without requiring the user to manually operate the closing mechanism, maintaining both ease of operation and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The spring catches provide mechanical feedback by engaging with the handle shaft at specific positions, creating detents that indicate the window's locking state. This feedback mechanism ensures the handle returns to the correct closed position while allowing easy manual operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If a single locking mechanism is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the window fails to meet both energy-saving and fire protection standards simultaneously

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveregulatory complianceVSAvoidlocking mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking system is divided into two independent locking devices: a first locking device with a pin for primary locking and a second locking device with spring catches for secondary locking. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while collectively meeting fire protection requirements without requiring a single overly complex mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The gear mechanism serves multiple functions: it actuates both the first locking device with the pin and the second locking device with spring catches, and also engages with the return spring mechanism. This multi-functionality allows a single gear mechanism to control multiple locking functions, reducing overall system complexity while meeting regulatory requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 solution enhances the window to meet both energy-saving and fire protection standards by providing a self-closing and positively locked mechanism that automatically resets to ensure the window remains closed, thus enhancing safety and compliance with regulatory requirements.

Implementation Method 1

The transmission (3) comprises at least one return spring (12) for automatically returning the handle element (10) from handle position C to handle position B

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Implementation Method 2

A locking device for a window usually has at least one pin, which can be brought into engagement with a pin receptacle arranged on the window frame with the aid of the gear. In this way, a form fit effective in the opening direction of the window is achieved via the pin engaging in the pin receptacle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectForm fit: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 3

the second locking device having at least one spring catch which can be brought into engagement with a catch receptacle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPositive locking: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentEP3626918B1Fitting for a window, window
Publication Date: 2023.08.16 TSH SYST GMBH GES FUR SYSTLOSUNGEN DES TISCHLER UND SCHREINERHANDWERKS MBH
  • EP3626918B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3626918B1 patent drawingFigure 2~4
  • EP3626918B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a fitting (1) for a window (2), in particular a casement window, comprising a gearbox (3), a first locking device (4) actuated by means of the gearbox (3), and a second locking device (5) actuated by means of the gearbox (3), wherein the first locking device (4) has at least one pin (7) that can be engaged with a pin receptacle (6), and the second locking device (5) has at least one spring catch (9) that can be engaged with a catch receptacle (8), further comprising a handle element (10) that is operatively connected to a drive rod (11) of the gearbox (3) for actuating the gearbox (3) and is movable in at least three handle positions (A, B, C), wherein in handle position (A) both locking devices (4, 5) are activated, in handle position (B) only the second locking device (5) is activated, and in handle position (C) both locking devices (4, 5) are activated.5) are deactivated. According to the invention, the transmission (3) comprises at least one return spring (12) for automatically returning the handle element (10) from the handle position (C) to the handle position (B). The invention further relates to a window (2), in particular a casement window, with such a fitting (1).