Window Lock Fitting Discrete Indexing Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing locking fittings for doors and windows, such as espagnolette locks, face challenges in maintaining precise adjustment of the release stop relative to the actuating finger, leading to unreliable and difficult adjustments due to sensitivity to vibrations and shocks, which results in loose settings over time, necessitating frequent re-adjustment.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of discrete adjustment means, including indexing teeth and complementary toothing, allows the release stop to occupy specific, reproducible positions, enabling precise and easy adjustment through eccentric hubs and clip-fastening mechanisms, ensuring reliable operation and ease of use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional adjustment means with fixing screws are used, then the release stop can be positioned, but the screws become loose over time due to vibrations and shocks, leading to loss of adjustment precision

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment precisionVSAvoidadjustment reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The adjustment mechanism is segmented into discrete indexed positions using teeth on the release stop that engage with corresponding grooves or detents on the adjustment arm. This segmentation allows the release stop to be positioned at specific, reproducible locations rather than requiring continuous adjustment with screws that can loosen.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The indexing mechanism automatically maintains its position through the engagement of teeth with grooves or detents, eliminating the need for separate fixing screws. The mechanism serves itself by using the geometric engagement of the indexed positions to prevent loosening from vibrations and shocks.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If fine and precise adjustment means are implemented, then adjustment accuracy can be achieved, but the complexity of the adjustment mechanism increases and ease of operation decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment precisionVSAvoidadjustment ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By dividing the adjustment range into discrete indexed positions marked on the adjustment arm, the mechanism provides precise positioning without requiring complex fine-adjustment screws. The user simply selects from predetermined positions, making the operation simple while maintaining accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses visual markings or indicators on the adjustment arm to show the position of the release stop. This visual feedback system allows users to easily identify and reproduce specific positions without complex measurement tools, enhancing both precision and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

3Ease of manufacture

If the release stop positioning is not clearly identified, then adjustment can be made, but it becomes necessary to redo all settings after loosening, increasing time loss

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly easeVSAvoidre-adjustment time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Visual markings, color codes, or numbered indicators are provided on the adjustment arm corresponding to each indexed position. This allows users to identify and record the correct position, preventing time loss when re-adjustment is needed after loosening or service.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The indexing mechanism creates a reproducible copy of the correct position through the physical engagement of teeth with grooves or detents. This geometric copying ensures that the same position can be reliably reproduced without needing to remember or measure the original setting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

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 solution provides a reliable and user-friendly adjustment mechanism that maintains precise alignment of locking components, reducing the need for frequent re-adjustment and enhancing the installation process by allowing discrete, reproducible positioning of the release stop and actuating finger.

Implementation Method 1

subjected to elastic return means in the locking position so that, when said leaf is closed on a fixed frame, cooperate with a striker fitted to the latter

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP1808557B1Lock fitting
Publication Date: 2015.04.08 FERCO
  • EP1808557B1 patent drawingFigure 1~7
  • EP1808557B1 patent drawingFigure 6~11

AI summary

The fitting has a locking unit to lock a locking part in unlocking position when a window or door`s opening frame is opened. The unit has an actuating finger cooperating with a releasing abutment associated to a window frame for controlling releasing of the locking unit when the opening frame is closed on the window frame. A discrete type adjusting unit (9) adjusts a relative position of the abutment with respect to the finger, and has an indexing unit (10) for allowing the finger and the abutment to occupy two distinct positions on the opening frame or the window frame.