Vertically Adjustable Sash Lock for Window Seal Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sash locks in double-hung windows fail to maintain a tight seal due to shrinkage and warping of window frames, leading to air leakage and impaired locking functionality, as they cannot adjust the vertical position of sashes to compensate for misalignment.
Innovation Solution
A vertically adjustable sash lock system comprising a housing, a rotatable cam, a vertical member, and a knob that allows the rotatable cam to adjust its vertical position relative to the housing, enabling the sashes to be aligned and locked at various positions for improved sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a traditional sash lock is used to lock the window in a fixed closed position, then the locking function is achieved, but air leakage occurs due to frame shrinkage and warping over time
Solution Approach 1:
The sash lock is designed with a vertically adjustable mechanism that allows the locking position to be dynamically changed. The lock can be moved up and down along the sash to compensate for frame shrinkage and warping, maintaining an effective seal between the sashes over time. This dynamic adjustment capability resolves the contradiction by preserving the locking function while adapting to prevent air leakage.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the vertical position parameter of the lock relative to the sash. By allowing vertical adjustment of the lock position, the system can adapt to dimensional changes in the window frame caused by environmental factors, thereby maintaining the sealing effectiveness and preventing air leakage while preserving the locking function.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If the window frame shrinks or warps due to environmental exposure, then the natural aging process occurs, but the alignment between sashes deteriorates impairing the locking ability
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable lock mechanism allows the user to reposition the lock vertically along the sash to compensate for frame shrinkage and warping that occurs during the window's service life. This dynamic adjustment maintains proper sash alignment and locking ability despite the natural aging process.
Solution Approach 2:
The design anticipates future misalignment issues by providing an adjustable lock position that can be pre-configured or reconfigured to accommodate expected frame dimensional changes, thereby maintaining locking reliability throughout the window's service life.
3Device complexity
If a fixed position sash lock is used, then the structure is simple, but the seal between sashes is compromised when misalignment occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The lock incorporates a vertically adjustable mechanism that adds minimal structural complexity while significantly improving sealing efficiency. The adjustment capability allows the lock to maintain proper alignment between sashes even when the frame shrinks or warps, resolving the contradiction between simple structure and effective sealing.
4Ease of manufacture
If conventional sash locks are used without vertical adjustment capability, then the installation is straightforward, but the lock cannot accommodate misalignment from frame shrinkage
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustable lock mechanism provides vertical movement capability that enables the lock to accommodate misalignment from frame shrinkage, while maintaining relatively simple installation procedures. The dynamic adjustment feature adds adaptability without significantly complicating the installation process.
Data Source
AI summary
A vertically adjustable sash lock is described that improves the seal of windows. The vertically adjustable sash lock may include, for example, a housing configured to be coupled to a first window sash and a rotatable cam configured to rotatably engage with a keeper bracket coupled to a second window sash. A vertical member may be positioned through a threaded aperture of the rotatable cam. A knob coupled to the vertical member may drive a rotation of the vertical member, causing a vertical position of the rotatable cam relative to a bottom surface of the housing to adjust accordingly.