Automated Sash Lock with Rotating Cam for Variable Spacing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional window sash lock mechanisms are ineffective when sashes are improperly spaced, leading to installation challenges and potential damage, and may require replacement due to wear and tear, with continued use exacerbating issues.
Innovation Solution
An automated sash lock with a rotatable locking element, detent, and trigger mechanism that automatically locks window sashes without user intervention, providing multiple actuation modes and a true indication of the lock state, eliminating the need for additional connection methods to prevent window separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional lock mechanism parts are joined together to lock sashes, then the sashes are locked securely, but the mechanism requires precise spacing between sashes and may bind or fail if spacing is incorrect
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is designed to rotate between extended and retracted positions, dynamically adapting to different sash spacings. The cam portion of the locking element can engage the strike at various angles, allowing the mechanism to accommodate spacing variations without binding or failing to lock properly.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism changes the angular position and extension distance of the locking element's cam portion to accommodate different sash spacings. By varying these parameters, the lock can maintain reliable engagement whether sashes are close together or spaced farther apart, eliminating the need for precise pre-spacing.
2Reliability
If sashes are forced together to achieve proper spacing for traditional locks, then the lock mechanism can engage, but stress is placed on the frame and glass panes
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element rotates and extends progressively as the sash closes, rather than requiring the sash to be forced into a specific position beforehand. This dynamic engagement allows the lock to adapt to the natural closing position of the sash without imposing additional stress on the frame or glass panes.
3Adaptability or versatility
If traditional lock mechanisms are used with worn or warped sashes, then the lock may still function, but adjustment and replacement are frequently needed
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element's rotational movement and adjustable extension allow it to accommodate warped or worn sash surfaces. The cam portion can engage the strike at different positions and angles, maintaining reliable locking even when the sash geometry has changed due to wear or warping, thereby reducing maintenance and replacement frequency.
4Reliability
If additional connection methods are added to prevent window separation around traditional locks, then separation is prevented, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element serves multiple functions: it provides the primary locking engagement through its cam portion, prevents window separation through its extended position, and accommodates various sash spacings through its rotational movement. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate connection methods, maintaining reliability while reducing overall device complexity.
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 automated sash lock ensures secure locking without user intervention, accommodates multiple lock states, and provides increased resistance to forced entry, addressing the inefficiencies and durability issues of traditional mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
The locking element is normally biased by a resilient member into the extended position
Implementation Method 2
a detent rotatably secured within the lock housing and rotatable between engaged and disengaged positions about a second axis parallel to the first axis, the detent engaged with the locking element body portion when in the engaged position to retain the locking element in the unlocked position
Implementation Method 3
The trigger is caused to translate from the extended position to the retracted position as the window sash moves into a window closed position, thereby rotating the detent into the disengaged position
Implementation Method 4
the locking element is rotatable through the rear surface first opening about a first axis between unlocked and locked positions... the locking element cam portion engages with a strike in an adjacent window sash when in the locked position to prevent the sashes from relative sliding movement
Data Source
AI summary
An automated sash lock for locking a window sash comprises a linearly depressible trigger, a cam-style locking element normally biased towards a locked position, a rotatable detent actuated by the trigger, a pivotable transfer element between the detent and the locking element, and an actuator for manually operating the lock mechanism to unlock the lock when the window is in a closed and locked position. The detent is normally biased in the direction of the locking element and a portion of the detent engages a body portion of the locking element to maintain the locking element in a retracted position when the window is open. Upon actuation of the trigger by a closing window, the trigger translates linearly into the lock housing and rotates the detent into the disengaged position, pulling the detent away from the locking element and allowing the locking element to fire out of the lock housing and into an opening in a strike in the adjacent sash to prevent the sashes from relative sliding movement.