Butterfly Stop Block Window Vent Control Mechanism

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing window vent stop devices are complex to manufacture and operate, with intricate detent mechanisms that make them costly and undesirable.

Innovation Solution

A window opening control device with a housing, clip, and spring clamp for snap lock installation, featuring a stop block with a butterfly-shaped design that allows for a push-to-open, push-to-close operation with minimal moving parts, utilizing a rocking motion and spring legs for retention in the closed position.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If intricate detent mechanisms are used to maintain the stop blocks in the closed position, then the reliability of the window stop device is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovereliabilityVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the intricate detent mechanisms from the window stop device, retaining only the essential spring clamp and stop block components. This extraction of unnecessary complexity maintains the core functionality while significantly simplifying the overall device structure and reducing manufacturing costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using complex detent mechanisms to actively lock the stop block in place, the invention inverts the approach by using a simple spring clamp that passively holds the stop block and allows it to be easily released by pushing against the spring force. This inversion simplifies the mechanism while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Reliability

If intricate detent mechanisms are used to maintain the stop blocks in the closed position, then the reliability of the window stop device is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovereliabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the intricate detent mechanisms from the window stop device, retaining only the essential spring clamp and stop block components. This extraction of unnecessary complexity maintains the core functionality while significantly simplifying the overall device structure and reducing manufacturing costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention replaces expensive, complex detent mechanisms with simpler, more cost-effective components such as spring clamps and basic stop blocks. These simpler components are easier and cheaper to manufacture while still providing the necessary functionality for window opening control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Ease of manufacture

If the stop block is designed with minimal moving parts, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the reliability may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of manufactureVSAvoidreliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The spring clamp is designed to automatically engage and disengage the stop block without requiring additional mechanisms or complex operations. The spring's inherent elasticity provides the necessary locking and releasing actions, making the device self-sufficient and reliable despite having minimal moving parts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using complex detent mechanisms to actively lock the stop block in place, the invention inverts the approach by using a simple spring clamp that passively holds the stop block and allows it to be easily released by pushing against the spring force. This inversion simplifies the mechanism while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 device simplifies manufacturing and operation while effectively controlling window sash movement, enhancing security and safety by minimizing water entry during rain and reducing the risk of accidental opening.

Implementation Method 1

a spring clamp at the other to provide for a snap lock type installation like that of a vent stop into a corresponding opening in the sash

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11156024B1Window opening control device

Publication Date: 2021.10.26 AMESBURY IND INC

AI summary

A window opening control devices in the nature of a modified vent stop includes a housing having a peripheral flange defining an opening and a body depending from the peripheral flange and further includes a butterfly shaped stop block mounted within the body of the housing for rocking motion about a generally centrally located pivot point between an open position, wherein a first wing of the stop block extends beyond the housing flange, and a closed position wherein the first wing is retracted into the housing. Movement of the stop block between the open and closed positions is effected by pressing on either the first wing of the butterfly shaped stop block or a second wing, and is preferably accomplished without the use of springs or other biasing assistance. The stop block is preferably provided with a pair of ridge projections that cooperate with spring legs located on the interior of the housing to form a detent to maintain the stop block in the closed position.