Self-locating Casement Window Control Device
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing window opening control devices for casement and awning windows are difficult to install, require measurements, and lack self-reengagement mechanisms, posing safety and cost concerns, especially with varying window sizes and the need for easy operation without tools or special knowledge.
Innovation Solution
A window opening control device featuring a self-locating track and carriage assembly with a limit arm and latch mechanism that automatically reengages upon closure, allowing intuitive release and reengagement without tools, compliant with ASTM standards, and adaptable to different window dimensions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a window opening control device is installed to limit opening, then child safety is improved, but installation complexity increases requiring measurements and alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The limit arm assembly is designed to self-align and self-locate on the window sash through its geometric features (pivot point positioning, arm length, and engagement geometry). The device automatically adjusts to different window sizes without requiring measurements, calculations, or specialized installation knowledge, thereby eliminating the contradiction between safety reliability and installation complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The limit arm is pre-configured with specific geometric dimensions and pivot point locations that are predetermined to provide proper limiting function. This preliminary design eliminates the need for field measurements and adjustments during installation, resolving the contradiction by built-in preliminary configuration
2Ease of operation
If the limit device is made easily operable without tools, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability of reengagement may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The latch button provides dynamic control over the limit arm engagement state. It can be easily actuated by simple pushing or pulling motions for release, while the spring-loaded mechanism ensures automatic and reliable reengagement when the sash closes, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and reengagement reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The spring-loaded latch mechanism provides tactile feedback and automatic feedback control. When the sash closes, the mechanism automatically detects the engagement position and reengages the limit arm, ensuring reliability while maintaining ease of operation through simple button actuation
3Adaptability or versatility
If the device is designed to be universally adaptable to different window sizes, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The limit arm assembly is designed as a universal device that can be installed on various window sash sizes through its self-aligning geometry. The standardized pivot point location, arm length, and engagement features allow it to function on different window configurations without modification, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The limit arm uses asymmetric geometric features (specific pivot point offset, arm orientation, and engagement profile) that enable it to self-align on different sash sizes. This asymmetric design provides universal adaptability while maintaining simple device structure, eliminating the need for complex adjustment mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
A casement window opening control device including a sash sub-assembly and a frame sub-assembly. The device is self-locating by aligning the bottom end of each sub-assembly with physical features of the window. This saves time and effort in installation by not requiring any measurements to ensure that an engaging feature of the limiting arm of the device is aligned with an engaging feature of the frame sub-assembly so that the device properly reengages upon closing of the sash after release. Also, operation of the release of the travel limiting arm is intuitive, requiring only pressing in on a latch button and sliding it upwardly to effect release.