Casement Window Lock Actuator Mechanism for High Force
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prior casement window locks do not generate sufficient locking force and have a limited range of movement, leading to inadequate security and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A locking mechanism featuring a housing with an actuator and linkage member, where the actuator pivots about a fulcrum, moving gliding pins within channels to exert force on inner surfaces, allowing the linkage member to move along an elongated opening, providing increased mechanical advantage and range of movement, and a retainer with a flexible finger to facilitate locking and unlocking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If prior casement window locks are used, then the structure is simple, but the locking force is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is divided into distinct functional components: actuator, linkage member with separate first and second channels, gliding pins, and retainer with flexible finger. Each component performs a specific function, allowing the system to generate sufficient locking force through coordinated action while maintaining reasonable complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The linkage member incorporates two channels (first and second channels) with gliding pins moving within them, adding a dimensional aspect to the force generation mechanism. This multi-channel arrangement allows forces to be applied from different directions and points, significantly increasing the overall locking force capability
2Length of moving object
If prior casement window locks are used, then the mechanism is simple, but the range of movement is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator is designed to pivot about a fulcrum through a substantial range of motion, and the linkage member translates this rotational movement into linear movement of gliding pins along the channels. This dynamic design allows the mechanism to accommodate large ranges of movement while maintaining controlled operation through the fulcrum-based actuation system
Solution Approach 2:
The gliding pins act as intermediaries between the actuator's rotational movement and the linkage member's linear displacement. As the actuator pivots, the gliding pins move within the channels, converting angular motion into linear motion and enabling the linkage member to travel along the elongated opening with increased range of movement
3Force
If prior casement window locks are used, then the operation is straightforward, but the locking force generated is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator pivots about a fulcrum in a curved path, and the gliding pins move along curved channels within the linkage member. This curved geometry provides mechanical advantage throughout the range of motion, allowing the user to generate sufficient locking force with moderate manual effort, maintaining ease of operation while significantly increasing locking force capability
4Power
If the actuator pivots about a fulcrum with gliding pins in channels, then the mechanical advantage is increased, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The actuator, linkage member with integrated channels, and gliding pins are combined into a single coordinated mechanism. The linkage member houses both first and second channels with their respective gliding pins, merging multiple force-generation elements into one integrated component that provides substantial mechanical advantage without proportionally increasing 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 mechanism provides greater locking force and range of movement, enabling easier and smoother operation, enhancing the security and functionality of casement windows by allowing sequential locking and improved alignment and mounting of components.
Implementation Method 1
The actuator includes an actuator body having a first pin and a second pin located thereon. The linkage member is connected to the actuator such that the first pin is received in the first channel and the second pin is received in the second channel. Pivoting the actuator about the fulcrum causes the first pin to move within the first channel and the second pin to move within the second channel, moving the linkage member along the opening
Implementation Method 2
The actuator moves the linkage member by the first and second pins exerting force on the inner surfaces of the first channel and the second channel, respectively
Implementation Method 3
The retainer includes a flexible finger having a protrusion extending into the passage. The protrusion received in an aperture on the lock bar to hold the lock bar in place when the protrusion and the aperture are aligned. When sufficient force is applied to the actuator, the finger flexes to allow the protrusion to slip out of the aperture
Data Source
AI summary
A locking mechanism for a casement window assembly includes a housing adapted to be mounted on the window assembly, an actuator operably connected to the housing and pivotable about a fulcrum, and a linkage member having a first channel and a second channel. The housing has an elongated opening having opposed ends. The actuator includes an actuator body having a first pin and a second pin located thereon. The linkage member is connected to the actuator such that the first pin is received in the first channel and the second pin is received in the second channel. Pivoting the actuator about the fulcrum causes the first pin to move within the first channel and the second pin to move within the second channel, moving the linkage member along the opening, from one end of the opening to the other end of the opening.