Casement Window Locking Bar Sensor with Dual-Position Verification

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing window security systems often generate false alarms due to incorrect status interpretations, as they only detect the window's open or closed position without verifying if the locking mechanism is engaged, leading to potential unauthorized access.

Innovation Solution

A casement window locking assembly with a sensor system comprising a first sensor to detect the locking handle's position and a second sensor to verify the window sash's closed position, using proximity sensors with magnets and reed switches to ensure accurate locking status feedback, and communication means like Bluetooth for remote monitoring.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a simple proximity sensor is used to detect window status, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of status detection deteriorates due to false alarms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor system complexityVSAvoidstatus detection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor system is divided into two independent sensor units: a first sensor to detect locking handle position and a second sensor to detect window sash position. Each sensor independently monitors a specific aspect of window status, and both must indicate a closed/locked state for the system to confirm security. This segmentation eliminates false alarms by requiring corroboration from multiple independent detection points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Device complexity

If only a single sensor detecting window closed position is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision deteriorates because it cannot verify locking mechanism engagement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvenumber of sensorsVSAvoidlocking status verification accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The monitoring function is segmented into two distinct sensor tasks: the first sensor specifically detects whether the locking handle is in the locked position, while the second sensor detects whether the window sash is closed. This division allows each sensor to be optimized for its specific detection target, achieving precise verification of both locking engagement and window closure independently.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If robust alarm systems with multiple sensors are implemented, then the reliability of security monitoring is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefalse alarm preventionVSAvoidsensor system structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The first sensor (locking handle detector) and the second sensor (window sash detector) are integrated into a single unified security system with a common control unit that processes signals from both sensors. The system combines the detection functions into one coordinated assembly mounted on the window frame, reducing installation complexity while maintaining the reliability benefits of dual-sensor monitoring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 system provides reliable confirmation of the window's secure status by ensuring both the window sash is closed and the locking mechanism is engaged, reducing false alarms and enhancing security by accurately indicating the window's locked position.

Implementation Method 1

The first sensor comprises a magnet and a reed switch

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 2

the second sensor comprising a first window component mounted in the housing and a second window component being arranged to be mounted on the window sash

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS11993964B2Casement window locking bar sensor
Publication Date: 2024.05.28 MIGHTON PRODS LTD
  • US11993964B2 patent drawing
  • US11993964B2 patent drawing
  • US11993964B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A casement window locking assembly comprises a locking handle, a housing, a locking bar, and a coupling member to transfer movement of the locking handle to the locking bar. The locking handle is movable between a locked position and an unlocked position. The assembly comprises first and second sensors, the first sensor comprising a first handle component secured to the coupling member and a second handle component mounted within the housing in order to detect the locking handle being in a locked position, the second sensor comprising a first window component mounted in the housing and a second window component being arranged to be mounted on the window sash in order to detect the window sash being located in a closed position. Rotational movement of the handle causes translational movement of the coupling member. Also, methods of providing a window status sensor system.