Corner Drive Assembly for Window Locking Systems

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing corner drive assemblies for window locking systems face challenges in efficiently transferring motion between horizontal and vertical lock bars, particularly in casement-style and projection-style window assemblies, with limitations in adaptability to custom window sizes and interference with window frame corner adhesives or sealants.

Innovation Solution

A corner drive assembly comprising a case with perpendicularly aligned legs, a corner transfer spring, and arms, where the corner transfer spring is slidably disposed within a curved passageway of a corner insert with a low friction coefficient, allowing for smooth motion transfer between lock bars and accommodating window frame irregularities.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a corner drive assembly is used to transfer motion between horizontal and vertical lock bars, then motion transfer is enabled, but friction and interference with window frame corner adhesives or sealants occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotion transfer efficiencyVSAvoidfriction and interference with adhesives
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The corner drive assembly is divided into separate functional components: a case providing structural support, a corner insert with curved passageway for motion transfer, and a corner transfer spring for elastic deformation. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, with the corner insert specifically designed to minimize friction while the case provides mounting stability away from adhesive application areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The corner insert acts as an intermediary element between the case and the corner transfer spring. It provides a curved passageway that guides the spring's deformation path, enabling smooth motion transfer while isolating the spring from direct contact with the case walls, thereby reducing friction and preventing interference with adhesives.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If the corner drive assembly is designed to accommodate custom window sizes, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to custom window sizesVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The corner drive assembly is designed as a universal component that can be applied to various window sizes and configurations. The case provides a standardized mounting structure, while the corner insert with its curved passageway and the elastic corner transfer spring create a flexible motion transfer mechanism that adapts to different geometric requirements without requiring custom-designed components for each window size.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The corner transfer spring provides dynamic adaptability through its elastic deformation capability. As the window size or configuration changes, the spring can deform along the curved passageway of the corner insert to accommodate different motion paths and distances, allowing the same structural design to function across multiple applications without increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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

Enables efficient and adaptable motion transfer between horizontal and vertical lock bars, reducing friction and interference with window frame corner adhesives or sealants, thus enhancing the operational reliability and flexibility of the window locking system.

Implementation Method 1

The corner transfer spring is at least partially slidably disposed in the third interior compartment. The corner transfer spring has a first end and a second end. The first end is slidable along the first axis. The second end is slidable along the second axis.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

The corner insert includes a curved passageway. The corner transfer spring is partially slidably disposed within the curved passageway. The curved passageway includes a bearing surface. The bearing surface has a first coefficient of friction. The case has a second coefficient of friction. The first coefficient of friction is less than the second coefficient of friction.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3447221B1Corner drive assembly for window locking system
Publication Date: 2020.10.28 CALDWELL MANUFACTURING COMPANY NORTH AMERICA LLC
  • EP3447221B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3447221B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3447221B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A corner drive assembly for a window locking system includes a case, a corner transfer spring, and first and second arms. The case includes first and second legs aligned with respective first and second axes. The legs are joined by a corner portion having an outer relief surface that is disposed adjacent to and spaced apart from a corner of a window frame. The spring is slidably disposed within the corner portion and has first and second ends slidable along the first and second axes, respectively. The first arm is disposed within the first leg, slidable along the first axis, and coupled to the first end of the spring. The second arm is within the second leg, slidable along the second axis, and coupled to the second end of the spring. The first and second arms are coupled to respective first and second link bars of the locking system.