Corner-Mounted Pull Handle for Window Sash Ergonomics

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing window designs with centrally arranged rotary handles face ergonomic issues in various installation situations, leading to accessibility problems and increased operational effort due to protrusion beyond the sash edge or reduced lever arm, especially in high or low installation positions.

Innovation Solution

A window with a pull handle positioned in a corner of the sash, designed to pivot about an oblique axis, providing a longer lever arm and avoiding protrusion, which is mechanically connected to the sash frame elements and can protrude into the glass surface for easier gripping, with a plate-like base body and integrated sensors for automatic window control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a rotary handle is positioned centrally on the lower or upper horizontal sash frame element, then the handle is easily accessible, but the handle can protrude beyond the sash edge and collide with building components such as windowsill or lintel

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveaccessibilityVSAvoidcollision with building components
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The handle is repositioned from the central horizontal location to the corner of the sash, utilizing the vertical dimension and corner space. This dimensional change allows the handle to remain accessible while avoiding protrusion into the building envelope, as the corner position provides spatial clearance in all directions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The handle is specifically positioned at the corner of the sash where it can extend slightly beyond the sash edge in a controlled manner. This local positioning optimizes accessibility at the corner while maintaining overall reliability by avoiding collision with building components through strategic placement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of operation

If a rotary handle is positioned centrally on the upper or lower horizontal sash frame element, then the handle is easily accessible, but the distance to the vertical pivot hinge is reduced, shortening the lever arm and requiring increased force

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveaccessibilityVSAvoidforce required for opening
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The handle is relocated to the corner of the sash, utilizing the vertical dimension and diagonal distance from the hinge. This creates a longer lever arm by maximizing the perpendicular distance from the pivot hinge to the handle's rotation axis, thereby reducing the force required to open the sash while maintaining accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of operation

If a handle is positioned as low as possible for high installation positions, then accessibility is improved, but the lever arm to the hinge is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveaccessibilityVSAvoidlever arm length
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The handle is positioned asymmetrically at the corner of the sash rather than symmetrically at the center. This asymmetric placement allows the handle to be as low as possible for accessibility while simultaneously maximizing the diagonal lever arm distance to the vertical hinge, resolving the contradiction between accessibility and mechanical advantage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

Data Source

PatentEP3960967B1Window
Publication Date: 2023.10.04 MACO TECHNOLOGIE GMBH
  • EP3960967B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3960967B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3960967B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A window comprises a frame, a sash movable relative to the frame, and a handle attached to the sash for opening it, the sash having several corners. The handle is designed as a pull handle located in one corner of the sash.