Exterior Slide Operator Assemblies for Fenestration Units

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional fenestration units with hinged sashes require cumbersome operators like cranks or handles that protrude and obstruct views, and impose unnecessary operating forces, limiting design flexibility and user convenience.

Innovation Solution

The development of sliding operator assemblies that convert linear actuation force along one axis to angular force along another, utilizing mechanisms like twisted wires, spools, cords, and pulleys to drive the sash opening and closing, allowing for a low-profile actuator that does not obstruct the view and reduces operational force, with enhanced handle positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional crank or handle operators are used to open hinged fenestration units, then the sash can be opened and closed, but the operators protrude into the viewing area and obstruct views

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesash opening and closingVSAvoidviewing area

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The operator assembly is extracted from the interior space and relocated to the exterior side of the fenestration unit. The housing is mounted to the exterior surface, with the actuator extending outward from the exterior side, completely removing the operator from the interior viewing area while maintaining full operational capability for opening and closing the sash.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The operator assembly transitions from a two-dimensional planar arrangement (where the crank protrudes into the interior space) to a three-dimensional exterior mounting configuration. The actuator is positioned in the exterior dimension, using the depth of the fenestration unit frame to accommodate the operator mechanism without encroaching on interior or exterior viewing areas.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Ease of operation

If conventional crank operators are used, then the sash can be operated, but excessive operating forces are required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesash operationVSAvoidoperating force

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The manual crank mechanism is replaced with an electric motor actuator that provides powered operation of the sash. The motor assembly includes a motor housing, motor, and drive mechanism that automatically opens and closes the sash with minimal user input, eliminating the need for high manual operating forces required by conventional crank operators.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

An electric motor serves as an intermediary between the user's small control input and the large force required to move the sash. The motor converts electrical energy into mechanical force, acting as a force-multiplying intermediary that reduces the operating force from the user while maintaining full sash operation capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If operators are positioned at hand height or bottom/sill, then the sash can be operated, but design flexibility is limited and appearance is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesash operationVSAvoiddesign flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The operator assembly is designed as a universal exterior-mounted unit that can be applied to various types of hinged fenestration units regardless of their specific configuration. The standardized housing and actuator mounting system provides multi-functionality across different window and door designs, greatly enhancing design flexibility while maintaining ease of operation through consistent user interface positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 a more compact and user-friendly operation of fenestration units by minimizing protrusion into the viewing area, reducing operational forces, and offering improved handle positioning, thus enhancing design flexibility and user experience.

Implementation Method 1

a twisted wire coupled to the slide mechanism, the twisted wire configured to rotate in response to sliding motion of the slide mechanism

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTorsion: Torsion Spring

Implementation Method 2

a spool attached to the twisted wire, the spool configured to rotate in response to rotation of the twisted wire

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRotational motion transfer: Wheel and Axle

Implementation Method 3

a cord coupling the spool and drive mechanism, the cord configured to transfer force to the drive mechanism

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTension: Tension

Data Source

PatentUS11834884B2Slide operator assemblies and components for fenestration units

Publication Date: 2023.12.05 PELLA CORP

AI summary

Slide operator assemblies and components for fenestration units, as well as associated methods of manufacture and use thereof.