Hidden Sash Guide With Cam Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Window sash guides that attach to the top surface of an upper rail are aesthetically unpleasing as they are visible, and existing solutions fail to effectively hide them while maintaining proper alignment and adjustment for varying manufacturing tolerances.
Innovation Solution
A sash guide design featuring a mounting plate, cam block, and adjustment fastener that allows the outside surface of the guide to be adjustable relative to the side rail, enabling it to be partially hidden between the window sash and jamb, with an adjustment screw accessible from the top rail to accommodate manufacturing tolerances and improve aesthetics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the sash guide attaches to the top surface of the upper rail, then the sash guide can guide the window sash movement, but the sash guide becomes visible on the window sash which is aesthetically unpleasing
Solution Approach 1:
The sash guide is nested within the window sash structure by positioning it between the window sash and the jamb, making it invisible from the exterior while maintaining its guiding function. The mounting plate attaches to the side rail and the guide body is positioned within the sash depth, effectively hiding it within the existing structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution moves the sash guide from a surface-mounted position (top of upper rail) to a depth-based position (between sash and jamb). This dimensional change in the transverse direction allows the guide to remain functional while becoming invisible from the exterior viewing angle.
2Device complexity
If the sash guide position is fixed, then the structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate manufacturing tolerances and proper alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The sash guide incorporates an adjustable mechanism where the outside surface can be repositioned along the transverse direction. The cam block and adjustment fastener enable dynamic repositioning of the guide's outside surface to accommodate manufacturing tolerances and achieve proper alignment with the jamb, while the overall structure remains relatively simple.
Solution Approach 2:
The position of the outside surface of the sash guide is made variable through the adjustment fastener mechanism. By changing the position parameter of the outside surface along the transverse direction, the system can accommodate manufacturing tolerances and achieve optimal alignment without requiring a completely complex adjustable structure.
3Ease of manufacture
If the sash guide is positioned to be hidden, then aesthetics improve, but adjustment for alignment becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment fastener acts as an intermediary mechanism that provides adjustment capability while maintaining the hidden position of the sash guide. The fastener extends through the upper rail, allowing access for adjustment operations from the exterior, while the actual sash guide body remains hidden between the sash and jamb.
4Manufacturing precision
If the outside surface of the sash guide is adjustable, then alignment tolerance is accommodated, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system achieves alignment tolerance accommodation by making the position parameter of the outside surface adjustable. The adjustment mechanism uses a cam block and fastener system that provides the necessary positional variation while maintaining relatively simple construction, avoiding overly complex adjustment mechanisms.
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 design allows for the sash guide to be positioned in a way that it is not visible, enhancing the window system's aesthetics while ensuring proper alignment and adjustment for left and right movement of the window sash, accommodating manufacturing tolerances and improving installation efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a cam block disposed proximate the second end and between the plate and the side rail; and an adjustment fastener coupled to the cam block, wherein the adjustment fastener is configured to slide the cam block along the longitudinal axis
Data Source
AI summary
A sash guide for a hung window includes a plate having a first end and an opposite second end defining a longitudinal axis. The first end configured to mount to a side rail of a window sash and the second end having an outside surface spaced from the side rail in a transverse direction. The transverse direction being substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis. A cam block is disposed proximate the second end and between the plate and the side rail. An adjustment fastener is coupled to the cam block and configured to slide the cam block along the longitudinal axis such that the outside surface of the second end is adjustable along the transverse direction and in relation to the side rail.