Open Top Hopper Window Asymmetric Arm Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing hopper window designs do not allow for easy and balanced lifting at different angles, leading to inefficient ventilation and potential health issues due to direct air intake.

Innovation Solution

An open top hopper window design with arms positioned at 35%-40% of the window's length, using a half endless screw locking mechanism and gear system to facilitate balanced positioning and effortless movement at various angles.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If arms are positioned in the middle (50%) of the hopper window, then the window structure is symmetric and stable, but the window cannot be lifted easily due to lack of imbalance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of liftingVSAvoidarm positioning complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent positions the arms at 35%-40% of the window length from the bottom, creating an asymmetric configuration that generates imbalance. This imbalance allows the window to be lifted with minimal effort by exploiting the center of gravity shift, directly resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and structural symmetry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #4Asymmetry

2Ease of operation

If guides are located on top of the frame, then the window can be supported, but the window opens at the bottom causing direct air intake and cannot be easily lifted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of liftingVSAvoiddirect air intake
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional guide placement by locating guides at the bottom of the frame rather than on top. This inversion allows the window to open at the top (hopper style), preventing direct air intake while maintaining support functionality. Combined with the asymmetric arm positioning, this enables easy lifting through imbalance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the window is opened at different angles for ventilation regulation, then ventilation control is improved, but the window requires significant effort to move and position

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveventilation regulationVSAvoidease of positioning
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The asymmetric arm positioning at 35%-40% creates a counterweight effect where the window's own weight facilitates movement. The imbalance generated by the off-center arm placement means the window can be easily positioned at different angles for ventilation regulation, as the center of gravity works in favor of movement rather than resistance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

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 ventilation by allowing the window to be opened at desired angles without effort, preventing direct air intake and reducing the risk of colds, while maintaining structural balance and ease of operation.

Implementation Method 1

a locking system to secure its desired opening angle, wherein said locking system comprises at least a half endless screw (9) with helical threads, an axis of the half endless screw (6), a gear (8)... a handle (5) attached to the axis of the half endless screw (6)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Advantage: Mechanical Advantage

Data Source

PatentEP3006658B1Open top hopper window and frame
Publication Date: 2017.09.20 ANTONETTI OSCAR ANSELMO
  • EP3006658B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3006658B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3006658B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

An open top hopper window consisting of a hopper window (1) and a frame (2), wherein the frame comprises a top edge (28), a bottom edge (29), a left side (22) and a right side (23); wherein the inner part of the right and left sides of the frame (22 and 23) has a guide groove (4) located at the bottom of the side, with a hole in the frame (27) located above such guide groove, wherein the joining between the hopper window (1) and the frame (2) is achieve by two bolts (24) located at the outer bottom sides of the hopper window sliding into the guide grooves (4) and by two arms (3) linking the holes at the frame (27) with two holes (19) at the hopper window (1) wherein the two holes (19) are located at the 35%-40% range of the total length of the hopper window (1) on the outer sides of the hopper window (1) always achieving an equilibrium position which allows positioning the hopper window at different opening angles and positions without effort when sliding it.