Interior Movable Storm Sash Latch Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing window assemblies face challenges with energy efficiency due to exterior storm windows' high thermal conductivity and installation difficulties, while interior storm windows require custom construction and interfere with window hardware, limiting accessibility and usability.
Innovation Solution
A closure assembly with a prime sash and a secondary sash that is hinged and movable, featuring a compressible member and a latch assembly with retractable latching elements and a sliding operator for easy operation from the interior, allowing the secondary sash to be biased towards an open position without interfering with window hardware.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If exterior storm windows are used to improve energy efficiency, then thermal insulation is improved, but thermal conductivity increases and installation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional approach by placing the storm window on the interior side of the building rather than the exterior. This interior mounting approach allows the storm window to provide thermal insulation benefits while avoiding the installation difficulties associated with exterior mounting, such as working at heights and dealing with landscaping constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The window assembly is segmented into a primary window and a secondary storm window that can be independently installed and removed. The storm window is designed as a separate unit that interfaces with the existing window frame, allowing for flexible installation without modifying the building envelope or requiring professional installation.
2Ease of operation
If interior storm windows are used to improve installation ease, then installation becomes simpler, but window hardware accessibility is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The storm window is designed with movable and adjustable components, including a sliding operator mechanism that can dynamically access window hardware through designated openings. The latching system allows the storm window to transition between locked and unlocked states, enabling hardware accessibility when needed while maintaining security when closed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism in the form of a latching system with retractable latching elements and a sliding operator. This intermediary mechanism mediates between the storm window's closed position and the need to access window hardware, allowing controlled access without compromising the overall sealing and insulation provided by the storm window.
3Stability of the object's composition
If interior storm windows are fixedly mounted to improve stability, then mounting stability is improved, but accessibility for maintenance is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The storm window is designed as a separable unit that can be independently removed from the window frame. The latching system provides stable mounting during normal use but allows for easy separation when maintenance is needed. The primary window and storm window remain distinct, modular components that can be serviced independently.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting system transitions from a static fixed mount to a dynamic latched connection that can be easily engaged and disengaged. The sliding operator mechanism provides stable latching during operation but allows quick release for maintenance, creating a dynamic mounting system that adapts between stable operation and easy maintenance states.
4Reliability
If retractable latching elements are used to improve latching reliability, then latching security is improved, but mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The latching elements are designed to be self-actuating through the closing motion of the storm window. As the storm window is closed, the latching elements automatically engage with the frame through spring-loaded or cam-actuated mechanisms, providing reliable latching without requiring complex external actuation systems. The sliding operator simply guides the engagement rather than directly actuating each latching element.
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 solution enhances energy efficiency by reducing thermal conductivity, simplifies installation, and maintains accessibility for window maintenance and accessory usage, providing a practical and user-friendly window assembly solution.
Implementation Method 1
A compressible member biases the interior sash toward the open position
Implementation Method 2
A latch assembly is provided including a plurality of retractable latching elements each biased to an extended position to retain the interior sash in the closed position
Data Source
AI summary
A window or door assembly having a secondary sash hinged to a prime sash and movable between a closed position and an open position toward an interior region. The prime sash is coupled to a frame. A compressible member biases the secondary sash toward the open position. A latch assembly is provided including a plurality of retractable latching elements each biased to an extended position to retain the secondary sash in the closed position. The latch assembly includes a sliding operator accessible from the interior region and slidable along an edge of the secondary sash to sequentially displace the retractable latching elements to a retracted position sufficient for the compressible member to move the secondary sash toward the open position.