Inverted Constant Force Window Balance Sliding Mount Bracket
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing window balance systems face challenges in providing a secure and adaptable connection to window jambs, limiting their installation flexibility and ease of use across various window sizes and orientations.
Innovation Solution
The inverted constant force window balance system features a two-piece mounting bracket that slides flush with the jamb, allowing secure connection and installation on either side of the window sash without modification, along with a releasable coupling that reduces decoupling during shipping and installation time, and is modular to accommodate different window sash weights and sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional mounting bracket is used, then the connection to the window jamb is secure, but the installation flexibility and adaptability to various window sizes and orientations is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket is divided into two separate pieces: a first mounting bracket piece that engages with the coil housing and a second mounting bracket piece that engages with the window jamb. This segmentation allows each piece to be optimized for its specific function and enables flexible installation configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The two-piece mounting bracket design provides multiple engagement configurations, allowing the balance system to be installed on either side of the window sash and accommodating various window sizes and orientations. The bracket can engage in different positions to provide universal adaptability.
2Productivity
If the mounting bracket is fixed to the coil housing, then the connection is stable, but the installation time increases due to decoupling requirements during shipping
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket pieces are designed to be dynamically connectable and disconnectable. During shipping, the pieces can be separated to prevent damage, and during installation, they are easily coupled together to form a stable connection, reducing installation time while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The first mounting bracket piece acts as an intermediary between the coil housing and the second mounting bracket piece that engages with the window jamb. This intermediate connection point allows for easy assembly and disassembly while maintaining a stable final connection.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single-piece mounting bracket is used, then the structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate different window sash weights and sizes
Solution Approach 1:
Dividing the mounting bracket into two pieces enables different configurations and engagement points, allowing the same basic structure to accommodate various window sash weights and sizes without requiring completely different bracket designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The two-piece mounting bracket allows for adjustment of engagement parameters such as position, orientation, and load distribution, enabling the system to adapt to different window sash weights and sizes while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
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
This solution enhances the ease of installation, adaptability, and security of the window balance system, reducing inventory needs and installation time while ensuring a wide range of window sizes can be accommodated, and allows for efficient sliding and pivoting movements.
Implementation Method 1
a coil spring disposed within the housing, the coil spring including a free end... As the coil spring unwinds from the sliding movement of the sash, the recoil tendency of the spring produces a retraction force to counter the weight of the window sash
Implementation Method 2
the shoe assembly is configured to receive a pivot bar from a window sash and extend at least one brake upon rotation of the pivot bar... the housing is configured to slide between a first position and a second position relative to the shoe assembly
Data Source
AI summary
An inverted constant force window balance system has a carrier assembly including a housing with a first and a second housing wall, a coil spring with a free end, and a shoe assembly slidably coupled to the housing. The shoe assembly includes a first and a second shoe face. The housing slides between a first and a second position relative to the shoe assembly. When in the first position, the first and second housing walls are substantially non-coplanar with the first shoe face, and when in the second position, the first housing wall is substantially coplanar with the first shoe face and substantially non-coplanar with the second shoe face. The shoe assembly receives a pivot bar from a window sash and extends a brake upon rotation thereof. The balance system also includes a mounting bracket releasably coupled to the housing and coupled to the free end of the coil spring.