Inverted Constant Force Window Balance With Sliding Mounting Bracket
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing window balance systems face challenges in providing a secure and efficient connection to window jams, especially when the window sash is tilted or removed, leading to potential retraction of the balance system due to recoil forces, and they often require modifications for different window sizes and configurations.
Innovation Solution
The proposed solution involves an inverted constant force window balance system with a two-piece mounting bracket that slidesably mounts to the window jamb, featuring a releasable coupling mechanism and modular design, allowing for easy installation on both sides of the window sash and accommodating various window weights and dimensions through additional coil springs and adapters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the mounting bracket is fixed rigidly to the housing, then the connection is strong and secure, but the system cannot be easily installed or removed from the window jamb
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket incorporates a slideable mechanism that transitions between a locked engaged position (providing strong connection) and a disengaged position (enabling easy installation and removal). This dynamic design allows the bracket to adapt its state based on operational requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting bracket is divided into separable components including a slideable mounting bracket portion and a housing portion, allowing independent movement and positioning. This segmentation enables the bracket to be installed and removed without affecting the entire balance system.
2Reliability
If the balance system is secured firmly to prevent retraction, then reliability is improved, but the system becomes more complex with additional locking mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs a dynamic locking mechanism that automatically engages and disengages based on the position and movement of the sash, eliminating the need for separate manual locking components while ensuring reliable prevention of retraction.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting bracket and carrier assembly are designed to self-lock and self-unlock through their inherent mechanical interaction, using the movement of the sash itself to trigger the locking and unlocking actions without requiring additional control mechanisms.
3Reliability
If the mounting bracket is designed for specific window configurations, then connection reliability is high, but adaptability to different window sizes and types is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket is designed with universal features including slideable movement capability and standardized engagement mechanisms that can accommodate various window jamb types, sizes, and configurations while maintaining reliable connection through the same fundamental design.
Solution Approach 2:
The slideable mounting bracket can adapt its position and orientation dynamically to fit different window configurations, allowing the same component to serve multiple window types and sizes without modification.
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 design enhances the security and efficiency of the window balance system by preventing undesirable decoupling during shipping and installation, reducing installation time, and allowing for easy adaptation to different window sizes, ensuring reliable operation across a range of window weights and configurations.
Implementation Method 1
a coil spring disposed within the housing, the coil spring including a free end
Implementation Method 2
the shoe assembly includes a housing body having a rotatable cam disposed therein, the cam including a body having an outer cam surface configured to extend the at least one brake upon rotation of the cam
Implementation Method 3
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
Data Source
AI summary
An inverted constant force window balance system includes a carrier assembly and a mounting bracket. The carrier assembly includes a housing, a coil spring disposed within the housing, and a shoe assembly coupled to the housing. 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 mounting bracket is releasably coupled to the housing opposite the shoe assembly and is coupled to the free end of the coil spring. At least a portion of the mounting bracket is configured to slideably move in relation to the free end of the coil spring between at least two positions. When at least a portion of the mounting bracket moves between the at least two positions, the mounting bracket disengages from the housing and releases the mounting bracket from the carrier assembly.