Key Lockable Window Operator Crank Handle Nesting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lockable window operators for casement and awning windows are vulnerable to tampering due to the visibility and accessibility of the retractable sleeve, which can be manipulated by unauthorized persons.

Innovation Solution

A key lockable operator design featuring a housing with a lock cylinder, pinion, rack, and sliding pin mechanism that secures the crank handle in a folded position when locked, requiring a key to unlock and allow operation, and a retaining pin system to prevent unauthorized removal of the cover.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a retractable sleeve is used to cover the handle knob when locked, then the window operator can be secured against unauthorized operation, but the sleeve becomes fully visible and accessible from outside making it vulnerable to tampering

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesecurity of window operatorVSAvoidvulnerability to tampering

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The retractable sleeve is nested within the operator housing rather than being externally mounted. The sleeve extends through a cavity in the housing to cover the handle knob when locked, but remains enclosed by the housing structure, making it inaccessible from outside while maintaining its security function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The operator housing serves as an intermediary structure that protects the retractable sleeve from external tampering. The housing provides a protective enclosure that allows the sleeve to perform its security function while shielding it from unauthorized access and manipulation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of repair

If the cover is made removable for access to internal components, then maintenance and repair become easier, but unauthorized persons can remove the cover to tamper with the lock assembly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess to internal componentsVSAvoidunauthorized access to lock assembly

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The operator is divided into separate components including a removable cover and a housing containing the lock assembly. This segmentation allows the cover to be removed for maintenance while the critical lock components remain protected within the housing, enabling authorized access without exposing the system to unauthorized tampering

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS9476241B2Key lockable operator cover

Publication Date: 2016.10.25 TRUTH HARDWARE CORPORATION

AI summary

A key lockable window operator, including a crank handle that is shiftable between a folded storage position and an unfolded operating position and a lock cylinder operably engaged to a rack and a sliding pin. The rack and the sliding pin are shiftable between an unlocked position and a locked position. When in the locked position, at least a portion of the sliding pin is engaged into a cavity in the crank handle whereby the crank handle is secured in the folded storage position.