Night Latch Button Mechanism for Double Hung Window
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing night latches for double hung windows are cumbersome and require multiple forces applied at various angles to activate and deactivate the tumbler, compromising their utility and durability.
Innovation Solution
A night latch mechanism with a separate button for easy lateral activation, a housing design that fits snugly in a groove for aesthetic appeal, and an operational cover to protect internal parts from weathering, allowing for effortless repositioning and activation/deactivation with minimal force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the tumbler is held in a locked position via a catch portion in the housing, then security is provided, but multiple forces at various angles are required to activate and deactivate the tumbler
Solution Approach 1:
A button is introduced as an intermediary component between the user and the tumbler mechanism. The button translates simple linear pressing motion into the complex multi-directional forces needed to operate the tumbler, allowing users to activate and deactivate the latch with a single straightforward action rather than applying multiple forces at various angles
Solution Approach 2:
The direct mechanical interaction between user and tumbler is replaced with an indirect mechanical system involving the button and catch portion. Instead of the user directly manipulating the tumbler with complex forces, the button mechanism substitutes this direct interaction with a simplified pressing motion that internally generates the necessary multi-directional forces on the tumbler
2Adaptability or versatility
If the night latch is placed in the face of the upper sash, then ventilation control is achieved, but the internal parts are exposed to weathering
Solution Approach 1:
A cover is introduced as a protective shell that encloses the internal mechanical parts (tumbler, spring, button mechanism) while allowing the night latch to remain mounted on the face of the upper sash for ventilation control. The cover acts as a barrier against weathering elements such as rain, humidity, and UV exposure, protecting the internal components without interfering with the external functionality of the latch
3Reliability
If the tumbler is designed to prevent sliding member movement, then security is maintained, but the mechanism becomes cumbersome and less durable
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism is designed to automatically return the tumbler to its locked position after activation, eliminating the need for complex resetting mechanisms. The spring stores energy during the activation process and automatically restores the tumbler to its security position, reducing mechanical wear from manual resetting operations and improving overall durability while maintaining security functionality
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 improved night latch operates more easily, reliably, and durably, allowing for efficient ventilation while maintaining security, with reduced effort required for repositioning and activation, enhancing user experience and longevity.
Implementation Method 1
activating a spring mechanism that will force the tumbler to an exposed position, thus creating the impeding force required to restrict movement of the lower window sash
Data Source
AI summary
A night latch, in particular a night latch that includes a housing, tumbler, button, and a resilient members. The housing of the present invention maintains the tumbler, button, and resilient members. The housing also may have at least one protrusion located on its sidewall. The tumbler of the present invention has a pivoting member along with an aperture for housing a resilient member. In addition, the tumbler of the present invention may have a protrusion located on its front face, which interacts with a protrusion located on the rear end of lower portion of the button. The lower portion of the button also has a resilient member located on the front end. This resilient member exerts a force that maintains the tumbler in a retracted position.