Night Latch Button Mechanism for Double Hung Window Security
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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, leading to inefficient operation and potential security issues.
Innovation Solution
A night latch mechanism with a separate button for easy activation and deactivation, featuring a housing with a cover to protect internal components from weathering, allowing for a downward force to toggle the tumbler between locked and unlocked positions, enhancing ease of use and durability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a tumbler mechanism is used to prevent sash movement, then security is improved, but the operation becomes cumbersome requiring multiple forces at various angles
Solution Approach 1:
A button is introduced as an intermediary element between the user and the tumbler mechanism. The button translates simple linear pressing motion into the complex multi-directional forces required to activate or deactivate the tumbler, thereby maintaining security while dramatically simplifying user operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism is designed to automatically transition between locked and unlocked states through spring-loaded tumblers that respond to the button press. The system serves itself by using the button's linear motion to trigger the complex tumbler activation sequence without requiring the user to manually manipulate multiple components or apply forces at various angles.
2Ease of operation
If the night latch is exposed to allow easy access, then ease of operation is improved, but internal components are vulnerable to weathering
Solution Approach 1:
A cover is provided that encloses the internal tumbler and spring mechanisms while allowing access through a button on the exterior. This protective shell shields the internal components from weathering elements like moisture and corrosion, while the button interface maintains ease of operation from the outside.
3Reliability
If the tumbler is held in locked position by a catch portion, then security is maintained, but deactivation requires complex multi-angle forces
Solution Approach 1:
The button serves as a mediator that converts simple linear pressing motion into the complex multi-directional forces needed to disengage the catch portion and activate/deactivate the tumbler. This maintains the stability of the locked position while dramatically simplifying the user interaction required for activation or deactivation.
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 efficiently and reliably, requiring less effort to reposition the tumbler, providing enhanced security and longevity while maintaining an aesthetically pleasing design.
Implementation Method 1
the tumbler can be pressed in an inward and upward fashion 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
The present invention relates to a night latch in particular a night latch that includes a housing, tumbler, button, and a two resilient members. The housing of the present invention maintains the tumbler, button, and two 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 a means for housing a resilient member. In addition the tumbler of the present invention may have recess located on its front face. The tumbler also has at least one groove that co-acts with the protrusion on the sidewall. A first resilient member is used force the tumbler into an exposed position, and a second resilient member is used to keep the tumbler in a retracted position, via the co-action of the recess in the tumbler and a protrusion on the bottom portion of the button.