Pivot Bar Resilient Retaining Members for Window Sash
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing window sash pivot bars lack efficient and secure attachment methods that do not require fasteners or mounting hardware, leading to increased assembly time and cost, and potential inconsistencies in attachment quality.
Innovation Solution
A pivot bar design featuring an elongated body with resilient retaining members and an anti-rotation feature that securely attaches to the window sash through apertures and channels without the need for fasteners, using flexible legs and barbs to engage the sash and window frame, and an anti-rotation feature to prevent torque and twisting forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional fastener-based attachment methods are used for pivot bars, then attachment strength and reliability are improved, but assembly time and manufacturing complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot bar features self-retaining characteristics where the resilient retaining members automatically engage with the window sash apertures upon insertion, eliminating the need for separate fastening operations. The barbs on the retaining members provide automatic locking engagement that secures the pivot bar without requiring additional fasteners or mounting hardware.
Solution Approach 2:
The retaining members are designed with resilient properties that allow them to flex during installation and then maintain a constant engagement force. The spring-like behavior of the resilient members enables them to adapt to manufacturing tolerances while maintaining secure attachment, changing their physical state from flexible during insertion to rigid during operation.
2Reliability
If traditional fastener-based attachment methods are used for pivot bars, then attachment strength and reliability are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pivot bar design merges the retaining function directly into the bar structure itself. The resilient retaining members with barbs are integrated as part of the pivot bar body, eliminating the need for separate fasteners, screws, or mounting hardware. This consolidation reduces the number of components and simplifies the overall device.
Solution Approach 2:
The design extracts and eliminates unnecessary mounting hardware from the system. By using the pivot bar's own structure to provide retaining functionality through integrated resilient members, the patent removes the need for external fasteners and mounting components, reducing device complexity.
3Ease of operation
If pivot bars can rotate freely during sash operation, then ease of operation is improved, but attachment stability and precision are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The retaining members feature asymmetric barb structures that allow rotation in one direction (for sash tilting operation) while preventing rotation in the opposite direction. This asymmetric design enables the pivot bar to rotate freely during normal sash operation for ease of use, while the barbs engage with the apertures to prevent unwanted rotational movement that would compromise attachment stability.
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 allows for secure, fastener-free attachment of pivot bars to window sashes, reducing assembly time and cost, improving consistency, and providing a torque-resistant attachment that maintains the pivot bar's stability during sash operation.
Implementation Method 1
The resilient retaining members may be flexed to remove the pivot bar from the window sash
Implementation Method 2
an anti-rotation feature to prevent torque and twisting forces
Data Source
AI summary
A pivot bar for a tiltable window sash may include an elongated body, an anti-rotation feature and a retaining finger. The elongated body has first and second opposing ends and first and second opposing surfaces extending between the first and second ends. The elongated body also has a first longitudinal axis extending through the first and second ends. The first end may be configured to be received in a window balance assembly. The retaining finger may extend from the second surface and may be configured to engage the tiltable window sash.