Reversible Window Safety Latch with Automatic Expansion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing reversible window safety latch systems either require manual disengagement before closing or apply undesired forces on the window fittings, posing risks during cleaning and compromising the locking mechanism's effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A safety latch system comprising a fixed and moveable element, where the moveable element automatically expands to engage with a complementary element when the window sash reaches its cleaning position, providing automatic locking without applying forces on the reversible window fittings, and is designed to be hidden in the closed position to prevent accidental opening.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a manual safety latch system is used in reversible windows, then the window can be locked in cleaning position, but the latch requires manual disengagement before closing and applies undesired forces on window fittings
Solution Approach 1:
The safety latch system automatically engages when the window sash reaches the cleaning position through the movement of a moveable element that is actuated by the sash position itself, without requiring manual intervention. The system serves itself by using the window's own movement to trigger the locking action.
Solution Approach 2:
The moveable element is positioned and configured in advance within the latch mechanism so that when the window sash approaches the cleaning position, the moveable element automatically moves into engagement with the fixed element, preparing the locking action before full engagement occurs.
2Extent of automation
If the safety latch is integrated into linkages, then automatic engagement occurs when reversed, but the latch applies forces on the reversible window fittings which may compromise the locking mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The safety latch system is divided into separate components: a fixed element mounted to the frame, a moveable element mounted to the sash, and an engaging element. This segmentation allows the locking function to be isolated from the window fittings and linkages, preventing force transmission to these components.
Solution Approach 2:
The safety latch mechanism is extracted from the linkage system and mounted directly between the frame and sash. This removes the latch from the linkage chain, eliminating the transmission of undesired forces to the reversible window fittings while maintaining the automatic locking function.
3Extent of automation
If the safety latch is located closer to the pivot point, then automatic engagement is achieved, but forces on the safety latch system increase
Solution Approach 1:
The safety latch system is positioned in a different spatial dimension - mounted directly between the frame and sash rather than being integrated into the linkage arm at the pivot point. This dimensional repositioning changes the force transmission path and reduces the mechanical advantage that would otherwise amplify forces on the latch components.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4~5
AI summary
Reversible window assembly (1) comprising: a window frame (2) comprising four frame elements, a window sash (3) comprising four sash elements, and where the window sash is arranged inside the window frame so that when the window is closed, a fitting cavity (22) is provided between the upper frame element (2a) and the upper sash element (3a) and at least one safety latch system (4,6) for locking the position of the window sash in the window sash's cleaning position. The safety latch system comprises a first part (4) which is mounted to the upper sash element (3a) and a second part (5) which is mounted to the lower frame element (2c), and where the first part (4) comprises i) a fixed element (6) which is fixed to the upper sash element (3a) and ii) a moveable element (7) moveably attached to the fixed element (6). The moveable element assumes a collapsed position when the window sash is in its closed position and an expanded position when the window sash is in its cleaning position. The second part (5) has an engaging element (18) which is formed complementary to the first part's moveable element (7). The first part's moveable element automatically goes into engagement with the second part's engaging element when the window sash assumes its cleaning position.