Ribbon Coil Spring Anchor Mount for Window Counterbalance
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing counterbalance systems for windows face challenges in anchoring coil springs due to the limited size of mounting slots in guide tracks, which are constrained by reinforcement ribs, making it difficult to engage larger coil springs without reducing their strength or using external fasteners.
Innovation Solution
A coil spring with a slot engagement configuration that reduces in width to fit into the mounting slot, featuring a transition zone and a locking lip to securely engage the slot without the need for mechanical fasteners, allowing for a cost-effective and labor-efficient installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If the coil spring width is increased to maintain strength, then the spring strength is improved, but the spring cannot fit into the limited mounting slot
Solution Approach 1:
The coil spring is segmented into two distinct width portions: a first portion with greater width for strength, and a second portion with reduced width for engagement. This segmentation allows the spring to simultaneously satisfy both the strength requirement and the mounting slot dimension constraint.
Solution Approach 2:
The coil spring exhibits local quality variation where different portions have different widths. The first portion maintains full width for structural strength, while the second portion is locally reduced in width specifically for the engagement function with the mounting slot, optimizing both strength and fit.
2Ease of operation
If a slot mounting system is used to simplify installation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the mounting slot dimensions are constrained by reinforcement ribs
Solution Approach 1:
The coil spring is divided into portions with different widths, allowing the second portion to fit through the constrained mounting slot while the first portion remains outside for strength. This enables slot mounting simplicity despite the small slot area.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from a two-dimensional constraint problem (spring width vs. slot width) to a three-dimensional arrangement where the spring extends through the slot with portions on either side, utilizing the depth dimension to resolve the size conflict.
3Reliability
If external anchor mounts or screws are used to secure the spring, then the reliability of anchoring is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The coil spring is designed to be self-anchoring through its dual-width configuration. The second portion with reduced width automatically engages and secures itself within the mounting slot without requiring external anchors or screws, eliminating additional components and simplifying the mounting system.
Solution Approach 2:
The external fastening elements (anchors, screws) are extracted from the system entirely. The anchoring function is achieved through the intrinsic geometry of the coil spring itself, specifically the second portion that fits into the mounting slot, removing the need for separate fastening components.
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
Enables the use of larger coil springs in counterbalance systems by maintaining strength while allowing for secure engagement within the limited mounting slots, eliminating the need for external anchors and simplifying the installation process.
Implementation Method 1
coiled ribbon springs to provide the force needed to counteract the weight of the window sash. The coil spring unwinds as the window sash is opened. The retraction force exerted by the coil spring counterbalances the weight of the window sash.
Data Source
AI summary
A counterbalance system for a window sash in a window frame. The window frame has guide tracks. The guide tracks have wall surfaces. The wall surfaces are supported by reinforcement ribs. A mounting slot is formed in the guide track. The mounting slot is formed in a limited area of a wall that is not supported by a reinforcement rib. A coil spring is provided. The coil spring is made of a steel ribbon having a first end, an opposite second end, and a slot engagement configuration proximate said second end. The coil spring has a wide first width from its first end to the slot engagement configuration. This first width is too large to directly engage the mounting slot. The steel ribbon is reduced to a second width through the slot engagement configuration and continuing to the second end to pass into the mounting slot.