Ribbon Sealed Lock Assemblies for Window Sash Air and Light Blocking

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Sash locks for casement and awning windows often allow air and light to pass through when closed, as they do not provide adequate sealing.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating a ribbon seal within a catch housing that moves along a serpentine curved path as the catch transitions between locked and unlocked positions, obstructing openings and enhancing sealing by preventing or limiting air and light passage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If a traditional sash lock is used, then the lock assembly is simple in structure, but air and light can pass through the lock assembly when closed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveair and light passageVSAvoidlock assembly structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a flexible ribbon seal made of elastomeric material that can deform and conform to the catch housing geometry. This thin film element moves within a serpentine path to block openings in the catch housing, preventing air and light passage while maintaining structural simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The ribbon seal is designed to be movable rather than fixed, transitioning between positions as the catch moves between locked and unlocked states. The seal dynamically adjusts its position along the serpentine path to provide sealing only when needed, adding functional complexity without permanent structural increase

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If a ribbon seal is added to prevent air and light passage, then sealing performance improves, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesealing performanceVSAvoidlock assembly structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ribbon seal mechanism is integrated into the existing catch housing structure, combining the sealing function with the lock mechanism. The serpentine path is formed by walls and posts that are part of the catch housing assembly, merging multiple functions into a unified structure rather than adding separate components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The ribbon seal is operably connected to the catch such that the catch's movement between locked and unlocked positions automatically drives the seal along the serpentine path. The seal self-adjusts its position based on the catch state without requiring independent actuation mechanisms or additional control systems

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS9068377B2Ribbon sealed lock assemblies and methods

Publication Date: 2015.06.30 ANDERSEN CORPORATION

AI summary

The lock assemblies as described herein engage with keepers on movable sashes and include features designed to provide additional sealing functions to the lock assembly by incorporating a ribbon seal within a catch housing of the lock assembly.