Roof Window Ventilation Flap Locking Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing roof windows with pivotally mounted sashes and ventilation flaps are vulnerable to forced opening from the exterior, posing a security risk due to the inability of existing shielding solutions to actively prevent the ventilation flap from being opened, and these solutions are costly and difficult to replace.
Innovation Solution
A window design featuring a pivotally mounted sash with an adjustable ventilation flap connected to a locking mechanism, incorporating a hinge lock that can be slidably moved between locked and unlocked positions, utilizing a C-shaped channel section and cylindrical hinge pin member, with a tab and raised formation to prevent pivotal motion of the flap.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If shielding members are placed within or around the ventilation passage to prevent forced opening, then security is improved, but the shielding members can still be breached by a determined person and are costly and difficult to replace
Solution Approach 1:
The ventilation flap is designed with a two-stage operation mechanism. In the first stage, the ventilation passage is opened while the sash remains locked. In the second stage, further pivoting of the flap releases the window locking mechanism, enabling the sash to pivot open. This dynamic staged operation provides active security prevention while maintaining ease of maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The ventilation flap serves as an intermediary element that connects the ventilation function with the locking mechanism. By making the flap operable in two stages and having it control the locking mechanism, the system provides active security prevention without requiring separate shielding members that would be difficult to replace.
2Ease of operation
If the ventilation flap is made operable from the exterior to provide ventilation, then ease of operation is improved, but security deteriorates as burglars can use tools inserted through the ventilation passage to operate the flap
Solution Approach 1:
The ventilation flap operation is designed with two distinct stages: first opening the ventilation passage while maintaining sash lock, and second releasing the locking mechanism only when further pivoted. This dynamic staged operation allows legitimate ventilation use while preventing unauthorized sash opening through the ventilation passage.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism is designed to remain engaged during the first stage of flap operation, providing preliminary anti-action against burglary attempts. The sash cannot be opened unless the flap is fully pivoted to the second stage, which would require significant force and be noticeable, thereby preventing covert burglary through the ventilation passage.
Data Source
Figure 1~5
Figure 2a
Figure 2b~2c
AI summary
A window includes a sash (2) which is pivotally mounted to a window frame and has a ventilation passage between the interior and exterior of the window. The ventilation passage is closable by an adjustable ventilation flap (3) which is pivotally mounted to the interior of the sash (2) and is also connected to window locking mechanism (4). The flap (3) is provided with a separate locking means (10) that can be selectively set internally by a user and which provides locking control over opening and closing of the flaps. This prevents the flap (3) from being forced open from the exterior and moving locking mechanism (4) into an unlocked position thereby enabling sash (2) to be opened.