Integrated Sash Lock and Tilt Latch for Impact Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current window hardware, particularly tilt latches, fail to adequately resist high wind loads and impact loading, leading to deformation and potential moisture and debris ingress, even with impact-resistant glazing, due to insufficient structural integrity.
Innovation Solution
An integrated sash lock and tilt latch fastener system that includes a lock assembly with a cam and lever arm, and a latch assembly with a biasing mechanism, allowing cooperative operation through a single handle member to resist wind and impact loads by securely engaging with the master window frame, preventing sliding and tilting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the tilt latch is designed to be simple and allow easy tilting operation, then the ease of operation is improved, but the structural integrity and resistance to wind loading deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sash lock and tilt latch into an integrated assembly where the lock body serves dual functions. The cam mechanism and latch finger work together as a unified system, allowing the same structural components to provide both locking and tilting functions while maintaining strength against wind loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock assembly is designed to perform multiple functions: it provides both the sash locking function and the tilt latch function. The cam can engage with the keeper for locking while the latch finger engages with the sash for tilting control, making a single component system serve multiple purposes without compromising structural integrity.
2Device complexity
If the tilt latch relies solely on biasing into the track, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability under high wind loads deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the tilt latch function with the sash lock assembly. The latch finger is integrated into the lock body and works in conjunction with the cam mechanism. This integration allows the same robust structure that provides locking reliability to also provide tilt latch reliability under wind loads.
Solution Approach 2:
The cam mechanism uses curved surfaces and rotational movement to engage and disengage the latch finger. The cam's curved profile allows for smooth operation while maintaining strong engagement forces that can resist wind loading, replacing simple linear biasing with a more robust curved engagement system.
3Ease of manufacture
If the window frame is not nested within the track, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the structural integrity to resist deformation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The latch finger is designed to engage with the sash frame before the sash is fully inserted into the track. This preliminary engagement provides structural support and prevents deformation during the insertion process and under subsequent wind loads, without requiring the frame to be nested within the track.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent separates the locking/tilting function from the structural nesting function. The integrated lock-tilt latch assembly provides the necessary structural support and engagement independently, allowing the sash frame to remain separate from the track while still achieving the required structural integrity through the latch mechanism.
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
Enhances the structural support of the sash window frame, preventing deformation and maintaining the seal against extreme weather conditions, ensuring the window's integrity and preventing moisture and debris ingress.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing mechanism configured to normally bias the latch member to be engaged within the track of the master window frame
Data Source
AI summary
A sash window fastener includes lock and latch assemblies, and a fitting. The lock mounts upon the meeting rail, and includes a pivotable cam to engage a keeper on the master frame, and a pivotable arm acting as a follower. The arm interconnects with the latch within the meeting rail, so cam rotation controls arm positioning—causing translation of the latch. The cam can occupy three positions causing three corresponding latch positions: an extended position securing the cam to the keeper, with the latch engaging the master frame to prevent tilting, and also receiving a post of the fitting therein to further secure the window against impact loading; a first retracted position disengaging the cam from the keeper, and permitting sliding of the window into an open position that also elevates the latch member above the post; and a second retracted cam position causing latch member retraction that permits tilting.