Integrated Sash Lock and Tilt Latch Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing window hardware for sliding sash windows lacks an integrated solution that simultaneously prevents sliding movement and allows for easy tilting, particularly for single hung and double hung windows, with existing solutions often requiring separate mechanisms and lacking left-hand and right-hand tilt latch assembly coordination.
Innovation Solution
An integrated sash lock and tilt latch fastener system that includes a lock assembly and left-hand and right-hand latch assemblies, where the lock assembly is mounted to the meeting rail, featuring a cam that can be actuated to engage or disengage with a keeper, allowing for sliding or tilting of the sash window, with lever arms and biasing mechanisms to coordinate the latch positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate mechanisms are used for sash lock and tilt latch, then each function can be independently optimized, but the device complexity increases and coordination between left-hand and right-hand latches becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sash lock and tilt latch functions into a single integrated hardware assembly. The lock body houses both the locking mechanism (with cam and keeper) and the tilt latch mechanism (with latch member and receiver), eliminating the need for separate mechanisms and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining functional reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated lock assembly serves multiple functions: it provides sash locking through the cam-keeper engagement, tilt prevention through the latch member-receiver engagement, and coordinated operation of both left-hand and right-hand latches through a single actuator. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by consolidating what would otherwise require separate mechanisms
2Ease of operation
If a single cam is used to actuate both tilt latches, then coordination between left-hand and right-hand latches is achieved, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces lever arms as intermediary elements that translate the rotational motion of a single cam into coordinated movement of both latch members. The cam engages with the lever arms, which in turn actuate the latch members simultaneously on both sides, providing easy coordinated operation while keeping the mechanism relatively simple through the use of basic mechanical leverage
3Reliability
If the cam is extended to engage the keeper for locking, then sliding prevention is effective, but the cam cannot simultaneously actuate the latch members for tilting
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a rotatable cam that can dynamically change its engagement state. When rotated to the locked position, the cam engages the keeper on the master frame to prevent sliding. When rotated to the tilted position, the cam disengages from the keeper and instead engages the lever arms to actuate the latch members. This dynamic reconfiguration allows the same cam component to provide both locking and tilting functions
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
The system effectively prevents sliding while allowing for easy tilting of the sash window by coordinating the latch positions through a single cam mechanism, enabling secure locking and easy access for cleaning, and can be actuated to operate both left-hand and right-hand assemblies simultaneously.
Implementation Method 1
a cam pivotally mounted to the housing, being configured to pivot out from a cavity in the housing to releasably engage a keeper on the master window frame
Implementation Method 2
biasing means, and a latch member with an adjustable receiver clip... the housing, latch member, and biasing means are configured for the biasing means to normally bias the latch member so that a portion of one end (i.e., its 'tongue') protrudes out from the housing
Implementation Method 3
first and second lever arms each pivotally mounted to the lock housing... Movement of the cam into the second retracted position causes corresponding converging movement of the ends of the first and second arms
Data Source
AI summary
A sash fastener for securing a slidable and tiltable sash window includes a lock assembly and left-hand and right-hand latch assemblies. The lock assembly is mounted upon the sash window meeting rail, and includes a pivotable cam to engage a keeper on the master frame, a handle to pivot the cam, and a pair of pivotable arms, each extending into the meeting rail. A link selectively connects the two arms, and when actuation of the handle causes the cam to rotate, it may selectively drive one of the arms to pivot, with the link causing the other arm to pivot. The left- and right-hand latch assemblies each include a housing, biasing means, a latch member with an adjustable receiver clip having an opening therein configured to receive one of the arms of the lock assembly, within the meeting rail, with movement of the arms actuating the latch to permit tilting.