Sash Retainer Bar Assembly for Sliding Windows
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sliding window and door systems face issues with stress concentration and potential failure due to point loads from tilt latches and compression headers, which complicate removal and maintenance, especially in wider units.
Innovation Solution
A sash retainer bar assembly that provides a continuous interface between the sash and frame, eliminating point loads by distributing forces along the length of the retainer bar, and includes a hand-operated mechanism for easy decoupling and removal of the sash from the frame.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If tilt latches are localized at a single point on either side of the sash, then the sash can be easily tilted and coupled with the frame during regular operation, but point loads are created that may deform the frame over time and cause failure of the tilt latches
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the single-point tilt latch mechanism into multiple distributed tilt latches positioned at different locations along the sash. This segmentation distributes the load across multiple points rather than concentrating it at a single location, thereby reducing stress concentration while maintaining the tilting function. The multiple tilt latches work together to couple the sash to the frame, providing both ease of operation and improved reliability.
2Ease of manufacture
If a compression header is used to provide clearance for the sash, then the sash can be seated in the frame, but the entire compression header must be compressed to release the sash which is difficult especially with wider windows and doors
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the single continuous compression header with multiple discrete compression elements positioned at different locations along the frame. Each compression element can be independently compressed to release the sash at its specific location. This segmentation allows the sash to be released without requiring compression of the entire header, significantly reducing the actuation force needed and making the operation easier, especially for wider windows and doors.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces intermediate release mechanisms at each compression element location that mediate between the user's release action and the sash. These intermediate mechanisms allow localized compression and release at each point along the frame, acting as mediators that transmit force efficiently without requiring compression of the entire compression header structure.
3Shape
If the compression header is deflected upward along its entire length to provide clearance, then sufficient clearance is provided for the sash, but the compressive engagement along the sash increases the actuation force needed to slide the sash
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the continuous compressive engagement into multiple discrete compression elements positioned at specific locations along the frame. Each element provides localized clearance and engagement at its position, rather than continuous compression along the entire sash length. This segmentation reduces the total actuation force required to slide the sash, as only the compression elements in the path of movement need to be overcome, rather than the entire compression header.
Data Source
AI summary
A retainer bar assembly for use with a door or window includes a retainer bar configured for slidable coupling with a fenestration frame and slidable coupling with a sash. A retainer bar handle is coupled with the retainer bar. A retainer bar fastener assembly includes a movable bolt movably coupled with the sash. The movable bolt is movable between a fastening configuration where the bolt is coupled with at least one of the retainer bar and the retainer bar handle and the retainer bar is fixed in an installed orientation relative to the sash, and a releasing configuration where the bolt is decoupled from one or more of the retainer bar and the retainer bar handle and the retainer bar is slidable relative to the sash. The retainer bar includes a retainer bar length configured to continuously couple along a sash portion from near a first sash end to near a second sash end, and the retainer bar length is configured to correspondingly couple along a fenestration frame and provide a continuous interface between the sash and the fenestration frame.