Sash Window Restrictor With Magnetic Latching Tab
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sash window restrictors fail to effectively limit the opening extent while allowing full opening by adults, while preventing children and unauthorized access, as they lack a mechanism to override the restriction smoothly.
Innovation Solution
A sash window restrictor with a retractable and extendable tab mechanism, utilizing magnetic latching and resilient means, such as springs, to control the tab's position, allowing manual override and automatic extension to prevent full opening by children and unauthorized access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a fixed restrictor mechanism is used to prevent window opening beyond a certain distance, then child safety and anti-theft security are improved, but the window cannot be fully opened by adults when necessary
Solution Approach 1:
The restrictor tab is designed to be dynamically repositionable between a retracted position (allowing full window opening) and an extended restricting position (limiting opening distance). The tab can be manually moved between these positions and held in place by latching means, enabling the system to adapt between safety mode and full-opening mode as needed
Solution Approach 2:
The restrictor mechanism changes the parameter of tab extension distance. When the tab is extended, it projects from the housing to restrict window opening to a safe distance. When retracted, it allows full opening. The latching means maintains the tab in either the extended or retracted position, enabling parameter change between two distinct states
2Ease of operation
If a restrictor mechanism allows easy override for full opening, then adult accessibility is improved, but child safety and anti-theft security are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The latching means acts as an intermediary between the tab and the user. To override the restrictor, the user must first engage with the latching mechanism (pressing the tab or operating the release), which then allows the tab to be moved to the retracted position. This intermediary step ensures intentional override while maintaining safety during normal operation
Solution Approach 2:
Before the tab can be retracted to allow full window opening, the latching means must first be activated. This preliminary action (engaging the latch mechanism) ensures that the override is deliberate and controlled, preventing accidental disengagement while allowing intentional full opening when needed
3Ease of operation
If a complex override mechanism is used to allow full opening, then adult accessibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The restrictor mechanism is designed to be simple and self-contained. The tab can be directly pressed into the housing to engage the latching means, and the latching mechanism automatically holds the tab in position without requiring additional components or complex operations. The system serves itself through straightforward mechanical interaction
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 solution ensures the window can be fully opened by adults while maintaining safety and security by automatically resetting to restrict the opening extent, preventing accidental or unauthorized openings by children.
Implementation Method 1
the latching means may comprise magnetic means. Preferably the tab comprises a first magnetic member and the housing comprises a second magnetic member and wherein, in the latched condition, the first magnetic member engages with the second magnetic member
Implementation Method 2
The urging means may comprise resilient means. The urging means may comprise a spring and preferably comprises a torsion spring
Data Source
AI summary
A sash window restrictor (20) has a housing (22) which is to be let into a vertical frame member (10) of one sash (normally the upper, outer sash) of a window, at a position, say, 10 cm above the top rail of the lower sash when the windows are closed. A tab (24) is mounted in the housing and can be retracted into the housing or extended from the housing. A mechanism acts between the tab and the housing and allows the tab to be pressed into the housing and held in the housing for a period of time before the tab is released to allow the tab to extend. With the tab extended, the lower sash (12) can be lifted until it reaches the tab (24) but no further, so that a 10 cm gap will be opened at the bottom of the window.