Side Load Constant Force Window Balance System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing window sash counterbalance systems experience friction and damage within jamb channels, leading to impaired movement and detritus accumulation, which previous solutions have failed to adequately address without increasing friction.
Innovation Solution
A spring counterbalance system with a cassette and rotatable sash support member featuring a locking mechanism that engages with the window frame, reducing friction and allowing for smooth sash movement by fixing the spring within a carrier aperture and using flanges or fasteners for secure coupling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the sash moves freely within the jamb channel, then the sash can traverse up and down, but friction and damage occur within the channel impairing movement
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism is extracted from the jamb channel and mounted externally on the window frame. This removes the source of friction and damage from within the channel, allowing the sash to move freely without contacting the spring, while the channel remains intact and free of detritus accumulation
Solution Approach 2:
A carrier member is introduced as an intermediary between the spring and the sash. The carrier member translates the linear motion of the sash into rotational motion of the spring, eliminating direct contact between the spring and sash within the channel, thereby preventing friction and damage while maintaining counterbalance functionality
2Force
If the spring is fixed within the jamb channel, then counterbalance is provided, but friction damages internal surfaces and creates detritus
Solution Approach 1:
The spring is extracted from the jamb channel and mounted externally on the window frame. This removes the harmful friction contact between the spring and channel surfaces while preserving the counterbalance force function. The spring remains fixed to provide counterbalance but no longer damages internal surfaces
Solution Approach 2:
The direct linear friction-based mechanical interaction between spring and sash within the channel is replaced with an external mounting system using a carrier member. This substitution eliminates the harmful mechanical friction and wear while maintaining the essential counterbalance mechanical function
3Reliability
If detritus accumulates in the channel, then movement is impaired, but preventing accumulation requires reducing spring-sash interaction
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism is extracted from the jamb channel and mounted externally. This eliminates the source of detritus generation at the spring-sash interface within the channel, preventing accumulation that would impair movement. The spring-sash interaction is reduced to essential counterbalance only, without friction-generated contamination
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier member acts as an intermediary that separates the spring from direct contact with the sash within the channel. This intermediary prevents detritus generation at the interface while maintaining the necessary spring-sash interaction for counterbalance, ensuring smooth movement without contamination
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 reduces friction and minimizes damage during sash movement, ensuring smooth operation and compliance with air flow standards by maintaining the spring's alignment with the sash, thus enhancing the structural integrity and operational efficiency of window frames.
Implementation Method 1
a coiled spring disposed therein
Implementation Method 2
a coiled spring disposed therein
Implementation Method 3
The hole has a bearing surface which engages the locking feature
Data Source
AI summary
A side load constant force window balance assembly is disclosed. The balance assembly has a spring member, a spring housing, and a carrier module. The spring housing and carrier module are coupled to the spring member. The carrier module is configured to support a portion of a window sash and has an engagement feature configured to selectively engage the window frame.