Sliding Window Locking Gear Relocation for Narrow Frame
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sliding sash systems face issues with large space requirements for locking components, compromising tamper-proof nature and visual aesthetics, and are prone to contamination.
Innovation Solution
The gear for actuating locking elements is relocated outside the frame profile, with locking elements remaining in the frame, allowing for a compact design that conceals locking counterparts and maintains a visually appealing 'structural glazing effect' while ensuring secure and easy operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the gear for actuating locking elements is arranged inside the frame profile, then the locking mechanism is secure and tamper-proof, but the frame profile requires a large amount of space and has a wide visible width
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system is divided into separate functional components: the gear mechanism is separated from the frame profile and integrated into the handle bar, while the locking elements remain in the frame profile. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently - the frame profile maintains a narrow width for aesthetic purposes, while the gear mechanism has adequate space in the handle bar for reliable operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The gear mechanism is relocated from the horizontal dimension (inside the frame profile) to the vertical dimension (integrated into the handle bar structure). This dimensional shift allows the locking mechanism to maintain security while reducing the horizontal width of the frame profile, achieving both reliability and aesthetic appeal.
2Strength
If the locking elements are arranged in a separate profile attached to the outside of the sash frame, then the load on frame profiles is reduced, but the tamper-proof nature is compromised and it is visually obtrusive
Solution Approach 1:
The locking elements are merged with the frame profile by being integrated into its structure, ensuring they cannot be easily removed or tampered with. Simultaneously, the gear mechanism is merged with the handle bar, creating a unified structure that provides both security and functional operation. This merging approach maintains the tamper-proof nature while distributing mechanical loads effectively.
3Reliability
If the frame profile is extended in the horizontal direction to accommodate the gear, then the locking mechanism can be secured, but the visible width increases and the structural glazing effect is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The gear mechanism is extracted from the frame profile structure and relocated to the handle bar. This extraction eliminates the need to extend the frame profile horizontally, maintaining the narrow width required for the structural glazing effect while ensuring the locking mechanism remains secure and functional through its integration with the handle bar.
4Ease of operation
If the locking counterparts are arranged in front of the retaining frame, then the locking mechanism can operate, but it is susceptible to contamination and visually obtrusive
Solution Approach 1:
The locking counterparts are nested within the frame profile structure, positioned inside the frame rather than in front of it. This nesting arrangement protects them from contamination while allowing the locking mechanism to operate effectively. The locking elements can still engage with the counterparts through the frame profile structure, maintaining functionality while improving protection from environmental factors.
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 achieves a visually appealing, tamper-proof, and contamination-resistant locking mechanism with minimal installation effort, maintaining a narrow profile and secure locking without obstructing the view.
Implementation Method 1
The locking elements are actuated via a gear that moves them in opposite directions to block movement of the sliding sash in cooperation with the locking counterparts
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a sliding sash system, in particular a sliding window system, with at least one sliding sash (1) arranged in a retaining frame (2). The sliding sash (1) is displaceable between an open position and a closed position of the sliding sash system relative to the retaining frame (2) in a horizontal displacement direction (V) and has a sash frame with frame profiles (3) arranged vertically on both sides. The sliding sash system also has a locking device. The locking device has locking elements (6) arranged in the frame profile (3) and locking counterparts (7) arranged in or formed in a horizontally arranged retaining profile (8) of the retaining frame (2).The locking elements (6) are designed to lock the sliding sash (1) in the closed position by means of an actuating element (17) via a gear mechanism (15) and are displaceable in opposite directions in the vertical direction (R) such that they interact with the locking counterparts (7) to block any movement of the sliding sash (1). The gear mechanism (15) is located outside the frame profile (3).