Sliding Window Assembly with Shared Counterweight
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sliding windows with two panes either provide a central opening or top and bottom openings, limiting the maximum opening size and operational simplicity, and often require separate counterweights for each pane, increasing bulk and cost.
Innovation Solution
A sliding window assembly with three panes, where two panes are sliding and one is fixed, connected by a pulley arrangement allowing for greater vertical movement and overlap, enabling a larger opening while reducing bulk and cost through shared counterweights.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If two panes are connected to move in opposite directions with separate counterweights, then each pane can be independently controlled, but the device complexity and bulk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate counterweight systems into a single shared counterweight that serves both panes. The counterweight is connected to both panes through a pulley arrangement, allowing one counterweight to balance the combined weight of both panes, thereby reducing device complexity and bulk while maintaining operational functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The single counterweight performs multiple functions by being connected to both panes through the pulley system. It simultaneously balances both panes and enables their coordinated movement, making the counterweight system universal rather than dedicated to a single pane
2Area of moving object
If two panes slide to provide central or top-bottom openings, then the window can be fully closed or opened, but the maximum opening size is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a third pane that extends the opening area beyond what two panes can achieve. By adding this dimension to the pane arrangement, the system can provide a larger central opening while maintaining the ability to fully close the window, effectively utilizing three-dimensional space within the window frame
3Area of moving object
If multiple panes are used to increase opening size, then the opening area increases, but the bulk and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the counterweight requirements for multiple panes into a single shared counterweight system. Instead of requiring separate counterweights for each pane, one counterweight serves all panes through the pulley arrangement, reducing the quantity of materials needed while maintaining the ability to provide a large opening area
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 assembly provides a significantly larger opening than conventional windows, simplifies operation by allowing one pane to initiate movement of the other, and reduces bulk and cost by using shared counterweights, enhancing both functionality and aesthetics.
Implementation Method 1
The first and second sliding panes are connected to each other by a pulley arrangement for movement together in the same direction
Implementation Method 2
The slidable pane is connected to a counterbalancing weight by a suitable pulley or cord arrangement, so that upward or downward movement of the pane causes a corresponding downward or upward movement or the counterbalancing weight
Data Source
AI summary
A sliding window assembly including a window frame and at least three panes disposed within the window frame in offset vertical planes. The panes are arranged for sliding movement together upwardly within the window frame or together downwardly within the window frame. One or more of the panes can be fixed. The panes have a fully open position and a fully closed position. In the closed position, respective edges of the panes overlap while in the open position, the entire panes overlap. The panes can be connected to a counterweight arrangement by a pulley arrangement, which includes a vertically movable balancing weight that is equal to the weight of the panes, or the panes can be connected together to counterbalance each other.