Tilt Latch with Spring Cavity for Window Sash Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pivotal window sash latches are prone to dust, debris, and moisture ingress, require complex assembly, and are difficult to maintain due to internal springs that can become weak or broken, necessitating specialized tools and labor-intensive repairs.
Innovation Solution
A one-piece, molded tilt latch made from glass-reinforced nylon with a spring cavity, featuring angled projections and covers that engage the window frame, allowing easy assembly and maintenance without specialized tools, and enabling quick spring replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional spring-operated latches are used, then the latch can automatically engage and disengage, but the internal spring requires detailed labor-intensive assembly and is difficult to repair when weak or broken
Solution Approach 1:
The latch body is divided into separate components including a housing, actuator arm, and spring assembly that can be independently accessed and replaced. The spring is positioned in a accessible location within the latch body, allowing it to be removed and replaced without replacing the entire latch mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch design allows users to easily replace the spring themselves without requiring specialized tools or technical expertise. The spring is positioned such that it can be accessed by simply opening the latch mechanism, enabling end-users to perform maintenance without professional service.
2Ease of operation
If conventional latches with openings are used, then the latch can be manually operated, but dust, debris and moisture can penetrate the opening to jam or foul the latch mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible lip or seal element extends from the latch body to cover the opening when the latch is in its normal position. This flexible barrier prevents dust, debris, and moisture from entering the internal mechanism while still allowing the latch to operate smoothly through the movement of the flexible element.
3Reliability
If standard sash latches are used, then the latch can engage catches on the window frame, but the mounting slot must be cut to exacting standards
Solution Approach 1:
The latch body is designed with flexible or adjustable mounting elements that can accommodate variations in slot dimensions. The mounting mechanism includes compliance features such as flexible lips or adjustable positioning elements that adapt to slots cut with typical manufacturing tolerances, eliminating the need for exacting precision.
4Strength
If one-piece molded latch is used, then the latch is stronger and more durable, but the spring must be pre-assembled before molding
Solution Approach 1:
The latch is constructed as an assembly of separate molded components including the latch body, covers, and internal mechanisms that can be manufactured independently and then assembled. This segmentation allows the spring to be installed in the latch body before final assembly, while maintaining the strength and durability benefits of molded components.
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 provides a stronger, more durable latch that operates effectively in various sash slots with large tolerances, is easy to assemble and maintain, and can be inserted or removed without special tools, ensuring secure closure and reduced maintenance costs.
Implementation Method 1
A spring can thus be inserted through the channels into the cavity of the body before mounting the latch into the sash groove
Data Source
AI summary
A tilt latch for pivotable window sashes is preferably integrally molded from a durable polymeric material but can also be made from metals, metal alloys or the like. The latch includes an angled projection for engaging a recess in the window frame and includes a central body having a cavity for containing a coil spring. Upper and lower covers overhang the sides of the body to form channels for engaging the edge of the sash groove.