Tilt Sash Counterbalance Stabilizer for Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Window balance assemblies experience undesired friction and audible noise due to the interaction between the spring element and the carrier, leading to increased wear and performance degradation, as the spring element moves within the carrier and contacts the jamb channel.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates an arcuate housing region within the carrier that controls the contact between the spring element and the carrier, reducing friction by limiting the contact area and guiding the spring's curling and uncurling motion, thereby minimizing noise and wear.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the spring element is allowed to move freely within the carrier, then the balance assembly can operate with simpler structure, but friction and audible noise increase due to uncontrolled contact between the spring element and carrier walls
Solution Approach 1:
A stabilizer member is introduced as an intermediary component between the spring element and the carrier walls. This stabilizer prevents direct contact between the spring element and carrier, eliminating the source of audible noise while maintaining the simplicity of the carrier structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilizer member is designed as a flexible component that can deform to accommodate the spring element's movement while maintaining continuous contact to prevent noise-generating vibrations. The flexible nature allows it to adapt to the dynamic conditions without requiring complex mechanical structures.
2Strength
If the spring element contacts the carrier walls during movement, then the carrier provides structural support, but friction increases leading to wear and performance degradation
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizer member acts as a mediator that transfers the load from the spring element to the carrier through controlled contact points, rather than allowing the spring element to contact the carrier walls directly. This reduces friction and wear on both the spring element and carrier while maintaining the carrier's structural support function.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the spring element is constrained to reduce movement within the carrier, then friction and noise are reduced, but the device complexity increases due to additional constraint mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The stabilizer member provides constraint through a simple geometric configuration rather than complex mechanical mechanisms. It naturally limits the spring element's movement paths through its physical presence and contact points, reducing friction without requiring additional constraint devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The stabilizer member is designed to automatically perform the constraint function through its own geometry and positioning, without requiring external control systems or complex mechanisms. The component self-regulates the spring element's movement based on the operational conditions.
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
This solution effectively reduces audible noise and friction, enhancing the performance and longevity of the window balance assembly by ensuring a controlled and reduced contact between the spring element and the carrier, resulting in quieter operation and less wear.
Implementation Method 1
The curl tendency of the springs imparts a lift to the curled spring convolutions, and the shoes transmit the lift to the sash. The springs curl into the convolutions as the shoes rise, and the springs uncurl from the shoes into the shoe channels when the shoes move downward.
Implementation Method 2
As the spring element is drawn out of and retracted back into the carrier, contact made between the spring element and the carrier may generate a friction that results in undesired chatter of the spring element and/or audible noise from the carrier.
Data Source
AI summary
A window balance assembly for installation in a window assembly can include a balance portion that is connected to a carrier that may have a first and second side. The balance portion may be arranged to be drawn out of the carrier on the first or second sides of the carrier. The balance portion may be a spring member or element. As the spring element is drawn out of the carrier, contact made between the spring element and the carrier may generate a friction that results in undesired chatter of the spring element and/or audible noise from the carrier. This friction may be reduced by controlling the contact made between the spring element and the carrier. Further, a reduction of friction between the spring element and the carrier may result in a reduction in spring chatter and a reduction in audible noise from the carrier.