Vertical Sliding Window with Retractable Sash and Integrated Screen

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional vertical sliding windows protrude into rooms when opened, limiting space and allowing insects to enter, while existing solutions either provide inadequate protection or compromise insulation and aesthetics.

Innovation Solution

A vertically sliding window system with a self-locking drive mechanism, such as an electric or hydraulic motor, that allows the entire window sash to retract into a chamber, eliminating the need for counterweights and enabling seamless integration of insect screens and shading devices, ensuring complete opening without protrusion and enhanced insulation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If conventional pivot windows are used, then the window can be opened, but the opened sashes protrude into the room and restrict freedom of movement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefreedom of movementVSAvoidspace occupied by opened sash
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from horizontal pivoting motion to vertical sliding motion, changing the dimension of movement. The sash moves vertically along guide rails and retracts into a chamber above the window opening, eliminating protrusion into the room and preserving freedom of movement while reducing space occupation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The sash is designed to retract completely into a chamber positioned above the window opening when opened. This nesting arrangement allows the sash to be stored within the building envelope, eliminating external protrusion while maintaining full opening capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Area of stationary object

If the window sash is made retractable into a chamber, then the visible opening remains unobstructed, but the chamber requires space that reduces insulation capacity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevisible opening areaVSAvoidinsulation capacity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a pressure frame with linkage mechanisms that apply sealing pressure around the sash periphery. This flexible sealing system maintains effective sealing even when the sash is fully retracted, minimizing energy loss while preserving the full visible opening area.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The pressure frame and sealing system are pre-positioned and pre-tensioned to ensure optimal sealing contact. This preliminary preparation ensures that when the sash reaches its retracted position, sealing is already established, preventing energy loss without requiring additional space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a protective net is attached to a shaft with coil springs, then the net can be deployed, but a hand crank is required and the glass pane may sag and leak

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinsect protectionVSAvoidmanual operation mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The protective net is integrated with the sash itself rather than being a separate manually operated system. The net is attached to the sash periphery and automatically deploys with the sash, eliminating the need for hand cranks and complex winding mechanisms while ensuring proper positioning without sagging.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The protective net function is merged with the sash structure. The net is attached to the sash frame and moves together with it, combining the sealing and insect protection functions into a single integrated system that operates automatically with sash movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Ease of operation

If counterweights are used to hold the sliding window, then the window can be opened, but the counterweights require considerable play within a chamber, limiting insulation space

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewindow opening capabilityVSAvoidchamber space for insulation
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the counterweight mechanism entirely from the system. Instead, the sash is held and operated using a pressure frame with linkage mechanisms that apply sealing pressure and control sash position. This extraction of counterweights eliminates the need for large chambers and maximizes insulation space while maintaining full opening capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The traditional mechanical counterweight system is replaced with a pressure frame and linkage mechanism system. This substitution uses elastic deformation and mechanical leverage to achieve the same holding and opening functions with minimal space requirements, preserving insulation capacity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

5Ease of manufacture

If a roller blind runs in its own tracks inside the window, then shading can be provided, but a gap remains between the sash and roller blind allowing insects to enter

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveshading functionVSAvoidinsect entry
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The protective net function is merged with the sash structure itself. The net is attached to the sash frame and moves together with it, combining the sealing and insect protection functions into a single integrated system that operates automatically with sash movement, eliminating gaps that would allow insect entry.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The protective net material and sash frame form a homogeneous, continuous barrier system. The net is tightly integrated with the sash periphery, creating a uniform sealing surface that prevents insect penetration while maintaining the shading function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #33Homogeneity

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 fully retractable window sash that maintains the openness of the visible area, prevents insect entry, and enhances insulation by eliminating gaps, while allowing for adjustable ventilation and protection against driving rain.

Implementation Method 1

at least one self-locking activator in the form of an energy converter for converting an supplied auxiliary energy into a mechanical movement, preferably an electric or hydraulic motor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectric motor conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a hydraulic or pneumatic cylinder

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic conversion: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 3

the free lower edge of a fly screen is or can be attached to the upper edge of the sliding sash, which can be unwound from a shaft installed above the closed sliding sash

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring unwinding: Spring

Implementation Method 4

a transparent cover made of glass or acrylic glass placed in the upper area of the window opening on the outside to enable rainproof trickle ventilation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRain deflection: Hydrophobe

Data Source

PatentEP3214250B1Vertical sliding window for a building
Publication Date: 2020.08.12 BHB GMBH
  • EP3214250B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3214250B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a vertical sliding window as a closure for an opening in the exterior wall of a building, wherein at least one pane of the sliding window can be lowered downwards for opening, into a shallow chamber within a box. The sliding window can be offered as a finished module with the option of integrating insulation and/or designing the facade; furthermore, a roller shutter box can also be integrated, particularly in a thermally insulated form. The range of applications for such a sliding window component extends from single-family homes to high-rise buildings of any conceivable height.