Window Balance Arm Radial Snap Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing window stay systems require complex and forceful snap connection procedures, especially for heavy windows, due to weak connections and hidden mechanisms, making mounting and disassembly difficult and cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A window balance arm design featuring a pivot pin with a head section that radially engages an insertion channel in the bearing block, allowing easy snap connection by positioning and pressing the pin into place, eliminating the need for additional force and simplifying the mounting process, while an elastic plate element provides a secure and adjustable connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a snap connection mechanism is used to connect the link arm to the base, then the connection can be quickly made, but the connection strength is insufficient for heavy windows
Solution Approach 1:
The connection mechanism is divided into two functional parts: a snap-fit engagement feature for quick connection and a separate locking mechanism (set screw or cam lock) for securing the connection. This segmentation allows the simple snap action to provide ease of operation while the additional locking component provides the necessary strength for heavy windows.
Solution Approach 2:
The snap-fit feature is designed to preliminarily position and engage the link arm with the base, creating a preliminary connection that holds the components in the correct alignment. This preliminary action facilitates easy assembly, after which the locking mechanism is activated to provide the final secure connection capable of withstanding heavy window loads.
2Reliability
If a complex snap connection procedure with multiple movements is used, then the connection can be secure, but the mounting procedure becomes complicated and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment and engagement functions are merged into a single snap-action movement. The connection features are designed so that bringing the link arm and base into proximity automatically aligns them and secures the connection in one continuous motion, eliminating the need for separate alignment, positioning, and locking steps required by conventional mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection mechanism is designed to be self-aligning and self-securing. The geometry of the snap-fit features automatically guides the components into the correct position and secures them upon engagement, without requiring the installer to perform multiple manual operations or apply complex sequences of movements.
3Ease of operation
If a transverse pressing force is applied to achieve snap connection, then the connection can be made, but considerable force is required when carrying the window
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of requiring the installer to actively press the link arm transverse to engage the snap connection, the mechanism is inverted so that the weight of the window itself provides the necessary engagement force. The connection features are oriented and dimensioned so that lowering the window under gravity automatically drives the snap-fit engagement, converting the window's weight from a handling burden into the activating force for connection.
Solution Approach 2:
The weight of the window, which complicates the mounting process when traditional mechanisms require manual pressing forces, is converted into a beneficial force that automatically drives the snap connection. The connection mechanism is designed so that the downward motion and weight of the window during installation directly engage the snap-fit features, eliminating the need for additional transverse pressing forces.
4Reliability
If protrusions are added to the window balance arm for connection purposes, then the connection can be more secure, but the profile becomes less slim and cleaning becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The connection features are integrated into existing structural elements of the window balance arm and mounting brackets, serving dual purposes: maintaining the structural integrity and slim profile of the components while providing secure connection points. The same surfaces that define the slim profile geometry are utilized as the engagement surfaces for the snap connection, eliminating the need for additional protrusions.
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 enables a straightforward and secure snap connection between the window sash and frame, reducing the number of steps required for assembly and disassembly, enhancing ease of use and reducing the risk of damage or misalignment, and allows for a slim profile without protrusions for easier cleaning.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic plate element, which is formed integrally with the ramp section
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The window balance arm (7) has a first end (8) pivotally journalled in a first mounting bracket (9) and a second end (11) connected to a second mounting bracket (12) by means of a pivot pin (17) releasably journalled in a boring (31) of a bearing block (16). A ramp section (34) comprises an insertion channel allowing radial insertion of the pivot pin into the boring from the insertion side. An elastic plate element (37) covers the ramp section at least partially, so that the head section of the pivot pin may be inserted between the elastic plate element and the ramp section and may lift the elastic plate element away from the ramp section as the head section slides along the ramp section, and so that the pivot pin after insertion may be retained in the boring by means of the elastic plate element.