Window Balance Extended Travel Bottom Guide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing block and tackle window balances have limited sash travel due to the interference between the bottom pulley/roller and the jamb mounting hook, and the prior solutions that attempt to increase travel by integrating the bottom roller into the channel restrict the interchangeability of parts, limiting their use across different window types and configurations.
Innovation Solution
The bottom guide is moved to a position between the fixed pulleys and the bottom pulley, with the bottom guide being an untensioned insert, allowing for separate storage and easy adaptation with different top and bottom guide configurations, while maintaining extended travel by positioning the bottom pulley closer to the channel's lower end.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the bottom pulley/roller is positioned closer to the lower end of the channel to increase sash travel, then the range of travel is extended, but the bottom pulley/roller interferes with the jamb mounting hook
Solution Approach 1:
The channel assembly is segmented into two independent parts: the channel with tensioned parts (springs, pulleys, cord) and the bottom guide. This segmentation allows the bottom pulley to be positioned at the lower end of the channel for extended travel while the separate bottom guide prevents interference with the jamb mounting hook.
Solution Approach 2:
The bottom guide is extracted from the channel assembly and stored separately. This extraction resolves the interference problem by allowing the bottom pulley to be positioned optimally for travel while the bottom guide can be attached only when needed, preventing interference with the jamb mounting hook.
2Length of moving object
If the bottom roller is integrated into the channel to increase travel, then the range of travel is extended, but the interchangeability of parts is restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into interchangeable modules: the channel with tensioned parts can be stocked and stored independently, and the bottom guide can be attached or removed based on the specific window application, maintaining interchangeability while achieving extended travel.
Solution Approach 2:
The channel with tensioned parts is designed as a universal assembly that can be used with different bottom guide configurations for various window types and configurations, enhancing adaptability while maintaining extended travel capability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the bottom guide is included among the tensioned parts, then the assembly is stable for storage, but the channel cannot be used for multiple window types
Solution Approach 1:
The bottom guide is separated from the tensioned parts, allowing the channel assembly to be stored stably in its pre-assembled state while the bottom guide can be selectively attached for different window applications, maintaining both stability and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The channel is pre-assembled with tensioned parts for stable storage and handling, while the bottom guide is attached as a final step tailored to the specific window configuration, combining the benefits of stable assembly with adaptability.
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 configuration provides a compact, durable, and versatile window balance with extended travel, enhancing ease of egress while maintaining interchangeability and adaptability across various window types and configurations.
Implementation Method 1
A popular configuration for window balances in this type of window uses a combination of springs and pulleys mounted in an elongate channel member to counterbalance the weight of the sash
Implementation Method 2
uses a combination of springs and pulleys mounted in an elongate channel member to counterbalance the weight of the sash
Data Source
AI summary
An extended travel balance including a channel having a first end and a second end, a bottom pulley connected at the second end of the channel, and a bottom guide connectable at a location between the first end and the bottom pulley, and preferably between the bottom pulley and fixed pulleys of the end carriage. The bottom guide and top guide are not part of the tensioned parts in the channel and can, therefore, be stored separately from the channel with its tensioned parts—e.g., springs, pulleys, and pulley cord. Multiple bottom guide and top guide configurations can be mated to the channel with its tensioned parts without interfering with the operation of either. Fixed pulleys and bottom pulley of the end carriage are advantageously connected by an intermediate tensioned connector with all said parts held in tension between and by the connection of the bottom pulley to the tensioned pulley cord and the connection of the bottom pulley to the second end of the channel. The bottom guide in the preferred embodiment straddles said intermediate tensioned connector when connected to the channel.