Low Profile Window Keeper with Self-Aligning Tabs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current keeper designs for casement and awning windows face challenges such as disengagement under high stress conditions, aesthetic unacceptability, complex installation, and variability in window profiles, particularly with vinyl materials, leading to inadequate performance and increased manufacturing complexity.

Innovation Solution

A C-shaped keeper with gradual entrance ramps and self-locating tabs that securely engage a locking lug, providing enhanced strength and ease of installation, suitable for both left and right-handed applications, and manufactured from materials like metal or polymers to ensure rigidity and aesthetic appeal.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional keeper designs are used, then the window can be secured in closed position, but the keeper may disengage under high stress conditions such as high wind loading

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvekeeper engagement reliabilityVSAvoidresistance to disengagement under stress

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The keeper incorporates curved engagement surfaces and rounded transitions instead of sharp angles, allowing the locking mechanism to smoothly transition into the engaged position while distributing stress more evenly across the contact surfaces, preventing disengagement under high wind loading conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The keeper is formed from composite materials that combine rigidity for maintaining engagement under stress with flexibility to accommodate minor frame movements without disengaging, enhancing both reliability and strength simultaneously

Inventive Principle:

Principle #40Composite materials

2Manufacturing precision

If keepers are designed with complex positioning features, then proper positioning can be achieved, but complicated jigs are required for installation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvekeeper positioning accuracyVSAvoidinstallation jig complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The keeper incorporates self-aligning features such as tapered leading edges and complementary shaping that allow it to automatically position itself correctly during installation without requiring complex external jigs or fixtures, achieving precise positioning while simplifying the installation process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The keeper is pre-formed with integrated positioning features and pre-assembled with its locking components, so that when installed, it requires minimal adjustment and no complex positioning equipment, reducing installation complexity while maintaining manufacturing precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If the keeper structure is made robust to prevent rotation and twisting, then locking engagement can be maintained under stress, but the keeper profile increases and aesthetic appeal decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelocking mechanism engagementVSAvoidkeeper profile size

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The keeper is divided into distinct functional segments: a low-profile visual portion and a structurally reinforced engagement portion, allowing the main visible profile to remain aesthetic while hidden segments provide the necessary robustness for maintaining locking engagement under stress

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The keeper employs varying wall thicknesses and reinforcement only in specific critical areas where structural strength is needed for engagement, while other areas maintain a thin, aesthetically pleasing profile, thus preserving both reliability and appearance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

4Ease of operation

If hand-specific keepers are used for left and right handed windows, then proper directional engagement is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and inventory requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedirectional engagement compatibilityVSAvoidnumber of keeper variants

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The keeper is designed with symmetrical or ambidextrous engagement features that allow it to function correctly in both left-handed and right-handed window configurations, eliminating the need for separate left and right versions and simplifying manufacturing and inventory while maintaining ease of operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS9181746B2Low profile high performance casement and awning window keeper

Publication Date: 2015.11.10 TRUTH HARDWARE CORPORATION

AI summary

A locking mechanism for use with a window having a hinge coupling a sash to a frame includes a keeper and a locking lug. The keeper includes a generally planar base plate that is abutable to a surface of either the sash or the frame and two wings extending upwardly from the base, each of the wings having an upwardly and inwardly extending portion extending from the base plate and an inwardly extending portion extending inwardly substantially parallel to the base plate from the upwardly and inwardly extending portion. The two inwardly extending portions define a gap therebetween. The planar base further includes at least one self locating leg extending outward and coplanar with the base. The self locating leg adapted to abut a portion of the sash or the frame. Thus, the keeper is positionable without a fixture.