Integrated Window Lock System with Cam Lever Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing window lock systems lack integration of sash lock, tilt latch, and window opening control device functions, leading to separate components that complicate operation and reduce locking and impact resistance performance.
Innovation Solution
A combined window lock system incorporating a sash lock with a cam and lever mechanism, tilt latches with a bolt and biasing mechanism, and a drive bar system that enables locking, tilting, and window opening control, allowing for integrated functionality and enhanced resistance to impact loading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If separate components are used for sash lock, tilt latch, and window opening control device, then each component can be independently designed and manufactured, but the overall system complexity increases and operation becomes more complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sash lock, tilt latch, and window opening control device into a single integrated lock system. The actuator mechanisms are merged so that one actuator can perform multiple functions: locking/unlocking the sash, enabling/disabling tilt function, and controlling window opening limits. This integration reduces the total number of separate components while maintaining independent design capabilities for each function module.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock system is designed with multi-functional actuators that can perform multiple operations. The first actuator serves as both a sash lock actuator and a tilt latch actuator, while the second actuator functions as both a tilt latch actuator and a window opening control device actuator. This universal design allows a single component to fulfill multiple roles, reducing system complexity.
2Ease of manufacture
If separate components are used for sash lock, tilt latch, and window opening control device, then each component can be independently designed, but the locking performance and impact resistance are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating multiple locking functions into a single unified system, the patent ensures that all locking mechanisms work together as a coordinated whole. The shared actuator mechanisms and integrated housing structure provide more consistent and reliable locking performance compared to separate components that may not be precisely aligned or coordinated.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs cam mechanisms with curved profiles to achieve smooth, reliable engagement between locking components. The cam profiles are designed to provide progressive engagement and disengagement, ensuring consistent locking force and improved impact resistance through optimized force distribution across the locking interface.
3Ease of manufacture
If separate components are used for sash lock, tilt latch, and window opening control device, then component independence is maintained, but operation becomes more complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated lock system uses multi-functional actuators that can be controlled through a single interface or coordinated control mechanism. The first actuator handles both sash locking and tilt latching operations, while the second actuator manages both tilt latching and window opening control. This reduces the number of separate operations required and simplifies the user interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs dynamic control where the actuators can adapt their function based on the current state of the window. The cam mechanisms and linkages are designed to automatically engage appropriate locking or tilting functions based on actuator position, providing intuitive operation without requiring the user to manually select between different modes.
4Ease of operation
If integrated lock system is used, then operation is simplified and locking performance is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
While integrating multiple functions, the patent maintains clear segmentation of functional modules within the unified system. The sash lock mechanism, tilt latch mechanism, and window opening control device are distinct functional segments that can be independently analyzed and maintained, even though they share common actuators and housing. This modular integration reduces the perceived complexity.
5Reliability
If integrated lock system is used, then locking and impact resistance performance is enhanced, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple locking functions into a single housing structure, which can be manufactured as one piece or pre-assembled unit. The shared actuators and linkages reduce the total number of parts that need to be manufactured separately, offsetting the increased complexity of the integrated design. The unified structure also provides better impact resistance through distributed force paths.
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 system improves operating and locking performance by integrating sash lock, tilt latch, and window opening control functions, providing enhanced resistance to impact loading and simplified operation by allowing for seamless transitions between locked, unlocked, and tilted positions.
Implementation Method 1
a cam at least partially disposed within the first housing and engaged with the lever so as to rotate around the rotation axis
Implementation Method 2
a biasing mechanism disposed within the second housing... the bolt has a distal end configured to extend and retract along the longitudinal axis relative to the first end of the second housing
Implementation Method 3
a lever rotatably coupled to the first housing and defining a rotation axis substantially orthogonal to the longitudinal axis
Implementation Method 4
a drive bar coupling the at least one actuator and the second end of the second housing... via the drive bar retracts the first end of the second housing of the at least one tilt latch
Data Source
AI summary
A window lock system includes a sash lock and at least one tilt latch. The sash lock includes a first housing, a lever, a cam, a slide plate, and at least one actuator movable via the lever. The tilt latch includes a second housing configured to be slidably mounted on a window sash and an independent bolt slidingly coupled to the first end of the second housing. A drive bar couples the at least one actuator and the second housing together. The sash lock is movable between at least a locked position, an unlocked position, and a tilt position by rotating the lever. When the sash lock is in the tilt position, the at least one actuator retracts relative to the first housing and via the drive bar retracts the first end of the second housing of the tilt latch relative to a side surface of the window sash.