Ventilating Window Locking Assembly Noise Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing locking assemblies for ventilating windows generate noise due to metal-on-metal contact during operation, which has not been previously recognized as a problem in the field but can be irritating and is not considered an advantage.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating noise-reducing liners between the fastening pin and casing, and between the pawl member and casing, to prevent direct contact and muffle sound, potentially substituting the need for lubricants and reducing the number of parts required.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If metal parts are used in the locking assembly, then wear resistance and reliability are improved, but noise generation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovereliabilityVSAvoidnoise
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A liner made of noise-reducing material is introduced as an intermediary element between the metal fastening pin and the metal casing, and between the metal pawl member and the metal casing. This liner prevents direct metal-on-metal contact, thereby reducing noise generation while maintaining the structural integrity and reliability of the locking assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The locking assembly transitions from a fully metal construction to a composite structure where noise-reducing liner material is combined with metal components. The liner material absorbs impact sounds and prevents the characteristic sharp noises of metal contact, while the metal parts maintain their strength and wear resistance properties.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

2Object-generated harmful factors

If liners are added to reduce noise, then noise generation is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovenoiseVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The liner is designed as a single integrated component that simultaneously lines the slot for the pawl member and provides cushioning for the fastening pin. This merging of functions into one element reduces noise without requiring multiple separate noise-reduction components, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The liner serves multiple functions: it reduces noise from pawl member movement, cushions the fastening pin to prevent metal-on-metal contact, and maintains the structural integrity of the slot. This multi-functionality justifies the addition of the liner by providing multiple benefits from a single component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Object-generated harmful factors

If liners are used between moving parts, then noise is reduced, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovenoiseVSAvoidease of manufacture
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-generated harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The liner material is selected with specific parameters (noise-reducing properties, durability, compatibility with metal parts) to optimize performance. By carefully choosing materials such as polyethylene, polypropylene, or polyoxymethylene with appropriate physical and chemical properties, the manufacturing process remains relatively simple while achieving effective noise reduction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 effectively reduces noise generation during operation, providing a durable and efficient muffling effect while maintaining the assembly's reliability and fireproof properties, using materials like polyethylene, polypropylene, or polyoxymethylene for the liners.

Implementation Method 1

the liner material may be said to muffle the sound

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSound absorption: Acoustic Absorption

Implementation Method 2

The lack of direct contact between the parts prevents the generation of the characteristic hard or sharp sounds of metal against metal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP1963602B1A noise reducing locking assembly for a ventilating window
Publication Date: 2010.10.06 VKR HOLDING AS
  • EP1963602B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP1963602B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP1963602B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a locking assembly for a ventilating window having a sash arranged to be openable with respect to a main frame by pivotal movement about a pivot axis parallel to a pair of opposed sash members. The locking assembly comprises a casing secured to the sash member opposite a strike plate on the main frame. At least one pawl member is arranged in the casing to be movable between a locked position, in which it is in locking engagement with a stationary locking member of the strike plate, and an unlocked position, in which it is released from said locking engagement. A locking control mechanism controls the movement of the pawl member(s) and is operable by an operator member accessible from the inside of the window via at least one actuator slide. According to the invention the locking assembly further comprises an integrally formed noise reducing liner positioned to prevent direct contact between the fastening pin and the casing and between the pawl member and the casing, respectively.