Ventilating Window Lock Assembly With Segmented Wire Spring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lock assemblies for ventilating windows are bulky, limiting window design and insulation efficiency, as they require larger dimensions to effectively handle locking forces.
Innovation Solution
A compact lock assembly design featuring a wire spring with three portions, where the middle portion is directed roughly parallel to the line connecting the support points and the outer portions are at a right angle, allowing for efficient energy storage and release, and supported by a groove in a stationary part to reduce size and prevent entanglement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a traditional wire spring design is used, then the lock assembly can handle locking forces, but the lock assembly becomes bulky and occupies more space
Solution Approach 1:
The wire spring is divided into three distinct portions: a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion. This segmentation allows each portion to perform a specific function - the first and third portions provide structural support and attachment points, while the second portion serves as the active bending element that stores and releases energy. This segmentation enables the spring to handle large forces in a more compact configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The wire spring is configured to extend substantially perpendicular to the direction of movement of the locking arm. This dimensional orientation allows the spring to efficiently store and release energy in a compact space, as the bending action occurs in a dimension perpendicular to the locking arm's movement, maximizing space utilization while maintaining force handling capability.
2Strength
If the wire spring material is increased to handle large forces, then the locking capability is improved, but the lock assembly becomes more complex and bulky
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the wire spring into three portions with distinct functions, the design achieves high strength through optimized material distribution. The first and third portions can be configured for structural integrity and attachment, while the second portion is optimized for elastic deformation and energy storage. This segmentation allows each portion to be designed for its specific function, achieving high overall strength without requiring excessive material throughout the entire spring.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the wire spring are designed with different geometric characteristics optimized for their specific functions. The first and third portions may have configurations optimized for attachment and structural support, while the second portion has geometry optimized for bending and energy storage. This local optimization of quality allows the spring to achieve high strength and performance without uniform material distribution, reducing overall complexity.
3Volume of moving object
If a compact lock design is implemented, then window insulation is improved, but the lock mechanism may become unreliable under large forces
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented three-portion wire spring design allows the compact lock to maintain reliability by distributing functional requirements across different portions. The first and third portions provide stable attachment points and structural support, while the second portion provides reliable elastic energy storage and release. This segmentation ensures that each component operates within its optimal performance range, maintaining reliability despite the reduced overall size.
Solution Approach 2:
By orienting the wire spring perpendicular to the locking arm movement direction, the design achieves compact dimensions while maintaining force handling capability. The perpendicular orientation allows the spring to utilize bending in a different dimension, enabling efficient energy storage and release in a compact space without compromising the reliability of the locking mechanism under large forces.
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 design achieves a more compact and efficient lock assembly that can handle large forces with less material, improving window insulation and reducing manufacturing complexity while preventing spring entanglement.
Implementation Method 1
a wire spring operably connected to the lock mechanism, the wire spring being supported at a first point and at a second point, whereby the distance between the first point and the second point changes when the lock mechanism moves to another position
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~7a
Figure 3~5
AI summary
A lock assembly (10) for a ventilating window which lock assembly (10) comprises a casing (15), a locking arm (11 ) and a lock mechanism. The lock mechanism includes at least one wire spring (20, 25) that is supported at two points. The distance between the support points changes when the lock is operated and the wire spring (20, 25) includes three portions between the two points, a middle portion (50) and two outer portions (47). The outer portions (47) comprise a part that is directed roughly at a right angle with a line connecting the two points.