Window Opening Restrictor with Pressure-Activated Spring Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional opening restrictors for windows, especially in inclined roofs, are difficult to install accurately, often resulting in misalignment and visible mounting holes, and can pose aesthetic and safety issues due to their installation method and potential for user entrapment during disengagement.
Innovation Solution
The opening restrictor features a pressure-activated spring mechanism with an activation part that allows easy disengagement, eliminating the need for precise alignment and visible mounting screws, and is designed for hidden installation to prevent user entrapment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional opening restrictors are installed using mounting elements such as screws, then the opening restrictor can be securely attached to the frame or sash, but the mounting holes and screws become visible creating an unpleasant aesthetic appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting elements (screws and mounting holes) are extracted from the visible exterior surface of the frame. The opening restrictor is mounted internally within the frame structure, so that only the functional elements (arm and engagement element) are visible from the interior, while the mounting hardware remains hidden within the frame's internal cavity.
Solution Approach 2:
The opening restrictor mechanism is nested within the internal structure of the frame. The base element is positioned inside the frame's hollow cavity, with the arm extending outward to engage with the sash. This nesting arrangement allows the mounting hardware to be concealed within the frame's internal space while maintaining external aesthetic appearance.
2Shape
If the opening restrictor is installed in a hidden position between the frame and sash, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but the user may get caught in the hidden space causing finger entrapment during disengagement
Solution Approach 1:
A disengagement element is introduced as an intermediary component that mediates between the user's finger and the opening restrictor mechanism. This disengagement element provides a safe interface for user interaction, allowing disengagement of the arm from the engagement element without exposing fingers to the hazardous gap between the frame and sash.
Solution Approach 2:
The direct mechanical interaction between the user's finger and the opening restrictor mechanism is replaced by a controlled disengagement system. Instead of requiring the user to insert fingers into the hidden space to manually separate the arm and engagement element, the design provides a safe disengagement interface that eliminates the need for direct finger insertion into the hazardous gap.
3Strength
If mounting elements such as screws are used to attach the base element and engagement element, then secure attachment is achieved, but the screws remain visible in both closed and open window positions creating an unpleasant aesthetic appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting elements (screws) are extracted from the visible exterior surface and repositioned within the internal cavity of the frame. The base element is attached to the interior surface of the frame using screws that are concealed within the frame's hollow structure, so that only the functional components are visible from both interior and exterior perspectives.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the opening restrictor is dismounted when child safety is no longer needed, then adaptability is improved, but mounting holes are left behind creating an unpleasant aesthetic appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting elements are extracted from the visible exterior and positioned internally within the frame structure. This allows the opening restrictor to be completely removed from the window assembly while leaving no visible mounting holes or hardware on the exterior or interior surfaces, maintaining aesthetic appearance even after dismounting.
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 simplifies the installation process, reduces aesthetic concerns by hiding mounting elements, and enhances user safety by minimizing the risk of finger entrapment during disengagement, while maintaining functionality as a child safety mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
activate a spring mechanism so as to allow the activation part to engage said arm for rotation thereof, bringing the arm out of engagement with the engagement element on the sash
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The window (1) installed in an inclined roof has a frame (2) and a sash (3) and opening restrictor (10) which is configured to assume an engaged condition where the opening restrictor (10) engages an engagement element (13) on the sash (3) and a disengaged condition in which the opening restrictor (10) is configured to be released from said engagement element (13) allowing an opening of the sash. The opening restrictor (10) comprises an arm (11) having an activation part (17) configured to, under influence from a pressure-activation of said activation part, activate a spring mechanism (60) engaging said arm (11) for rotation thereof.