Window Opening Control With Pin-and-Slot Safety Lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional window designs pose safety risks, especially in high-rise buildings or homes with young children, due to uncontrolled window openings that can lead to accidents.
Innovation Solution
A window opening control device (WOCD) with a frame and sash portion, featuring a pin and slot mechanism that allows the window to be locked in a predetermined position, preventing it from opening beyond a certain distance, and can be easily overridden by adults for wider openings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional window designs are used, then ease of operation is maintained, but safety deteriorates due to uncontrolled window openings
Solution Approach 1:
The window opening control device dynamically adjusts between locked and unlocked states based on user needs. The mechanism allows the window to be automatically locked when closed, preventing unintended openings, while enabling easy manual unlocking when ventilation is needed. This dynamic state change resolves the contradiction by providing both safety and ease of operation at different times.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs self-locking functionality where the window automatically locks when closed without requiring additional user action. The pin and slot mechanism automatically engages to prevent opening, providing safety services autonomously. Users can easily override this by manually manipulating the release mechanism, combining automatic safety with manual control when needed.
2Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to control window openings, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is segmented into distinct functional components: a pin element, a slot element, and a release mechanism. Each component performs a specific function, making the overall system easier to manufacture, assemble, and maintain. The pin provides the locking action, the slot provides the guiding path, and the release mechanism provides the override capability, dividing complexity into manageable segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking and unlocking functions are merged into a single integrated mechanism. The pin and slot work together as one locking system, and the release mechanism combines multiple functions (manually unlocking, preventing child operation) into one component. This merging reduces the number of separate parts and simplifies the overall device while maintaining safety functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A window opening control device for facilitating the secure and adjustable opening of a window. The device features a frame portion having a frame-mount portion for attachment to a window frame and a pivotably attached frame arm, which includes either a pin or a slot. The corresponding sash portion contains a sash-mount portion for attachment to a window sash and a pivotably attached sash arm, which includes the other of the pin or the slot. These components allow for movement between an unlocked position, where the pin is disengaged from the slot, and a locked position, where the pin is secured within the slot. The configuration helps to prevent the window from opening beyond a predetermined distance when the frame and sash arms are locked together, and requires the arms to be unlocked prior to further opening the window.