Automatic Window Sash Interlock with Biasing Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Window sash locks typically provide only a single locking point and lack automatic engagement and disengagement mechanisms, which can lead to inadequate resistance against design pressures and impact loads, as well as requiring user interaction for operation.
Innovation Solution
A window sash interlock system featuring a housing with a pivotably mounted locking member and a biasing mechanism that automatically returns to an unlocked position, allowing for automatic engagement with a keeper when the window sash is closed and disengagement when opened, and retraction into the housing when tilted, providing enhanced resistance and security without manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a single locking point is used in traditional window sash locks, then the device complexity is reduced, but the resistance against design pressures and impact loads is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system is segmented into multiple locking points along the side rail, with each segment providing independent engagement with the window jamb. This distributes the load across multiple points rather than concentrating it at a single location, thereby increasing overall strength and resistance to design pressures and impact loads.
2Ease of operation
If manual intervention is required for locking and unlocking, then the ease of operation is reduced, but the reliability of automatic engagement is improved
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to automatically engage with the window jamb through the natural movement of the sash during closing. The biasing member provides the necessary force to drive the locking member into engagement without requiring manual intervention, making the system both easy to operate and reliable.
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing member is pre-loaded to store potential energy that is automatically converted to kinetic energy during sash movement, propelling the locking member into engagement position before the sash fully closes. This preliminary action ensures reliable engagement without requiring user input.
3Ease of operation
If the locking member remains extended during tilting, then the ease of operation is improved, but the locking member may interfere with window jamb engagement
Solution Approach 1:
The locking member is designed to dynamically adjust its position based on sash movement. During tilting, the locking member automatically retracts into the housing to clear the window jamb path. During closing, it extends to engage the locking surface. This dynamic behavior maintains both ease of operation and engagement reliability.
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 provides increased design pressure and impact resistance, automatic operation, and allows for tilting of the window sash without manual adjustment, enhancing the security and structural performance of the window system.
Implementation Method 1
the locking member is biased so as to automatically return to the unlocked position
Implementation Method 2
the locking member includes a locking surface configured to engage with a keeper to move the locking member from the unlocked position towards the locked position
Data Source
AI summary
A window sash interlock includes a housing configured to mount to a side rail of a window sash. The housing includes a front face that substantially aligns with a surface of the side rail. A locking member is pivotably coupled to the housing about a pivot axis. The locking member is disposed at least partially within the housing and is movable between at least a locked position and an unlocked position. The locking member is biased so as to automatically return to the unlocked position, and in the unlocked position, the locking member at least partially extends from the front face of the housing.