Motorized Window Sash Actuation with Balanced Force Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional window actuation systems face issues with sash twisting and binding due to unequal friction within the channels, leading to incomplete or obstructed opening, as they rely on mechanical linkage and central force application which can cause excessive friction and racking.
Innovation Solution
A system utilizing two electric motors positioned near the window frame channels to apply forces directly or indirectly through a threaded rod and pinion mechanism, with a motor controller monitoring progress to ensure balanced actuation and prevent twisting, allowing for independent force adjustment on each side of the sash to maintain smooth operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If force is applied at the center of the sash to propagate equally to both sides, then the opening is not obstructed, but the sash may still twist due to minor friction differentials causing racking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single central force application into two separate force application points, one on each side of the sash. This segmentation allows independent control of forces applied to each side, preventing twisting while maintaining smooth operation. The two motors operate independently but are coordinated through feedback control to apply balanced forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control by monitoring the position and movement of each sash side independently and adjusting the motor forces to maintain equal movement. This feedback mechanism detects any twisting tendency and compensates by adjusting the force distribution, ensuring reliable operation without obstruction.
2Reliability
If mechanical linkage is used to link the mechanisms applying force on either side of the sash, then force distribution is controlled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical linkages with independent motors on each side of the sash. Instead of using mechanical connections to coordinate force application, the system uses electronic control and feedback mechanisms to achieve balanced force distribution. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity while maintaining or improving reliability.
3Device complexity
If equal amount of force is applied to both sides of the sash, then the actuation is simple, but the sash may bind when friction levels are unequal
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic force adjustment where the force applied to each side of the sash is continuously adapted based on real-time feedback from position sensors. The system monitors the movement of each sash side and adjusts motor forces dynamically to compensate for unequal friction conditions, preventing binding while maintaining relatively simple actuation.
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 effectively prevents sash twisting and binding by ensuring balanced force application, allowing for smooth and complete actuation of the window sash, even in conditions with varying friction levels, and includes safety features to prevent jamming and allow manual operation.
Implementation Method 1
Two electric motors mounted near the sides of the sash... may supply an actuating force
Implementation Method 2
The resistive member may be a threaded rod, mounted to the upper or lower section of the frame, upon which an interior-threaded tube, or captive nut, which is captive within a structure coupled to the motor and/or the sash, is rotated by the motor. The motor thereby actuates the sash along the threaded rod.
Data Source
AI summary
A controlled, motorized mechanism to actuate a sash type window opened and closed. The system provides a set of motors, each positioned on either side of a window, that are controlled by a motor controller that receives feedback on the progression of rotation of the motors as they actuate each side of the window. The feedback is then utilized to control each of the motors. This controlled system ensures that one side of the window does not become raised or lowered further in its channel than the opposite side—or “racked”—and thus increase the friction against the frame that would disable any further progress actuating said window.