Window Sash Spacer with Spring Biased Retainer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing window spacer systems either increase manufacturing costs and complexity or detract from the aesthetics of the window sash, as they require modifications to the sash or are visible, failing to prevent cocking and insulation reduction due to play between the sash and frame.
Innovation Solution
A spacer system with a base, spring arm, and contact head that attaches to the window sash within the frame's tracks, reducing lateral movement and preventing cocking by biasing the contact head against the track, allowing for easy installation without altering the sash and maintaining aesthetics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If spacers are added to prevent cocking, then window stability is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer system is divided into separate functional components: a base element that attaches to the sash, spring arms that provide biasing force, and contact heads that interface with the frame. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies installation and adjustment procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The spacer system is pre-assembled with spring arms and contact heads attached to the base before installation in the window frame. This preliminary assembly reduces on-site installation complexity and ensures proper configuration before the spacer is installed into the window structure.
2Stability of the object's composition
If spacers are added to prevent cocking, then window stability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring arms are designed to be self-biasing, automatically applying the necessary force to prevent cocking without requiring external actuators, motors, or complex control systems. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for additional power sources and control electronics, reducing manufacturing cost and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The spacer system uses simple, inexpensive materials such as plastic or metal springs and basic fastening components. These components are designed to be cost-effective and can be easily replaced if needed, avoiding the use of expensive materials or complex assemblies.
3Stability of the object's composition
If traditional spacers are used to prevent cocking, then window stability is improved, but aesthetics are degraded due to visibility
Solution Approach 1:
The spacer system uses the window frame structure itself as an intermediary to conceal the spacer components. The base attaches to the sash while the contact heads interface with the frame, positioning the functional elements in the gap between sash and frame where they are not visible from the exterior, thus maintaining aesthetic appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The spacer components are nested within the gap space between the window sash and the frame. The base is mounted on the sash, spring arms extend into the gap, and contact heads rest against the frame, creating a compact nested arrangement that is functionally effective but visually hidden.
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 spacer system effectively reduces cocking and maintains insulation by limiting lateral movement while being invisible and easily installable, addressing the issues of cost, complexity, and aesthetics in existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
Each spacer has a base, a spring arm that extends from the base, and a contact head that is supported by the spring arm. The spring arm extends into the gap space and biases the contact head against the side track.
Data Source
AI summary
A spacer that attaches to a window sash in order to create an improved window construction. The window construction has a window frame with side tracks. A window sash is set within the side tracks of the window frame. Gap spaces exist between the window sash and the side tracks. To prevent cocking, spacers are provided. The spacers attached to the sides of the window sash inside the tracks where the spacer is not visible. Each spacer has a base, a spring arm that extends from the base, and a contact head that is supported by the spring arm. The base is mounted to the window sash within a gap space. The spring arm extends into the gap space and biases the contact head toward the side track. The contact head also presents a physical barrier to lateral movement. This inhibits the sash from cocking within the window frame.