Window Assembly Simultaneous Sash Movement Mechanism

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Typical double-hung window assemblies require excessive user effort to operate and are noisy, with screens needing seasonal installation and removal, and fail to provide optimal balance against wind and gravity forces.

Innovation Solution

A window assembly design featuring two sashes that move vertically within a frame, with a mechanism allowing simultaneous movement of one sash in the opposite direction of the other, utilizing extruded aluminum for minimal maintenance and balanced operation, and incorporating a pulley system and weather strip seals for smooth operation and weather resistance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional double-hung window assemblies are used, then the window can provide a view and weather barrier, but excessive user effort is required to operate the window

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser effort to operate windowVSAvoidforce required to move sashes

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a counterbalance mechanism with weights or springs that offset the weight of the sashes, reducing the user effort needed to move them. The counterbalance mechanism works in conjunction with the pulley system to provide mechanical advantage, allowing the lighter sashes to be easily opened and closed without requiring excessive force from the user.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a pulley system as an intermediary mechanism between the user and the sashes. The pulley system redirects the force applied by the user and works with the counterbalance mechanism to reduce the effective force required to move the sashes, thereby improving ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If traditional double-hung window assemblies are used, then the window can be operated, but the operation is noisy

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewindow operationVSAvoidnoise during operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional friction-based mechanical operation with a pulley system that uses tension and mechanical advantage. This substitution reduces the direct friction between the sashes and the frame, thereby reducing noise during operation while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If screens are seasonally installed and removed, then the window can be protected, but the process is time-consuming and complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveweather protectionVSAvoidscreen installation and removal

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the screen mechanism directly into the window assembly, merging the screen functionality with the sash operation. The screens are mounted on the sashes and move with them, eliminating the need for separate seasonal installation and removal processes. This integration maintains weather protection while significantly reducing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Ease of operation

If equal-sized sashes are used, then the movement is balanced, but the design must maintain symmetry

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebalanced movementVSAvoidsymmetrical design constraints

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies asymmetry in the counterbalance mechanism design to achieve balanced movement of equal-sized sashes. By strategically positioning the counterbalance weights or springs asymmetrically within the frame structure, the patent achieves balanced operation without requiring complex symmetrical design constraints, thereby simplifying the overall design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

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 design reduces user effort and noise during operation, provides balanced movement, and maintains weather resistance with equal-sized sashes, allowing for easy installation and minimal maintenance while ensuring optimal airflow and visibility.

Implementation Method 1

incorporating a pulley system and weather strip seals for smooth operation and weather resistance

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPulley: Pulley

Data Source

PatentUS8631850B2Window assembly

Publication Date: 2014.01.21 LAKE CITY WINDOWS

AI summary

A window assembly including a first sash and a second sash, the first and second sashes each including a pane of glass disposed between a pair of horizontal rails and a pair of vertical stiles, a frame configured to retain the first and second sashes along a vertical plane of the frame, and a mechanism configured to simultaneously and correspondingly move a second sash in second direction upon movement of a first sash in a first direction opposite the second direction.