Window Support Track Load Distribution Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing support devices for windows and French doors often suffer from high load concentrations on bearing axes, leading to potential deformation and difficulty in opening due to linear support designs, and protrusion issues when the window is open.

Innovation Solution

The support track is inclined in one position and parallel to the base element in another, with a stop for load distribution, eliminating rotatable components and ensuring weight is supported over a larger area, and incorporating reinforcement webs and a tiltable snap-in connection for enhanced stability and compactness.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If a roller is used to support the sash weight, then the support device can handle the load, but the bearing axis deforms and prevents further rotation due to high load concentration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveload bearing capacityVSAvoidbearing axis reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The invention transitions from a linear support contact (roller bearing axis) to an area support contact (ramp element base element interface). The ramp element with inclined surface distributes the sash weight over a larger area of the base element, eliminating the concentrated load on a single bearing axis and preventing deformation that would prevent rotation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the geometric parameters of the support interface by using a ramp element with an inclined surface instead of a cylindrical roller. This parameter change transforms the contact from a line/point contact to a surface contact, distributing the load over a larger area and reducing stress concentration on the bearing axis.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Device complexity

If a linear support design is used, then the structure is simple, but the counter-element deforms under sash weight making it difficult to open the window

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport structure complexityVSAvoidwindow opening ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The ramp element provides area support instead of linear support, distributing the sash weight over a larger area of the counter-element. This prevents deformation of the counter-element under load and maintains smooth operation for opening and closing the window, while still maintaining relatively simple construction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Strength

If a swivel lever protrudes from the sash, then it can support the sash weight, but it protrudes in a disruptive manner when the window is open

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesash support capabilityVSAvoidaesthetic appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The ramp element is positioned within the headstock assembly and works with the base element and counter-element. When the window is open, the ramp element retracts or nests within the headstock structure rather than protruding from the sash, maintaining aesthetic appearance while still providing sash support functionality when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

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

This design provides high stability and compactness by distributing the load across a larger area, relieving the bearing axis and ensuring smooth operation with reduced friction and minimal protrusion, making the window easier to close and open.

Implementation Method 1

the support track slides over a slideway of a counter-element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP2343429B1Support device for a leaf pivotable relative to the frame
Publication Date: 2016.03.09 WINKHAUS
  • EP2343429B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2343429B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A support device for a sash (2) of a window that pivots against a frame (1) in the closed position has a guide block (3) with a tilt bearing (19). When the window is open, the guide block (3) is inclined opposite a counter element (4). When the window is closed, the counter element (4) slides over a support track (15) of the guide block (3). When the window is closed, the support track (15) is supported by a stop (20), thus relieving the tilt bearing (19).