Window Toggle Assembly for Secure Partial Opening
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fenestration systems require users to sacrifice security to open window sashes, and they lack automatic reengagement of safety features for emergency egress, posing risks of accidental falls and forgotten locks.
Innovation Solution
A fenestration system with a toggle assembly that transitions between engaged and disengaged states, allowing partial opening of window sashes while automatically reengaging security features, including a toggle housing, toggle, and biasing member that obstructs excessive opening and relocks upon closure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional security features (locks) are engaged to secure window sashes, then security is improved, but the window sashes cannot be opened at all
Solution Approach 1:
The toggle assembly transitions between engaged and disengaged states dynamically. When engaged, it provides security by limiting window opening. When disengaged, it allows full opening capability. This dynamic state change resolves the contradiction between maintaining security and enabling operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows partial opening of the window sash when the toggle assembly is engaged, permitting ventilation while maintaining security. This partial action satisfies both security requirements and operational needs without requiring complete disengagement of the security feature.
2Reliability
If conventional locks are used to secure window sashes, then security is improved, but users must manually reengage locks after closing, risking forgotten locks
Solution Approach 1:
The toggle assembly automatically reengages itself when the window sash is closed. The mechanical design ensures that closing the window sash returns the toggle to its engaged position, eliminating the need for manual reengagement and ensuring security is maintained without user intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides mechanical feedback through the toggle assembly that automatically detects when the window sash is closed and triggers reengagement of the security feature. This feedback mechanism ensures security is restored automatically, preventing forgotten locks.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If safety features limit window opening, then accidental falls are prevented, but emergency egress is blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The toggle assembly can be dynamically disengaged to allow full window opening for emergency egress, then automatically reengaged when the window is closed to restore safety limitations. This dynamic behavior provides both fall prevention during normal use and egress capability during emergencies.
Solution Approach 2:
The system prepares for emergency situations by allowing easy disengagement of the toggle assembly when needed, while maintaining protective limitations during normal operation. The automatic reengagement feature ensures safety is restored after emergency use.
4Reliability
If toggle assembly automatically reengages after window closure, then security and safety are restored, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The toggle assembly combines multiple functions into a single mechanical component: it limits window opening, provides security engagement, and automatically reengages upon closure. This merging reduces the need for separate mechanisms while achieving automatic reengagement and maintaining 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
Enables secure and safe operation by allowing partial window opening without compromising security, ensuring automatic reengagement of safety features, thus preventing accidental falls and ensuring secure closure.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member that stores and releases energy to automatically transition the toggle assembly between the engaged and disengaged states
Data Source
AI summary
A fenestration system is disclosed. In some examples, the fenestration system includes one or more movable window sashes and a toggle assembly. In some examples, the toggle assembly operates to limit the degree to which the window sashes are opened or otherwise moved relative to one another. In some examples, a window sash may be opened a designated amount before the toggle assembly operates to obstruct it from being further opened.