Window Vent Assist Mechanism Reducing Opening Force

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Solution Overview

Problem

The combined weight of glass and structural members in vent window assemblies makes it difficult for users to move the window vent from a closed to a vented position, especially with increasing trends towards larger and more thermally-efficient designs.

Innovation Solution

A window vent assist mechanism is introduced, comprising a first support connected to the window frame and a second support connected to the window vent, with a biasing member between them to reduce the force required for movement. This mechanism includes a compression coil spring that is compressed when the window vent is closed, providing a force to aid in opening, and is designed to be incorporated into various window assemblies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Temperature

If the window vent is made larger and more thermally-efficient, then thermal efficiency is improved, but the weight of the window vent increases making it difficult to move

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal efficiencyVSAvoidweight of window vent

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The biasing member (spring) provides a counteracting force to the weight of the window vent, reducing the net force required by the user to move the vent. The spring is positioned to exert an upward force that counterbalances the downward gravitational force on the vent, making it easier to operate despite increased weight from thermal efficiency improvements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

2Temperature

If the window vent is made larger and more thermally-efficient, then thermal efficiency is improved, but the force required to move the window vent increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethermal efficiencyVSAvoidforce required to move window vent

Core Design Contradiction:

TemperatureVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The biasing member provides a counteracting force that reduces the net force required by the user. When the window vent is in the closed position, the compressed spring exerts an upward force that counteracts the weight and any additional forces from larger thermal-efficient designs, allowing easy operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

Solution Approach 2:

The spring is pre-compressed to store potential energy that will be released to assist in opening the window vent. This preliminary action (pre-compression) creates a ready-to-apply counterforce that opposes the weight and resistance forces before the user initiates movement, reducing the peak force required.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

3Ease of operation

If manual control assemblies are used to move the window vent, then the window vent can be operated, but the significant weight makes movement difficult for many users

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of moving window ventVSAvoidweight of window vent

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The biasing member acts as a mechanical counterweight system that compensates for the significant weight of the window vent. By positioning the spring to exert an upward force on the vent, it counterbalances the gravitational force, allowing users with limited strength to easily operate even heavy, large-format thermal-efficient vents.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #8Anti-weight (Counterweight)

Solution Approach 2:

The spring-loaded assist mechanism provides self-service by automatically generating the counterbalancing force needed to offset the vent's weight. The system uses the vent's own position (compressed when closed) to store energy that assists operation, reducing reliance on user strength and making the system adaptable to various vent weights.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 mechanism significantly reduces the force needed to open the window vent, allowing it to be moved with less than five pounds of effort, making it more accessible for users across different window sizes and weights.

Implementation Method 1

a biasing member disposed between the first support and the second support. The biasing member is configured to urge the second support to move relative to the first support

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic potential energy storage and release: Spring

Implementation Method 2

This mechanism includes a compression coil spring that is compressed when the window vent is closed, providing a force to aid in opening

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression spring force: Compression

Data Source

PatentUS11339598B2Window vent assist mechanism for vent window assembly

Publication Date: 2022.05.24 ASSA ABLOY FENESTRATION LLC

AI summary

A window vent assist mechanism for use with a vent window operable in a closed position and in a vented position can include a first support configured to connect to a header of a window frame and a second support configured to connect to an upper rail of a window vent disposed in the window frame. The window vent assist mechanism also includes a biasing member disposed between the header of the window frame and the upper rail of the window vent and nearer to an inner side of the vent window and a center of gravity of the window vent. The biasing member is configured to exert a force to urge the window vent to move relative to the window frame to reduce an operating force required to move the window vent to the vented position.