Window Vent Operator with Separated Locking and Opening Stages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing window vent operator assemblies face challenges in efficiently moving and locking window vents due to limitations in mechanical design, which can result in binding or jamming, especially when trying to simultaneously close and lock the window vent.
Innovation Solution
The proposed operator assembly includes a base, drive assembly, and actuator with a torque-amplifying gear set and a powered actuator assembly, allowing for smooth operation by separating the locking and opening stages and reducing the force required to operate, enabling larger and heavier window vents to be serviced.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional mechanical design is used to move and lock window vents, then the structure is simple, but binding or jamming occurs especially when trying to simultaneously close and lock the window vent
Solution Approach 1:
The operator assembly is divided into distinct functional modules: a drive assembly with torque-amplifying mechanism, a powered actuator assembly, and a vent engagement mechanism. This segmentation allows each module to perform its specific function optimally without interfering with others, preventing binding and jamming while maintaining operational reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
A drive member acts as an intermediary between the actuator and the vent engagement mechanism. This drive member transmits and amplifies torque while providing mechanical advantage, enabling smooth operation during both closing and locking phases without the binding issues found in conventional direct-drive systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If torque is increased to move larger and heavier window vents, then the operating capacity increases, but the force required to actuate the mechanism increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism utilizes mechanical advantage through gear ratios and lever arms to change the torque parameter. The torque-amplifying mechanism in the drive assembly multiplies the input force from the actuator, enabling the system to handle larger and heavier window vents without requiring proportionally higher actuation forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive member serves as a torque-amplifying intermediary between the actuator and the vent engagement mechanism. It provides mechanical advantage through its geometric design, allowing small actuation forces to generate the large torques needed to move heavy vents, thereby increasing adaptability without increasing force requirements.
3Device complexity
If locking and opening actions are combined in a single mechanism, then the device complexity is reduced, but binding or jamming occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The operator assembly separates locking and opening functions into distinct functional zones within the drive assembly. The powered actuator assembly controls the drive member, which independently manages vent movement and locking engagement. This functional segmentation prevents interference between locking and opening actions, eliminating binding and jamming while maintaining manageable device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism performs preliminary actions in a specific sequence: the actuator first positions the drive member to disengage the locking feature, allowing the vent to open smoothly. Only after the vent is fully opened does the mechanism engage the locking feature for secure closure. This sequential preliminary action prevents binding by ensuring locking and opening operations do not occur simultaneously.
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 solution enhances the operating torque and reduces the actuation force needed, preventing accidental closure by wind and ensuring secure locking, thus improving the operational efficiency and capacity of window vent systems.
Implementation Method 1
drive assembly, and an actuator with a torque-amplifying gear set
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 1a
Figure 2~3
AI summary
An operator assembly may move a window vent relative to a frame. The operator assembly includes a stationary member, an arm and a drive member. The arm is mounted for rotation relative to the stationary member between an open position and a closed position. The drive member is received in a channel defined by the stationary member for linear motion therein relative to the stationary member and the arm among a first position in which the drive member engages a locking feature of the window vent, a second position in which the drive member is spaced apart from and disengaged from the locking feature without rotating the arm out of the closed position, and a third position in which the drive member is further spaced apart from the locking feature. Movement of the drive member between the second and third positions moves the arm between the closed and open positions.