Window Vent Operator Assembly for Staged Locking and Low-Force Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing window vent operator assemblies face challenges in efficiently moving and locking window vents due to binding or jamming issues, especially when simultaneously closing and locking, and they often require excessive force for larger or heavier vents.
Innovation Solution
The operator assembly includes a base with a channel, a drive member with a tab and teeth for linear motion, and a torque-amplifying gear set, along with a powered actuator for controlled movement between locked, unlocked, and open positions, allowing for reduced force and increased capacity by staged movement and gear engagement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing operator assemblies simultaneously close and lock window vents, then the locking function is achieved, but binding or jamming issues occur
Solution Approach 1:
The operator assembly segments the simultaneous closing and locking operations into sequential stages. The drive member first moves to engage the locking feature (locking stage), then continues moving to complete the closing action (closing stage). This temporal separation of functions eliminates the binding/jamming problem that occurs when both actions happen simultaneously, while maintaining reliable locking through the staged engagement process.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking action is performed as a preliminary action before the closing action is completed. The drive member engages the locking feature first, securing the vent in place, and only then completes the full closing motion. This preliminary locking prevents the binding/jamming issue by establishing the locked state before final closure, ensuring reliable operation.
2Weight of moving object
If existing operator assemblies move larger or heavier window vents, then the vent size capacity is increased, but excessive force is required
Solution Approach 1:
The drive member acts as an intermediary between the actuator and the window vent, providing mechanical advantage through its interaction with the locking feature and arm. The staged movement mechanism (first engaging locking, then closing) creates leverage that reduces the actuation force required, enabling the operator assembly to move larger and heavier vents without requiring excessive input force.
Solution Approach 2:
By segmenting the movement into distinct stages (locking engagement phase and closing phase), the operator assembly distributes the force requirements across different moments in the operation cycle. This allows the actuator to apply smaller, manageable forces at each stage rather than requiring one large force simultaneously, enabling handling of heavier vents.
3Reliability
If the drive member engages the locking feature, then the window vent is locked, but the arm may accidentally rotate toward open position
Solution Approach 1:
The tab on the drive member provides preliminary anti-action by physically blocking the arm's rotation toward the open position. When the drive member engages the locking feature, the tab is positioned to prevent any backward rotation, countering potential harmful forces like wind pressure before they can cause accidental opening. This preventive blocking mechanism maintains locking security while protecting against environmental harmful factors.
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 solution enables smooth operation of window vents with reduced force requirements, prevents accidental closure by wind, and supports larger vents by increasing operating torque and reducing actuation force, thus enhancing operational efficiency and capacity.
Implementation Method 1
a tilt and swivel module with a gear mechanism is used, having at least one degree of freedom which can be cancelled by coupling gear elements to the tilt and swivel module
Implementation Method 2
the drive assembly includes a torque-amplifying gear set that can reduce the force needed to operate the operator assembly and/or increase the operating capacity
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.