Adaptive Sliding Door Threshold Flap with Automatic Retraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sliding door systems pose challenges for individuals with disabilities and able-bodied users of wheel-based devices due to the rail obstruction, requiring separate operations and invasive modifications, and lack synchronization with door opening and closing dynamics.
Innovation Solution
An adaptive threshold system with a flap that automatically adjusts its position based on the sliding door's movement, using a leverage mechanism to convert kinetic energy into vertical motion, ensuring seamless integration and synchronization with door operations without additional drives.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a rail is added to the sliding door for structural support and guidance, then the door stability and guidance are improved, but the usability for people with disabilities deteriorates due to the threshold obstruction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the threshold movable rather than fixed. The threshold is connected to the sliding door panel through a hinge mechanism, allowing it to dynamically change position between covering the rail cavity when the door is closed and being lifted clear of the path when the door opens. This dynamic adjustment resolves the contradiction by maintaining structural stability when needed while eliminating usability barriers during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The threshold is nested within the sliding door assembly, specifically integrated into the lower profile structure. When the door is closed, the threshold covers the rail cavity; when the door opens, the threshold pivots and nests against the door panel, clearing the passage. This nesting approach allows the threshold to be part of the door system without creating permanent obstructions.
2Ease of operation
If accessory ramps and slides are added to facilitate threshold crossing, then the ease of operation for disabled people is improved, but the device complexity increases due to multiple separate operations and coordination requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the threshold covering function with the door panel itself. Instead of separate accessory ramps or slides that require independent operation, the threshold is integrated as part of the door assembly. The single operation of opening the door automatically performs both the threshold covering and clearing functions, eliminating the need for multiple separate operations and coordination.
Solution Approach 2:
The sliding door panel serves multiple functions: it provides the primary door closure function, structural support, and simultaneously acts as the mechanism for threshold management. The lower profile of the door panel serves dual purposes of structural support and threshold covering, eliminating the need for separate dedicated threshold management devices.
3Ease of operation
If the threshold is made movable to clear the path, then the usability is improved, but the door functionality may be affected by interference with sliding dynamics
Solution Approach 1:
The threshold is designed with dynamic movement capability through a hinge connection to the door panel. This allows the threshold to automatically adjust its position based on the door's sliding state - covering the rail when closed and clearing the path when open - without creating interference with the sliding dynamics. The dynamic design ensures both usability and reliable door operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge mechanism acts as an intermediary between the threshold and the door panel, allowing the threshold to move independently without directly interfering with the sliding dynamics. The hinge mediates the motion, enabling the threshold to pivot clear of the path while the door panel maintains its sliding function along the rail.
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
Facilitates smooth passage for wheelchairs and similar devices by automatically adjusting the flap's position, maintaining door functionality and compliance with architectural barriers without complex modifications.
Implementation Method 1
The leverage (7) being actuated and piloted by the translation motion of the leaf (6) during the common opening (OPEN) and closing (CLOSE) operations of the sliding door (5)
Implementation Method 2
The flap (1) returning by gravity to the initial position of covering the rail (4)
Data Source
AI summary
The patent consists of a flap which can be employed for covering the cavity corresponding to the lower profile of a sliding window when the sash opens. Said system subsequently allowing automatic withdrawal of said flap in a side-by-side position and not interfering with the sliding of said door during closing: said automatic withdrawal thus taking place in correspondence with the sliding in the opposite direction of the same door. This double synchronized movement with opening and closing of said sliding door favors the crossing of the threshold by users but above all by wheelchairs, trolleys, pushchairs and similar. The system object of the patent proposal is based on a mechanism controlled directly by the sliding of said sliding door which allows the automatic movement of said flap from a first horizontal position covering the frame track to a second lateral position next to the sliding door and vice versa.