Adjustable Access Door Frame for Varying Opening Sizes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional access doors with rigid frames are not easily adaptable to varying opening sizes and require complex installation, limiting their versatility and ease of use.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable frame system comprising modular side members and corner pieces with foldable tabs and positioning slots allows for customizable sizing to fit openings of different dimensions, along with a locking mechanism for secure installation without the need for extensive framing or tools.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional rigid frames are used for access doors, then structural stability is maintained, but adaptability to varying opening sizes deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The frame is divided into multiple side members that can be individually adjusted in length. Each side member contains positioning slots at different locations, allowing the frame to be segmented and reconfigured to match various opening dimensions while maintaining overall structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The frame transitions from a fixed rigid structure to a dynamically adjustable structure. The side members can be extended or repositioned along the opening edges, enabling the frame to adapt its dimensions dynamically to fit different opening sizes without requiring a completely different frame for each size.
2Ease of operation
If conventional rigid frames requiring extensive framing are used, then secure installation is achieved, but ease of installation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The frame includes foldable tabs that can be manually folded back during installation to clear obstacles, and positioning slots that automatically align with the opening dimensions. The frame essentially installs itself by allowing the user to simply position it within the opening and secure it, eliminating the need for complex framing procedures or specialized tools.
Solution Approach 2:
The foldable tabs are pre-positioned on the side members, ready to be folded back during installation. This preliminary configuration allows the frame to be quickly installed without requiring on-site customization or complex assembly procedures, as the adaptive features are already prepared in advance.
3Adaptability or versatility
If adjustable frame components are added, then versatility improves, but manufacturing complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The side members are manufactured as separate components with positioning slots at predetermined locations. This segmentation allows each side member to be produced independently using standard manufacturing processes, and the positioning slots can be created using conventional machining or forming techniques, keeping manufacturing complexity manageable.
Solution Approach 2:
The side members are designed as universal components that can be used across different frame configurations. The same side member design with multiple positioning slots can accommodate various opening sizes, eliminating the need to manufacture different types of side members for different applications, thus simplifying the manufacturing process.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1c
Figure 1d
Figure 2
AI summary
An access door adjustable to an opening having a size defined by a width and a height, comprising a frame adjustable to the width and the height of the opening; and a door panel, of a size at least the size of the opening, wherein the frame comprises side members and corner members; each side member having a section adapted to receive an edge of the opening and comprising a first part adapted to lay flat on an outer surface of the edge of the opening and a second part extending within the opening, the second part comprising engagement positions along a length thereof, the engagement positions being adapted to engage the corner members between a maximum length for each side of the frame by using outermost engagement positions along the length of the side member on each side of the side member and a minimum length for each side of the frame by using innermost engagement positions on each side of the side member, depending on the size of the opening, the frame receiving the door panel for closing the opening.