Adjustable Sliding Door Stop Mechanism for Locking Force Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sliding door systems with spring-loaded stops exhibit high variability in closing force due to process inputs and part tolerances, leading to inconsistent locking and opening forces, which current adjusting mechanisms struggle to compensate effectively.
Innovation Solution
A sliding door system with a stop mechanism that includes a pocket with a door stop roller, a spring, an adjustment cap, and a fixing element, allowing for adjustable locking force by positioning the adjustment cap to alter the spring tension, thereby controlling the force required to move the door past a recess on the track.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If spring-loaded stops are used to keep the sliding door in locked state, then the door can be stopped at open or closed positions, but high variability occurs in the closing force (about 60N average) due to process inputs and part tolerances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by allowing adjustment of the spring preload force through a threaded adjustment mechanism. This enables the closing force parameter to be tuned within a range (e.g., 20-40N) to compensate for manufacturing tolerances and ensure consistent locking behavior across different doors and over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustability to the previously static spring-loaded stop system. The adjustment mechanism allows the locking force to be modified after installation, transforming the system from fixed to adaptable, thereby compensating for variability in spring characteristics and wear over time.
2Reliability
If current adjusting mechanisms are used to compensate for spring force variability, then some adjustment capability is provided, but a change of 20N still occurs at the closing/opening force due to tolerance accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the adjustment mechanism into distinct functional components: a threaded adjustment screw, a locking nut, and a preload adjustment feature. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and facilitates precise control over the spring preload force, reducing the impact of tolerance accumulation.
3Reliability
If active lock systems are used instead of passive door stops, then more consistent locking force can be achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-adjusting and self-locking mechanism where the threaded adjustment screw and locking nut allow the user to set and maintain the desired preload force without requiring external power sources or complex control systems. The system serves itself by maintaining consistent locking force through mechanical means alone.
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 reduces variability in the opening and closing forces of the sliding door by allowing precise adjustment of the locking force, ensuring the door remains locked until a specific force is applied, enhancing the reliability of the locking mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
at least one spring (11) that extends along the extension (8) on the pocket (6) and connected to the free edge of the bracket (9)
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a sliding door system (1) that has a stop mechanism (4) with adjustable levels and which provides the sliding door (2) to remain locked at the point where it is moved after the door opens. The stop mechanism (4) placed on the sliding door (2) basically comprises; at least one roller bracket (9) in the pocket (6) that can rotate uniaxially from one of its sides and is connected to the pocket (6), at least one spring (11) in contact with the other edge of the bracket (9), at least one adjustment cap (12) that enables the adjustment of the force applied on the bracket (9) by the spring (11) and that stands at the specified point by means of a fixing element (14); and at least one door stop roller (10) that is fixed on the bracket (9) and in contact with the track (5) and moves to the recess (15) on the track (5) by the force applied by the spring (11) and provides the sliding door (2) remain at this point.