Adjustable Door Threshold with Lift Mechanism for Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional door thresholds do not provide an upward extending mating surface for improved thermal and weather sealing while maintaining a substantially unobstructed path for users and objects, especially beneficial for individuals with disabilities and for moving items, and they pose a tripping hazard when obstructed.
Innovation Solution
An adjustable door threshold device with a user-traversable surface, a transverse surface, and a lift mechanism that moves the threshold surface from a lowered position to a raised position when the door is open, allowing unobstructed passage and overlapping with the door lip for sealing when closed, utilizing a cam and linear actuator system for operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the threshold provides an upward extending mating surface for sealing, then thermal and weather sealing is improved, but the threshold becomes obstructed for users to traverse
Solution Approach 1:
The threshold surface is made dynamically adjustable between two positions: a raised position that provides thermal and weather sealing when the door is closed, and a lowered position that creates an unobstructed pathway when the door is open. The lift mechanism enables this dynamic transformation, allowing the threshold to adapt its function based on door state.
2Reliability
If the threshold surface is raised to provide sealing, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but tripping hazard increases
Solution Approach 1:
The threshold surface dynamically changes elevation based on door position. When the door is open, the threshold is lowered to floor level, eliminating the tripping hazard. When the door closes, the threshold raises to its sealing position, providing effective thermal and weather sealing without creating a persistent tripping danger.
3Ease of operation
If the threshold surface is lowered to provide unobstructed passage, then ease of crossing is improved, but sealing capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The threshold surface is lowered to be substantially unobstructed when the door is open, providing ease of crossing for users and objects. When the door closes, the lift mechanism raises the threshold surface to its sealing position, where it overlaps with the door lip to provide effective thermal and weather sealing. This dynamic adjustment ensures both functions are optimized at appropriate times.
4Reliability
If the threshold surface is raised to provide sealing, then thermal insulation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The threshold incorporates a lift mechanism that enables dynamic adjustment between raised and lowered positions. This mechanical system, while adding some complexity, provides the dual functionality of effective thermal insulation when raised and unobstructed passage when lowered, achieving a balance between performance and operational requirements.
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 device enhances ease of crossing the threshold, reduces tripping hazards, and improves thermal and weather sealing by providing an unobstructed path when open and effective sealing when closed, benefiting accessibility and safety.
Implementation Method 1
utilizing a cam and linear actuator system for operation
Data Source
AI summary
An adjustable door threshold device is disclosed. The device has a user-traversable threshold surface, a transverse surface, and a lift mechanism. The user-traversable threshold surface has a first surface portion and a second surface portion. The transverse surface is positioned transverse to the first surface portion and between the first surface portion and second surface portions. The lift mechanism is operable to move the first surface portion from a lowered position to a raised position. When the first surface portion is in the lowered position the first surface portion is recessed from the second surface portion and the transverse surface extends above the first surface portion for overlapped mating with a door lip.