Bidirectional damper and shower door assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sliding shower door systems require two dampers to buffer movement in both directions, increasing structural size and cost due to the need for additional space and complex damper structures.
Innovation Solution
A bidirectional damper design incorporating a mounting bracket, tension spring, damping cylinder, and engaging members, which allows for buffering in both directions with a simplified structure by positioning components between bracket plates and using guide grooves and inclined surfaces to ensure stable operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two dampers are installed on the track to buffer movement in both directions, then the buffering capability is improved, but the structural size and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate dampers into a single bidirectional damper assembly that provides buffering in both opening and closing directions. The mounting bracket integrates multiple components (damping cylinders, tension springs, engaging members) into one unified structure, eliminating the need for two separate damper installations and reducing the overall structural size.
Solution Approach 2:
The bidirectional damper assembly performs multiple functions: it buffers movement in both directions, provides tension through springs, and engages with the door panel through multiple engaging members. This multi-functional design replaces what would traditionally require separate components, reducing complexity while maintaining comprehensive buffering capability.
2Reliability
If two dampers are installed on the track to buffer movement in both directions, then the buffering capability is improved, but the cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging two separate damper functions into one integrated bidirectional damper assembly, the patent reduces the total number of parts that need to be manufactured, stored, and installed. This consolidation lowers material costs, reduces assembly time, and simplifies the supply chain, thereby reducing overall cost while maintaining dual-directional buffering capability.
3Reliability
If traditional damper structure is used, then the buffering function is achieved, but the structure is complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The bidirectional damper assembly is segmented into distinct functional modules: mounting bracket, damping cylinders, tension springs, and engaging members. Each module has a specific function, and they work together in a coordinated manner. This segmentation allows for simplified design of individual components while achieving complex bidirectional buffering functionality through their interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting bracket serves as an intermediary structure that coordinates the interaction between the damping cylinders, tension springs, and engaging members. It provides the structural framework that allows these components to work together seamlessly, simplifying the overall system architecture while enabling complex bidirectional buffering behavior.
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 bidirectional damper effectively buffers the opening and closing of shower doors with a simpler structure, reducing the number of parts and production complexity, while maintaining reliability and stability, thus reducing costs and enhancing operational continuity.
Implementation Method 1
a tension spring (2), which is connected between the two engaging members (4), and damping directions of the two piston rods (31) are opposite
Implementation Method 2
a damping cylinder (3), wherein the damping cylinder (3) comprises two piston rods (31) extending and retracting in the second direction
Data Source
AI summary
A bidirectional damper comprises a mounting bracket, a tension spring, two damping cylinders and two engaging members; the mounting bracket comprises a first bracket plate, a second bracket plate and a connecting plate connected between the first bracket plate and the second bracket plate, the connecting plate comprises a main body section and extension sections at two ends of the main body section; the damping cylinder, the tension spring and the two engaging members are located between the first bracket plate and the second bracket plate, the damping cylinder and the tension spring are respectively arranged at two sides of the connecting plate, and the two extension sections are bent from the main body section towards the tension spring.