Closure Device Parallel Guide Ratio
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing closure arrangements for cupboards and similar structures require significant space and are costly, with the last slat often being angled, leading to increased resistance and an unsightly appearance when opening or closing, especially with wide slats or complex geometries.
Innovation Solution
A closure arrangement featuring two parallel guides with sliding elements, where the second guide is spaced apart from the first guide by at least a ratio of 2, allowing for smooth and quiet operation of the front blind, reducing the need for additional cover elements and minimizing space usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single guide is used for the front blind, then the structure is simple, but the last slat becomes angled and requires additional cover elements like pilaster strips
Solution Approach 1:
The single guide is segmented into two parallel guides (first guide and second guide) that are spaced apart by at least a ratio of 2. The first guide receives the sliding elements of the first slats while the second guide receives the sliding elements of the last slat, allowing both guides to work together to maintain flush alignment of all slats without requiring additional cover elements.
2Shape
If wide slats are used, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the resistance during opening/closing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The two parallel guides act as intermediaries between the sliding elements and the guide structure. By spacing the guides apart by at least a ratio of 2, the system provides sufficient space for wider slats to move smoothly without excessive resistance, while the guide elements maintain proper alignment and reduce friction during opening and closing operations.
3Ease of operation
If the last slat is positioned to emerge from the inside, then the closure function is achieved, but the appearance is compromised due to angular positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The solution transitions from a single-dimensional guide path to a two-dimensional guide system with two parallel guides spaced apart by at least a ratio of 2. This dimensional change allows the last slat to maintain flush alignment with the front of the cupboard while still achieving the closure function, eliminating the need for pilaster strips and improving the visual appearance.
4Shape
If additional cover elements like pilaster strips are added, then the angled slats are covered, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts and eliminates the need for additional cover elements like pilaster strips by using the two parallel guides to directly control the alignment of the last slat. The guides are positioned and dimensioned (spaced apart by at least a ratio of 2) so that they inherently provide the alignment function that previously required separate cover elements, thereby simplifying the overall device.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a closure device for an opening of a cabinet, of a building, of a swimming pool, and the like, having at least one front blind, which has lamellae arranged parallel to each other, and at least one lamella has at least one gliding element on at least one end face. The gliding element has, on the side thereof facing outward to the walls of the opening, at least one guiding element which engages in a guide. The guide has a first guide, as well as a second guide arranged essentially parallel to the first guide. The problem to be addressed by the invention is to overcome the disadvantages of the known prior art and to demonstrate a closure device which is cost efficient and economically producible, without a negative influence on the sliding properties of a front blind and which, when the front blind is closed, can allow a minimal separation from the wall of the cabinet, of the building, or of the swimming pool, or the like. According to the invention, this problem is solved in that the guide element of the first gliding element can be guided in the second guide, and the guide element of the second gliding element can be guided in the first guide, and that in the deflection area, the second guide and the first guide are arranged at such a distance from each other that the ratio of the radii of the guides is at least two.