Compact Series-Damper Retraction for High-Mass Sliding Doors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing retraction devices for sliding doors and drawers with high mass struggle to dissipate kinetic energy effectively over a short damping path, leading to abrupt braking and mechanical instability, while increasing damper size is undesirable due to space constraints.
Innovation Solution
The solution involves configuring two dampers to add their damping paths, allowing for longer deceleration distances and continuous energy reduction, using small, stable damper units that are coupled via a displaceable actuating element and fluid dampers with adjustable piston rods, optimizing installation space utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the damping force is increased to dissipate kinetic energy of high-mass moving units over a short damping path, then the damping effectiveness is improved, but the moving unit is braked abruptly which is perceived as annoying
Solution Approach 1:
The damping function is divided into two separate dampers instead of using one damper with high damping force. Each damper provides a portion of the total damping force, allowing the damping action to be distributed. This segmentation enables the system to maintain high overall damping effectiveness while each individual damper operates more smoothly, reducing the abrupt braking sensation.
2Ease of operation
If the damping path is lengthened to reduce abrupt braking, then the smoothness of operation is improved, but mechanical instability occurs leading to damper failures
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of extending the damping path in a single linear direction which causes mechanical instability, the solution uses two dampers arranged in a different spatial configuration. The dampers are positioned at angles to each other, with their piston rods connected to the pickup at different locations. This dimensional arrangement allows the damping paths to effectively add up while maintaining compact geometry and mechanical stability.
3Reliability
If more massive dampers are used to provide high damping force, then the damping effectiveness is improved, but the installation space requirements increase which is undesirable
Solution Approach 1:
The high damping force requirement is met by using two smaller dampers instead of one large damper. Each damper can be more compact in size while collectively providing the necessary total damping force. This segmentation allows the dampers to be arranged in a space-efficient configuration within the housing, reducing the overall installation space requirement compared to a single massive damper.
Solution Approach 2:
The two dampers are arranged at angles to each other rather than in a linear fashion. This angular arrangement allows the dampers to utilize three-dimensional space more efficiently, fitting them into the available space within the housing without requiring excessive volume. The piston rods are positioned at different locations on the pickup, optimizing the spatial utilization.
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 configuration ensures reliable damping and retraction of high-mass structural units within limited space, providing a stable and efficient energy dissipation mechanism without increasing the device's size, ensuring smooth operation and mechanical stability.
Implementation Method 1
the two dampers act on the transducer in such a way that their available damping paths add up, at least in part. This lengthens the entire damping path. the kinetic energy can thus be continuously reduced.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a retraction device for sliding doors, school bathrooms, etc., comprising a damping device and a spring, each acting directly or indirectly on a receiver, wherein the receiver is movable between a retracted position and a free-running position. To reliably dampen and retract even components with high moving mass using such a retraction device, the damping device is provided to have two dampers whose damping effect acts in series on the receiver, or to have two dampers whose damping effect acts in parallel on the receiver. The receiver is adjustable in a guide between the retracted position and the free-running position, and the guide includes a parking section in which the receiver is tilted relative to its orientation in the retracted position.These designs make it possible to achieve particularly small construction volumes for the intake device.