Concealed door assembly having hingedly-affixed exterior shelving and components
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional concealed door assemblies have weak structural integrity, unrealistic fixtures, and fail to effectively hide the door's existence due to visible hardware, leading to inefficiencies and aesthetic issues.
Innovation Solution
A concealed door assembly with a double-stacked frame and hinge system, featuring a concealing post that hides the frame post from view, and a latching mechanism integrated into a vertical post, providing enhanced durability and aesthetic integration with surrounding fixtures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional concealed door assemblies use single-layer framing and visible hardware, then the device complexity is reduced, but the structural integrity deteriorates and aesthetic realism deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies nesting by placing one door assembly within another door frame structure. The inner door is nested within the outer frame, creating a multi-layered configuration where the inner door assembly is concealed within the larger structural framework, thereby enhancing strength while managing complexity through hierarchical organization
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a single-layer 2D door assembly to a multi-layered 3D structure by stacking door frames and adding depth through the nesting configuration. This dimensional expansion creates a more robust structural integrity by distributing loads across multiple layers and planes
2Shape
If traditional concealed door assemblies use visible hardware and fixtures, then the manufacturing precision requirements are reduced, but the aesthetic realism deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts visible hardware elements from the traditional door assembly and relocates them to concealed positions within the nested structure. Hinges and latches are removed from external view and integrated into the internal framework, allowing aesthetic realism to improve while managing manufacturing precision through strategic placement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediary structural elements that serve as mediators between functional hardware and aesthetic requirements. These intermediate components allow hardware to be concealed while maintaining functionality, acting as a buffer that reconciles the conflict between visible hardware and aesthetic realism
3Reliability
If traditional concealed door assemblies use standard hinges, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to hinge failure and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the hinge function with the structural framework by integrating hinge mechanisms into the nested door frame structure itself. Rather than using separate standard hinges attached to the door, the hinge functionality is combined with the framing elements, improving reliability through structural integration while managing manufacturing complexity through unified design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies multi-functionality by designing structural elements that serve multiple purposes: the nested frame structure provides both structural support and hinge mounting functions, while also serving as a concealment mechanism. This universal design improves reliability by eliminating single-function components that are prone to failure
4Loss of information
If traditional concealed door assemblies use visible hardware, then the device complexity is reduced, but the loss of information deteriorates as the door's existence is revealed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses nesting to conceal the door's existence by placing the inner door assembly within the outer frame structure. This hierarchical nesting allows the door to be hidden within the larger structure, preventing unauthorized detection while managing the complexity of the concealment mechanism through organized layering
Data Source
AI summary
A concealed door hingedly-affixed to a concealed door frame adapted to resemble shelving and cabinets, the concealed door assembly simulated permanently-affixed shelving and cabinets, and comprising a playless hinge and various overlapping, double-stacked and interconnected components.