Concealed Sliding Partition Track with Subterranean Drainage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sliding panel track systems are aesthetically unpleasing and pose tripping hazards due to their above-ground design, while also failing to seamlessly integrate with indoor-outdoor spaces and effectively manage water ingress.
Innovation Solution
A concealed sliding partition track system with an integrated subterranean water removal system, featuring a U-shaped main body with angled surfaces to direct water into drainage openings and a network of guide tracks and moisture diverters, allowing water to flow across the system and be absorbed into the ground through drain hoses and a drain pan.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the track system is positioned above the flooring surface, then it can serve as a water dam to prevent water ingress, but it creates aesthetic issues and tripping hazards
Solution Approach 1:
The track system is relocated from a two-dimensional surface position to a three-dimensional subterranean position beneath the flooring. This dimensional change allows the track to remain functional for water diversion while being concealed from view, eliminating aesthetic issues and tripping hazards associated with above-surface installation.
Solution Approach 2:
The track system is nested within the subterranean space beneath the flooring, integrating multiple functions (water diversion, sliding partition operation) within a concealed underground structure. This nesting approach allows the system to be hidden while maintaining its protective and operational functions.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the track system is concealed beneath the flooring, then aesthetic appearance and safety are improved, but water management becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The water management functions are merged into the subterranean track system structure itself. The U-shaped main body, guide tracks, moisture diverters, and drainage components are all integrated within the same underground installation, creating a unified system that handles water diversion without requiring separate above-surface infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The subterranean environment acts as an intermediary space that facilitates water management. By positioning the water diversion and drainage components underground, the system uses the natural subterranean environment to receive and channel water away from the interior space, simplifying the overall water management architecture.
3Ease of manufacture
If the track system is designed to rest above the flooring, then installation is simpler, but it ruins the seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces
Solution Approach 1:
The track system is installed in the third dimension (beneath the flooring) rather than on the surface, allowing the flooring to remain continuous and seamless above ground level. This dimensional relocation preserves the aesthetic seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces while maintaining track functionality.
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 solution provides a seamless transition between indoor and outdoor spaces, prevents water ingress, and eliminates tripping hazards by concealing the track system beneath the flooring, effectively managing moisture and maintaining a seamless aesthetic.
Implementation Method 1
an elongated generally U shaped main body having an angled top surface for directing water towards a plurality of openings disposed along a lower portion of a side section
Implementation Method 2
drain pan positioned beneath the main body, said drain pan being configured to receive the water and deposit the same into the surrounding ground via a plurality of openings disposed on a bottom section thereof
Data Source
AI summary
A concealed sliding partition track and integrated subterranean water removal system includes an elongated generally U shaped main body having an angled top surface and a pair of opposing side section, a plurality of drainage openings are disposed along a lower portion of one side section, and a drainage hose is secured thereon. One or more guide tracks and moisture diverters are positioned along the length of the main body and secured thereto via one or more support plates. One or more gaps are positioned between the guide tracks and moisture diverters.