Co-Planar Sliding Door Brackets for Gentle Furniture Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sliding door systems with co-planar closure for furniture face issues of complexity in construction and assembly, encumbrance of the supporting structure, and require significant user force for closing, leading to potential damage and noise due to sudden impact.
Innovation Solution
A device with a bracket system comprising flat plates, L-shaped joints, rotatable wheels, and guides that facilitate co-planar closure and overlapping of door leaves, utilizing a V-shaped linkage and spring mechanism to ensure gradual and gentle closure without user intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If a bracket system with sliding guides and curved end portions is used to achieve co-planar closure, then the door leaves can be aligned during closing, but the construction and assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket system is divided into separate functional components: upper brackets with rolling means for guiding, and lower brackets with forcing means for achieving co-planarity. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying both construction and assembly while maintaining the co-planar closure effect.
Solution Approach 2:
The forcing means is extracted as a separate functional element from the guiding mechanism. The lower brackets with forcing means operate independently from the upper guiding brackets, allowing the co-planar alignment function to be achieved without complicating the overall bracket system design.
2Shape
If entrainment devices with multiple sliding guides are used to achieve co-planarity, then door leaf alignment is improved, but the supporting structure becomes encumbering
Solution Approach 1:
The supporting structure is segmented into upper and lower functional zones. The upper zone contains the guiding rail with rolling means, while the lower zone contains the forcing means with levers. This vertical segmentation reduces the horizontal encumbrance of the supporting structure while maintaining co-planar closure capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The forcing mechanism transitions from a horizontal plane arrangement to a vertical arrangement. The levers rotate in a vertical plane to push the door leaves into co-planar alignment, reducing the horizontal space required for the supporting structure and minimizing encumbrance.
3Ease of operation
If force is applied to close the door leaf, then closure is achieved, but violent impact and noise occur due to rapid movement
Solution Approach 1:
The forcing means with rotatable levers acts as a cushioning mechanism before the door leaf reaches its final closed position. The levers gradually push the door leaf into alignment over an extended period, cushioning the closing action and preventing violent impact and noise.
Solution Approach 2:
The forcing means introduces dynamic control to the closing process. The rotatable levers can adjust their position and apply force progressively, transforming the static, abrupt closing action into a dynamic, controlled movement that eliminates impact and noise.
4Shape
If complex bracket systems with multiple guides are used, then co-planar closure is achieved, but the number of components and construction complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket system is segmented into standardized upper and lower components that can be manufactured independently and assembled separately. This segmentation enables mass production of simple, standardized parts that are easy to manufacture and assemble, while the combination achieves the complex co-planar closure function.
Solution Approach 2:
The upper brackets serve multiple functions: they provide structural support, guide the door leaf movement through rolling means, and maintain proper spacing. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed, simplifying both manufacture and assembly while achieving co-planar closure.
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 device achieves easy, force-free co-planar closure of sliding door leaves, reducing the risk of damage and noise, while maintaining a simple construction and low component count, allowing for smooth operation without user intervention.
Implementation Method 1
a spring mechanism to ensure gradual and gentle closure without user intervention
Implementation Method 2
bracket system comprising flat plates, L-shaped joints, rotatable wheels, and guides that facilitate co-planar closure
Data Source
AI summary
A device for sliding door leaves with co-planar closure, particularly for furniture, includes a bracket system for connection with each one of the door leaves. A first pair of wheels is associated with the bracket system in a downward region. The device includes elements adapted to force the closure arrangement of at least one of the door leaves.