Door Leaf Cover Plate Sliding Element Thermal Deformation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Front doors made of hollow plastic profiles experience deformation due to thermal expansion, leading to issues with closure and sealing, as the cover plates and door frames expand differently with temperature changes, causing stress and potential leaks.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating displaceable thrust elements within fastening recesses in the plastic hollow profiles allows the cover plate to move independently of the door frame, absorbing dimensional changes without transferring stress, thereby reducing thermal-induced deformation and maintaining proper sealing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If the cover plate is rigidly connected to the hollow plastic profiles, then the structural strength and stability are improved, but thermal expansion differences cause deformation and stress in the door leaf

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural strengthVSAvoiddimensional stability
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The connection between the cover plate and hollow plastic profiles is changed from rigid to dynamic through the introduction of sliding elements. These elements allow relative movement between the cover plate and frame profiles while maintaining connection, enabling the structure to adapt to thermal expansion differences without generating harmful stresses.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

Sliding elements are introduced as intermediary components between the cover plate and hollow plastic profiles. These intermediaries facilitate controlled relative movement while maintaining the structural connection, allowing each component to expand or contract independently according to its thermal properties without compromising overall structural integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Area of stationary object

If the cover plate is made large to cover the entire visible surface, then the aesthetic appearance and weather protection are improved, but thermal-induced deformation and stress increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecover plate areaVSAvoiddimensional stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The sliding elements enable the large cover plate to dynamically adjust its position relative to the frame profiles in response to thermal expansion. This dynamic connection allows the extensive cover plate to maintain its aesthetic and protective functions while accommodating dimensional changes without generating harmful stresses.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If the door leaf is exposed to sunlight and temperature differences, then the functional performance is maintained, but thermal expansion causes warping and bowling

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional reliabilityVSAvoidshape stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The sliding elements act as intermediaries that absorb and accommodate thermal expansion differences between the cover plate and frame profiles. By allowing controlled relative movement, these intermediaries prevent the accumulation of thermal stresses that would otherwise cause warping and bowling, thereby maintaining both functional reliability and shape stability under varying temperature conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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 solution effectively reduces thermal-induced deformation and stress transfer between the cover plate and door frame, ensuring the door remains functional and sealed across varying temperatures, preventing issues like 'bowling' and maintaining the door's structural integrity.

Implementation Method 1

tensions arise due to the different thermal expansion of the inner and outer door frames and the respective cover leaves

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Data Source

PatentEP4012146B1Door leaf, hollow plastic profile and method for the subsequent production of a door leaf
Publication Date: 2024.04.24 VEKA AG
  • EP4012146B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4012146B1 patent drawingFigure 1a
  • EP4012146B1 patent drawingFigure 1b

AI summary

The invention relates to a door leaf for an entrance door (100) comprising a door frame formed from hollow plastic profiles (20), wherein the visible surfaces (21, 22) of the hollow plastic profiles (20) on at least one of the two door sides are covered with a cover plate (40, 40'), preferably with a cover plate (40) forming the entire visible surface of the door leaf, wherein at least one of the hollow plastic profiles (20), preferably all of the hollow plastic profiles (20) forming the door frame, is arranged in the covered visible surface (22), wherein at least one sliding element (30) is attached in the at least one sliding element (30), which is slidably mounted in the sliding element (25), preferably slidably mounted in two mutually perpendicular directions, wherein the cover plate (40) is indirectly connected to the door frame via the at least one sliding element (30).in particular, materially bonded to the sliding element (30). The invention also relates to a hollow plastic profile for forming a door frame and a method for subsequently manufacturing a door leaf from an existing door leaf.