Adjustable Door-Frame Spacer for Stable Partially Open Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing door positioning devices are limited by their reliance on friction, pressure, or permanent attachment methods, which can be inconsistent, side-specific, and vulnerable to damage, failing to maintain a stable, repeatable partially open position without compromising door functionality or aesthetics.

Innovation Solution

A door positioning device with a door engaging portion and a frame engaging portion connected by a connecting portion, allowing secure, adjustable, and reversible attachment to the door and frame, maintaining a stable gap without using friction or permanent fasteners, suitable for both left-hand and right-hand door installations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If friction and pressure are used to hold the door open, then the door can be positioned at a fixed open position, but the position is variable and dependent on floor material, and manipulation is limited to one side

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedoor positioning stabilityVSAvoidposition consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into separate functional components: a door engaging portion that attaches to the door, a frame engaging portion that attaches to the door frame, and a connecting portion that links them. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function and enables the device to work independently of floor material conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting portion acts as an intermediary element between the door engaging portion and the frame engaging portion, transferring and maintaining the gap position. This intermediary mechanism ensures consistent positioning regardless of the floor surface characteristics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If permanent attachment methods (screws or adhesives) are used, then the device can maintain a stable position, but the door finish and functionality are compromised, and the device cannot be easily removed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveposition stabilityVSAvoidinstallation non-damaging

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The device replaces permanent mechanical attachment methods (screws, adhesives) with a reversible mechanical engagement system. The door engaging portion and frame engaging portion connect through a non-permanent mechanism that maintains stability during use but allows easy removal and repositioning without damaging the door or frame.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The device is designed to be temporarily attached and easily removed from the door and frame. The connection mechanism allows the device to be discarded from one position and recovered at another without leaving marks or requiring permanent installation, preserving the door finish and functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

3Ease of operation

If a wedge or foot type device is used, then the door can be held open through friction and pressure, but the device is dependent on floor material and requires manipulation from one side

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedoor positioningVSAvoidfloor material independence

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The device transitions from a floor-dependent solution to a door-and-frame-dependent solution by engaging the door at its upper edge and the frame at its vertical portion. This dimensional shift moves the positioning mechanism away from the floor surface, eliminating dependence on floor material characteristics and enabling operation from either side of the door opening.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Reliability

If the door latching mechanism is used to hold the door open, then the door can be positioned at a fixed partially open position, but the mechanism is accessible to dogs and toddlers, compromising functionality

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedoor positioningVSAvoidanimal and child accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The device extracts the door positioning function from the traditional latching mechanism located at the doorknob height. By using the upper edge of the door and vertical portion of the frame, the positioning mechanism is moved to a location inaccessible to dogs and toddlers, eliminating the harmful factor of unauthorized access while maintaining reliable door positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS12529250B2Door positioning device

Publication Date: 2026.01.20 KILLIAN DANIEL E

AI summary

A door positioning device includes a door engaging portion including a door channel that receives a door upper edge. The device also includes a frame engaging portion including a frame channel adapted to receive an associated door frame. A connecting portion extends between and interconnects the door engaging portion and the frame engaging portion. The connecting portion maintains a fixed distance between the door engaging portion and the frame engaging portion. The fixed distance can be adjustable. A method of positioning a door relative to a frame includes placing a door engaging portion of a door positioning device on an upper edge of the door and positioning the door such that a select gap is defined. The device is slid on the upper edge of the door toward the outer edge of the door such that a frame channel of the frame engaging portion receives a portion of the frame.