Lifting Sliding Door Motor Integration Reducing Friction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lifting/sliding door arrangements with motorized lifting devices are not visually unobtrusive and often require complex constructions with significant friction in the drive train, necessitating larger motors and less efficient designs.

Innovation Solution

The drive motor is integrated into the door leaf's profile, minimizing force transmission distances, using a spindle drive and adjustable roller carriages actuated by a single motor, with an optional reduction gear and onboard accumulator for power, allowing for a compact and efficient lifting mechanism.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Loss of energy

If the drive motor is arranged on the leaf side in a region with running or sliding elements, then the distances required to transmit driving force are reduced to a minimum and friction is minimized, but the motor integration becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefriction in drive trainVSAvoidmotor integration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The drive motor is merged with the lifting device components (carriages and rollers) by arranging the motor in the region where running or sliding elements are located. This integration allows the motor to directly drive the lifting mechanism without long force transmission paths, minimizing friction while consolidating components into a compact arrangement that can be inconspicuously integrated into the lower frame profile of the door leaf.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Force

If a reduction gear is added to the lifting device, then lifting forces for very heavy door leaves are sufficient, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelifting forceVSAvoidlifting device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A reduction gear is introduced as an intermediary component between the drive motor and the lifting mechanism. The reduction gear multiplies the driving force of the motor according to its reduction ratio, enabling the system to generate sufficient lifting forces for very heavy door leaves. This intermediary component allows the use of a smaller motor while achieving the required lifting capacity, and the gear can be integrated into the existing carriage structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If an accumulator is arranged on the wing side for power supply, then space-consuming trailing cables or busbars are not required, but the accessibility for battery replacement may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply system complexityVSAvoidbattery replacement accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The power supply system is segmented by placing the accumulator (battery) as a separate, removable component on the wing side of the door leaf. This segmentation eliminates the need for trailing cables or fixed busbar connections, simplifying the power supply system. The accumulator can be independently accessed and replaced by removing it from its mounting location on the vertical profile, maintaining ease of repair while achieving a cleaner, more integrated design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 design results in a visually appealing, simple, and efficient lifting/sliding door system that can handle heavy loads with reduced friction and smaller motors, enabling easy battery replacement and improved accessibility of components.

Implementation Method 1

The lifting device includes a spindle drive. This enables a rotary movement of the drive motor to be easily converted into a linear movement of an adjustment unit.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScrew mechanism: Screw

Implementation Method 2

at least one accumulator arranged on the wing side is provided for the power supply of the drive motor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical energy storage: Electrical Accumulator

Implementation Method 3

The lifting device advantageously comprises at least one reduction gear. In this way it is possible to multiply a driving force of the drive motor in accordance with the reduction ratio of the gearbox

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical advantage through gear reduction: Gear

Data Source

PatentEP2933408B1Lifting/sliding door assembly
Publication Date: 2017.07.19 GRETSCH UNITAS GMBH BAUBESCHLAGFABRIK
  • EP2933408B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2933408B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2933408B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a lift/slide door arrangement comprising a stationary frame, a horizontally movable door leaf and a lifting device (38) for raising and lowering the door leaf (16), which includes a drive motor arranged on the leaf side, wherein the drive motor is arranged in a horizontal, lower profile (24) of a frame (18) of the door leaf (16).