Door-ready molding with integrated rotatable hinge elements

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing secondary door systems require specialized knowledge for proper installation, often resulting in poor alignment and reduced aesthetic appeal due to differences in primary and secondary door designs and colors. Additionally, current systems lack functionality and selection options that cater to diverse consumer preferences.

Innovation Solution

A door system comprising a primary door molding with integrated rotatably engageable elements that allow for the direct mounting of a secondary door without the need for a separate secondary door frame, enabling easy installation and adjustment while maintaining an integral construction with the primary door frame.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a separate secondary door frame is used, then the secondary door can be installed independently, but the installation complexity increases and alignment precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoiddoor system structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the secondary door mounting function directly into the primary door molding structure. The molding includes integrated hinge mounting features, latch receiving structures, and positioning elements that eliminate the need for a separate secondary door frame. This consolidation simplifies the overall door system while maintaining independent installability of the secondary door.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The primary door molding is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides the primary door support structure, integrates hinge mounting capabilities for the secondary door, includes latch receiving structures, and provides positioning features. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for additional dedicated components for secondary door installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If primary and secondary doors are produced by different manufacturers, then product selection flexibility increases, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates due to design and color differences

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduct selection optionsVSAvoidaesthetic appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The standardized molding design with universal mounting features allows it to work with primary doors from different manufacturers while maintaining consistent aesthetic appearance. The molding serves as a common interface that accommodates various primary door styles and colors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The molding features localized design elements at critical interfaces (hinge mounting areas, latch receiving structures) that ensure proper fit and appearance, while allowing flexibility in other areas to accommodate different manufacturer specifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

3Reliability

If specialized installation knowledge is required, then installation reliability can be ensured, but installation time and accessibility worsen

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation qualityVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The molding is pre-configured with hinge mounting features, latch receiving structures, and positioning elements during manufacturing. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for complex field measurements and custom fabrication, allowing installers to simply assemble the pre-prepared components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The molding includes self-aligning features and intuitive mounting structures that guide the installer through the installation process without requiring specialized knowledge. The design itself provides the instructions through its geometry and feature placement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS20250172031A1Door-ready molding
Publication Date: 2025.05.29 LARSON MFG CO OF SOUTH DAKOTA LLC
  • US20250172031A1 patent drawing
  • US20250172031A1 patent drawing
  • US20250172031A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A door system including a primary door molding attachable to a primary door frame, the primary door molding including a first vertical member and a first hinge member extending from the first vertical member. One of a horizontal member from which the first vertical member downwardly extends and the first vertical member includes a first rotatably engageable element, and the first hinge member includes a second rotatably engageable element vertically spaced from the first rotatably engageable element.