Automatic Door Seal Force Transmission Element

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing automatic door seals face issues with force actuation, where the retaining strip can damage due to grinding against the door frame, and the pressure can hinder movement, leading to inefficiencies and potential damage.

Innovation Solution

A seal design incorporating a displaceable force transmission element within the carrier, connected to both the first and second connecting elements, allows for force absorption and transmission without direct attachment to the sealing strip, preventing movement-related damage and enhancing operational efficiency.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the retaining strip is directly actuated by striking the door frame, then the sealing position can be achieved, but the retaining strip or stop element can be damaged due to dragging across the door frame surface

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedamage resistance of retaining stripVSAvoidactuation mechanism simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a force transmission element as an intermediary between the door frame and the retaining strip. This element absorbs the actuation force from the door frame and transmits it to the retaining strip through connecting elements, preventing direct contact and dragging between the retaining strip and door frame surface, thereby eliminating damage while maintaining simple actuation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the retaining strip is pressed against the door frame to seal the door, then the sealing position is achieved, but the pressure can impede movement of the retaining strip

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing effectivenessVSAvoidmovement smoothness
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the force transmission path into multiple independent components: the force transmission element, first connecting element, and second connecting element. This segmentation allows the retaining strip to be pressed against the door frame for sealing while the connecting elements and force transmission element independently manage the forces, preventing pressure from impeding movement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If multiple separate parts are used for the seal components, then the functionality can be achieved, but the number of parts and manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional performanceVSAvoidnumber of parts
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the force transmission element and connecting elements into a single integrated component that is formed as one piece with the carrier. This merging reduces the number of separate parts while maintaining all necessary functions: force absorption, force transmission, and connection to the retaining strip, thereby simplifying manufacturing and assembly

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 solution reduces the number of parts required, minimizes damage risks, and ensures smooth movement of the sealing strip from the release to sealing position, maintaining functionality with fewer components, thus improving the seal's operational reliability and longevity.

Implementation Method 1

The first connecting elements, the support, and the sealing strip form a parallel link, allowing the sealing strip to be moved parallel to the support and simultaneously in its longitudinal direction

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

a force transmission element which is mounted in the carrier or on the carrier so as to be displaceable in a longitudinal direction of the carrier, that a first end of the first connecting element is connected to the displaceable force transmission element

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentEP4202171B1Automatic seal with a support, connecting elements and a sealing strip comprising a retaining strip and a sealing element
Publication Date: 2024.06.26 ATHMER
  • EP4202171B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4202171B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4202171B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

The invention relates to an automatic door seal with a first pair (1a, 2a) consisting of a first part (1a) and a second part (2a), namely - with a carrier as a component of the first part (1a), - with at least one first connecting element (22) and - with a sealing strip (20, 21) comprising a retaining strip (21) and a sealing element (20), - wherein the first connecting element (22) and the retaining strip (21) are components of the second part (2a), - wherein the seal has a second connecting element (23) and a force transmission element (24) which is slidably mounted in or on the carrier in a longitudinal direction of the carrier,- wherein a first end of the first connecting element (22) is connected to the movable force transmission element (24) and a second end of the first connecting element (22) is connected to the retaining strip (21) and - wherein a first end of the second connecting element (23) is attached to the support and a second end of the second connecting element (23) is attached to the retaining strip (21) and - wherein the second connecting element (23) and the force transmission element (24) are also components of the second part (2a).