Dual-Latch Self-Closing Assembly for Sliding Door Travel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing self-closing assemblies for sliding doors require multiple units to manage opening and closing movements, leading to increased component complexity and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
A single self-closing assembly with dual latch arrangements and an energy accumulator, allowing simultaneous operation of both latch activation mechanisms to manage both opening and closing movements, integrated with dampening cylinders for smooth operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple self-closing units are provided for different end positions, then the self-closing function is provided for each position, but the number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
A single self-closing unit is designed to perform multiple functions by providing self-closing action for both end positions of the sliding door. The self-closing unit includes a body with a receiving space that can accommodate activator elements at different positions, allowing one unit to replace what would traditionally require two separate units.
Solution Approach 2:
The self-closing unit is divided into functional segments including a body, receiving space, and activator element accommodation zones. This segmentation allows the single unit to independently manage self-closing operations for different door positions while maintaining a unified structure.
2Device complexity
If a single self-closing assembly is used for both opening and closing movements, then component quantity is reduced, but the device must handle bidirectional movements
Solution Approach 1:
The self-closing unit is designed as a universal device that handles both opening and closing movements. The receiving space can accommodate activator elements positioned for different movement directions, and the self-closing mechanism responds appropriately regardless of which end position the door is approaching.
Solution Approach 2:
The self-closing unit incorporates dynamic adaptability through its receiving space design that can interact with activator elements at various positions. The mechanism dynamically adjusts its response based on the door's movement direction and position, enabling bidirectional control without requiring separate fixed mechanisms for each direction.
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
Enables efficient, single-unit control of sliding door movements with reduced components, providing smooth closing and opening functions while maximizing door travel distance and accessibility.
Implementation Method 1
The self-closing device may comprise an energy accumulator, such as a spring, connected to each latch arrangement for providing a pulling force urging the associated latch arrangement (13a, 13b) to its second end position, thereby forcing the sliding door towards its associated end position.
Implementation Method 2
The self-closing device may comprise at least one dampening cylinder and at least one dampening piston.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3a
AI summary
A self-closing assembly (10) for providing an automatic closing movement of an associated sliding door (21) is provided. The self-closing assembly (10) comprises a self-closing device (11) arranged at least partly in said housing (130) and being connected to a first latch arrangement (13a) at one end, and to a second latch arrangement (13b) at an opposite end. Each one of said latch arrangements (13a, 13b) are moveable between a first end position and a second end position. The first latch activation mechanism (132a), when arranged in a loaded state corresponding to the first end position of the first latch arrangement (13a), is arranged closer to a midpoint of the self-closing device than the first latch arrangement (13a). The second latch activation mechanism (132b), when arranged in a loaded state corresponding to the first end position of the second latch arrangement (13b), is arranged closer to a midpoint of the self-closing device than the second latch arrangement (13b).