Elastomer Profile Assembly with Negative Pressure

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Solution Overview

Problem

The assembly of elastomer profiles on doors or door portals is labor-intensive and poses a risk of accidents due to high friction and slipping when inserting the profile into a C-shaped rail, especially when lubricated.

Innovation Solution

Reducing friction by applying negative pressure to chambers within the profile or skirting board, causing the profile or its components to contract and pivot away from the rail, thereby minimizing contact forces and facilitating easier insertion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the elastomer profile is pushed into the C-shaped rail with lubricant coating, then the assembly process should be easier, but the workers risk slipping and tearing their forearms on the rail

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of assemblyVSAvoidrisk of accidents
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by using negative pressure to alter the physical state of the elastomer profile during assembly. The elastomer transitions from a normal state to a contracted state under negative pressure, reducing its cross-sectional dimensions and allowing easier insertion into the rail without requiring lubricants that cause safety hazards

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs pneumatic principles by applying negative pressure (vacuum) to the elastomer profile through a connection piece and vacuum source. This pneumatic action causes the elastomer to contract and reduce friction with the rail, enabling safe and easy assembly without lubricants

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Object-affected harmful factors

If the elastomer profile is pushed into the C-shaped rail without lubricant, then worker safety is improved, but the friction increases and assembly effort becomes considerable

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveworker safetyVSAvoidassembly effort
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the physical parameters of the elastomer profile by applying negative pressure, causing it to contract and reduce its contact area with the rail. This parameter change reduces friction significantly, allowing assembly without lubricants while maintaining worker safety

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces dynamics by making the elastomer profile's dimensions variable during the assembly process. The profile transitions from its normal larger cross-section to a contracted smaller cross-section under negative pressure, enabling easy insertion, then returns to its normal state after assembly

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Manufacturing precision

If the profile wall is in direct contact with the C-shaped rail during assembly, then the profile is properly positioned, but significant frictional forces are generated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidfrictional force
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies negative pressure to change the physical state of the elastomer profile, causing the profile wall to contract and pivot away from the C-shaped rail during insertion. This reduces the contact area and frictional forces while maintaining positioning accuracy through the controlled deformation of the elastomer

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Significantly reduces the effort required for assembly and minimizes the risk of accidents by lowering friction between the elastomer profile and the rail, allowing for safer and more efficient installation.

Implementation Method 1

when the baseboard is pushed into the rail by applying negative pressure to the at least one chamber

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNegative pressure: Depressurisation

Implementation Method 2

the wall that accommodating the toe board, pivot away from the wall of the C-shaped rail on either side of the toe board as the chamber contracts under negative pressure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2689949B1Procédé d'agencement d'un profil d'élastomère sur la face frontale d'une porte ou d'un portail d'un moyen public de transport de personnes
Publication Date: 2016.01.13 HUBNER GMBH
  • EP2689949B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2689949B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2689949B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The elastomer guard profile (7,17) comprises walls (3,13) that are extended parallel to longitudinal axis of profile chambers (6,16). The foot strips (9,19) are arranged on the walls such that the profile chambers are acted with negative pressure. A closure stopper is provided for closing/locking of the profile chamber. An independent claim is included for method for arrangement of elastomer guard profile.