Flag Angle with Multiple Attachments for Curved Door Tracks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing support angle systems for upward acting doors, such as garage doors, are limited in compatibility with curved tracks of various radii, requiring different flag angles for each specific radius, which increases costs and complicates installation.
Innovation Solution
A flag angle design with an elongated body featuring multiple attaching features, including slots and holes, that allows for flexible attachment to curved door tracks of different radii, enabling a common support structure for tracks with varying curvature.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a flag angle is sized for a curved section of track with a particular radius, then the attaching structure is compatible with that specific radius, but it cannot be used with curved sections of different radii
Solution Approach 1:
The flag angle is designed with multiple attaching features at different locations and orientations, allowing a single universal flag angle component to accommodate curved track sections of various radii. The attaching structure includes multiple holes and slots positioned to work with different curvature radii, eliminating the need for multiple specialized flag angles for different track configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The attaching structure on the flag angle is divided into multiple discrete attaching features (holes and slots) at different positions. This segmentation allows selective use of different attaching features depending on the required track radius, providing flexibility while maintaining a single standardized component design.
2Reliability
If different flag angles are used for different track radii, then each flag angle is optimized for its specific radius, but installation costs and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single flag angle design with multiple attaching features serves all track radius requirements, simplifying manufacturing inventory and installation procedures. Installers can select the appropriate attaching features on the universal flag angle for the specific track radius without needing to identify and install different specialized components.
Solution Approach 2:
The flag angle maintains fixed geometric parameters for structural integrity while providing multiple attaching feature positions that accommodate varying track radius parameters. This allows the same component to adapt to different installation scenarios without compromising the structural reliability of the attachment.
3Manufacturing precision
If the attaching structure is configured for a specific radius, then the connection is precise for that radius, but flexibility to accommodate different radii is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The attaching structure is segmented into multiple discrete holes and slots at different positions on the flag angle. Each segmented feature can be independently selected and used based on the required track radius, maintaining precise attachment geometry for the specific application while providing overall system flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The flag angle attaching structure provides dynamic adaptability through multiple positioning options. While each individual attaching feature maintains fixed precise geometry, the system as a whole can dynamically adapt to different track radii by selecting among the available features, combining precision with versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
A flag angle includes: a body having a two ends, and a middle section located between the ends; a mounting portion on the body for mounting the body to a surface; a first wider portion located at one end, the first wider portion extending further away from the mounting portion than an amount the middle section extends from the mounting portion; a second wider portion located at the other end, the second wider portion extending further away from the mounting portion than the amount the middle section extends away from the mounting portion; first, second, third, and fourth attaching features located on the first wider portion and each of the second, third, and fourth attaching features are located progressively further away from the mounting portion; and fifth and sixth attaching features located on the second wider portion, wherein the attaching features include slots and holes.