Folding Door Locking Clip and Receiving Channel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Folding doors face challenges in maintaining a closed position due to structural instability, especially when using bendable materials, and existing solutions like magnets are prone to degradation and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A receiving channel and locking clip system is introduced, where a connector is secured to the leading edge of the folding door and received within a channel mounted to the door frame, providing a cost-effective and aesthetically pleasing method to keep the door closed without relying on magnets or metallic parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If magnets are used to keep the folding door closed, then the door can be kept in a locked position, but the magnets weaken over time due to temperature variations and the metal strip rusts and wears, requiring replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces permanent magnets with disposable Velcro strips that can be easily replaced when worn. The Velcro system uses a hook side attached to the door and a loop side attached to the frame, creating a temporary but reliable closing mechanism that is inexpensive and simple to replace compared to magnets and metal strips
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the magnetic field-based closing mechanism with a mechanical interlocking system using Velcro hooks and loops. This mechanical system provides reliable door closing without the degradation issues of magnets, and can be easily attached and detached as needed
2Reliability
If traditional bolt-type locks are used on folding doors, then the door can be kept closed, but folding doors cannot be kept closed with traditional locks due to their structural instability and folding nature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the door into multiple foldable panels connected by hinges, allowing the door to maintain its folding functionality while adding a separate closing mechanism (Velcro strips) on each panel that provides individual closing capability without interfering with the overall folding structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces Velcro strips as an intermediary closing mechanism that bridges the gap between the folding door structure and the frame. The hooks and loops create a flexible connection that accommodates the door's movement while providing reliable closing, unlike rigid bolt locks
3Ease of manufacture
If bendable material is used instead of hinges as connectors, then the door can be manufactured more simply, but the material's tendency to fold causes the door to fail to stay in position without locking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses inexpensive Velcro strips that can be easily attached to bendable door materials to provide temporary stabilization. When the door needs to be repositioned or the Velcro wears, the strips can be quickly replaced without replacing the entire door structure, maintaining both manufacturing simplicity and position stability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the need for complex locking mechanisms with a simple mechanical interlocking system using Velcro hooks and loops. This system works effectively with bendable materials by providing distributed attachment points along the door edge, stabilizing the door in position while preserving the flexibility and manufacturing advantages of bendable materials
4Reliability
If metallic parts are used in the folding door system, then the door can be kept closed, but the need for metallic parts increases manufacturing cost and maintenance requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive metallic locking components with inexpensive Velcro strips that can be manufactured from common materials. These strips are easily replaceable and eliminate the need for precision-machined metal parts, significantly reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining the door closing function
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes metallic magnetic systems with a non-metallic mechanical interlocking system using Velcro. This eliminates corrosion issues, reduces manufacturing complexity, and allows for easier installation and maintenance while providing reliable door closing functionality
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus including a receiving channel and a locking clip for securing a folding door in a closed configuration. The receiving channel is mounted to a side of a door frame associated with a closed configuration of the folding door. The locking clip is mounted to the leading edge of the folding door. The locking clip includes sides that extend past sides of the leading edge of the folding door so as to create a ledge on each side thereof. The receiving channel includes cleats on inner walls thereof. The cleats engage the ledges to secure the locking clip within the receiving channel in a closed configuration. The locking clip may be mounted to a center of the leading edge. The receiving channel may traverse substantially the height of the door frame.