Sectional Folding Overhead Door Assembly with Adjustable Tracks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sectional folding overhead door assemblies require precise alignment of side support and guide means for proper functioning, are sensitive to misalignment, and lack sufficient support for heavier panels, leading to sagging and increased track requirements.
Innovation Solution
The use of circular segment folding movement guiding channels connected to the panels instead of the side support and guide means, providing improved alignment insensitivity and support, with additional features like locking springs and support members to prevent sagging and ensure secure folding.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If main tracks and side tracks are positioned at exactly the same height on both sides of the door opening, then correct folding movement is achieved, but mounting precision requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces adjustable track mounting mechanisms that allow the side tracks to be dynamically adjusted in height relative to the main tracks. This enables the system to adapt to minor misalignments while maintaining correct folding movement, transforming a static precision-dependent system into a dynamic one that can compensate for manufacturing tolerances.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the mounting parameters of the side tracks by introducing adjustable height positions and angular orientations. By changing these mounting parameters, the system can accommodate variations in track alignment without compromising the correctness of the folding movement, thus reducing the stringency of manufacturing precision requirements.
2Length of moving object
If a large number of panels are used to increase door height, then door coverage is improved, but the number of required main and side tracks increases, requiring larger mounting area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested track configuration where side tracks are positioned to nest within or alongside the main tracks more efficiently. This nested arrangement allows multiple panels to be supported with fewer distinct track segments, reducing the overall mounting area required while maintaining the ability to accommodate large door heights through panel stacking.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the spatial arrangement of tracks by utilizing vertical spacing and angular orientations more effectively. By distributing track mounting points across different vertical levels and angles rather than requiring extensive horizontal spacing, the system achieves support for multiple panels with reduced mounting footprint.
3Strength
If panels are made heavier to improve fire resistance or use glass, then security and aesthetics are improved, but panel sagging increases due to insufficient support
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces support mechanisms that provide upward counteracting forces to balance the weight of heavy panels. By positioning side tracks and support rollers to provide distributed upward support along the panel edges, the system counteracts gravitational forces that would cause sagging, enabling the use of heavier fire-resistant or glass panels without deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates preliminary support structures and pre-tensioned mounting mechanisms that are installed before heavy panels are mounted. These preliminary actions prepare the support system to immediately bear the panel weight, preventing sagging from the outset rather than attempting to correct it after installation.
4Stability of the object's composition
If more main and side tracks are added to support heavier panels, then panel support is improved, but device complexity and mounting area increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs side tracks that serve multiple functions: guiding panel movement, providing vertical support, and enabling height adjustment. By making the side tracks multi-functional, the system achieves improved panel support without adding separate dedicated support structures, thus avoiding increased device complexity while maintaining enhanced support capability.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2A
AI summary
A sectional folding overhead door assembly comprising a pair of opposite, vertically disposed side support and guide means defining a door opening between them, each guide means including a first channel and a second channel disposed side-by-side, a door component comprising a first, second, third and fourth rectangular panel adapted for folding vertical movement along said support and guide means, the door component further comprises at each side of the first and second panel a folding movement controlling member, each folding movement controlling member having an folding movement controlling member upper end hingeably connected to a respective side edge of the first and third panel, respectively, and a folding movement controlling member lower end hingeably connected to the respective guide plate lower end around a folding movement controlling member hinge axis, each folding movement controlling member further including a folding movement guiding channel into which folding movement guiding channel a respective side plate guiding pin of a side plate attached to the second panel extends.