Adjustable Garage Door Support Strap for Thermal Bowing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing overhead garage doors experience thermal bowing due to temperature differences, compromising the seal integrity and structural integrity, and existing solutions fail to efficiently address this issue.
Innovation Solution
A structural support system with an adjustable strap and adjustment mechanism that applies a biasing force to counteract thermal bowing by adjusting the strap's position along a threaded shaft, allowing it to flex concave or convex to match the door panel's curvature, thereby maintaining a flattened shape.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid structural support is used to maintain door panel flatness, then structural integrity is improved, but adaptability to thermal expansion and contraction is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs flexible straps instead of rigid structural supports to maintain door panel flatness. These straps can bend and flex to accommodate thermal expansion and contraction of the door panel while still providing the necessary structural support and maintaining seal integrity. The flexibility allows the system to adapt to temperature changes without compromising structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The structural support system is designed to be dynamic rather than static. The adjustable mechanism allows the support structure to change its configuration in response to thermal changes, enabling it to maintain effectiveness across varying temperature conditions while preserving structural integrity.
2Reliability
If an adjustable structural support system is implemented to counteract thermal bowing, then seal integrity is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The system adjusts physical parameters (position, tension, spacing) of the flexible straps to counteract thermal bowing. By changing these parameters in response to temperature variations, the system maintains seal integrity without requiring complex mechanical structures. The adjustment is achieved through simple repositioning rather than complex mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The structural support system is divided into multiple independent flexible straps rather than a single complex rigid structure. Each strap can be independently adjusted and replaced, simplifying the overall system while maintaining seal integrity across the entire door panel.
3Adaptability or versatility
If flexible straps are used to accommodate thermal changes, then adaptability is improved, but structural strength is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
Flexible straps made from materials with appropriate mechanical properties are used to provide both flexibility for thermal adaptation and sufficient structural strength. The material selection and strap design ensure that while the straps can bend and flex, they still provide adequate structural support to maintain door panel flatness and seal integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system may employ composite materials or material combinations that provide both flexibility and strength. By combining materials with different properties, the structural support system achieves the dual requirement of adapting to thermal changes while maintaining sufficient structural strength.
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
The system effectively reduces thermal bowing, maintaining seal integrity and structural integrity by adjusting to temperature changes, ensuring consistent engagement with the door frame and reducing the need for frequent user adjustments.
Implementation Method 1
thermal bowing due to temperature differences
Implementation Method 2
the flexible strap applies a biasing force at the door panel
Data Source
AI summary
A structural support system for an overhead door panel assembly includes an adjustment mechanism. A flexible strap of the adjustment mechanism includes opposing end regions attached at respective perimeter side regions of the door panel and a central region extending along the side of the door panel between the perimeter side regions. A mounting structure of the adjustment mechanism is disposed at the side of the door panel and between the central region of the flexible strap and the side of the door panel. A shaft of the adjustment mechanism extends from the mounting structure and through an aperture formed through the central region of the flexible strap. An adjustable portion of the adjustment mechanism engages the central region of the flexible strap near the aperture and is movable along the shaft to adjust spacing between the central region of the flexible strap and the side of the door panel.