Gas Spring Sliding Door Retraction Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing end position retraction and damping devices for sliding doors are complex, expensive, and require significant space, with issues related to manufacturing complexity, high component count, and limited suitability for certain window or door configurations.

Innovation Solution

A compact end position retraction and damping device using a gas pressure spring connected via a connecting rod or piston rod, with a U-shaped driver and control mechanism that automatically brings the sliding sash into the closed position while absorbing impact, featuring a concealed design and adjustable components for precise operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a complex driver and control device with multiple components is used to achieve end position retraction and damping, then the device can reliably bring the sliding sash into the closed position, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliable operationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the driver and control device into a single integrated component that performs both functions simultaneously. The driver element is designed with a U-shaped cross-section that houses the control mechanism, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliable operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The driver and control device is designed to perform multiple functions: it acts as both the actuating mechanism and the control element, while also providing guidance for the push rod through its U-shaped cross-section. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed while ensuring reliable end position retraction and damping.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a conventional damping and retraction element with driver and control device is used, then the sliding sash can be brought into the closed position, but the device requires a lot of space and is expensive to manufacture

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveend position closing functionVSAvoiddevice space
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The push rod is housed within the U-shaped cross-section of the driver and control device, with the push rod extending through the central body of the driver. This nested arrangement allows the components to occupy the same spatial envelope, significantly reducing the overall volume required for the device while maintaining all necessary functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The driver and control device utilizes a U-shaped cross-section that provides three-dimensional space efficiency. The U-shape allows the push rod to be guided and housed within the structure, effectively using the vertical and lateral dimensions to minimize the footprint of the device on the sliding sash.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the gas pressure spring is rigidly connected to the sliding sash and frame, then the connection is stable, but the device cannot accommodate tolerances and may lose stroke or get caught

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection stabilityVSAvoidtolerance accommodation
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The connection between the gas pressure spring and the sliding sash/frame is designed to be dynamic rather than rigid. The driver and control device allows for controlled movement and adjustment, accommodating manufacturing tolerances while maintaining stable operation. The U-shaped structure provides guidance while allowing for minor positional variations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Ease of repair

If the driver and control device is exposed on the sliding sash, then the mechanism is accessible for maintenance, but the aesthetic appearance of the window or door is impaired

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemaintenance accessibilityVSAvoidaesthetic appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The driver and control device is extracted from the visible surface of the sliding sash and repositioned on the rear side or within the structural elements of the window or door frame. This allows the aesthetic appearance to be maintained while the device remains accessible for maintenance through service panels or removable components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

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 solution provides a functionally reliable, cost-effective, and space-efficient mechanism for smoothly guiding sliding sashes into closed positions with reduced noise and no loss of stroke, maintaining the aesthetic integrity of the window or door.

Implementation Method 1

the impact of the sliding sash in the closed position is absorbed or braked with a gas pressure spring via a connecting rod or piston rod through a slower extension speed is dampened

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGas pressure spring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

on the other hand is automatically brought into the closed position in the last few centimeters of the sliding path by the gas pressure spring tensioned when the sliding sash was previously opened

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGas pressure spring tension: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP3108081B1End position retraction device and end position damping device for a sliding wing
Publication Date: 2018.02.21 SIEGENIA AUBI KG
  • EP3108081B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3108081B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3108081B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a final position retraction and damping device (1) for a slidable leaf as a sliding leaf or a slidable rising sliding leaf (2) of a window or a door, comprising an energy accumulator for retracting the sliding leaf (2) into the closed position and a damping element for braking the sliding leaf (2) before the sliding leaf arrives at the final and closed position, said energy accumulator and damping element being formed solely by a gas pressure spring (4). The final position retraction and damping device (1) is arranged so as to lie in a receiving groove (10) of a sliding leaf (2) in a covered manner, the gas pressure spring (4) being axially movable in the sliding direction (14) of the sliding leaf (2) by means of the rotational axis (13) of the gas pressure spring by means of the end (11) of the push rod (5) using a guiding pin (12) and being secured in a pivotal manner transversely to the sliding direction. A driver and control device (8) has two guide pins (12, 20) which are mutually spaced, said guide pins (12) being received by a bore (18). The guide pins (12, 20) are guided in a movable manner in a slotted guide (22) section (21) which runs in the sliding direction of the sliding leaf (2). A curved end portion (23) is formed so as to face away from the frame (3) in extension of the slotted guide (22) on the side oriented towards the gas pressure spring (4), and the driver and control device (8) assumes a disengaged position of the driver (9) and forms the locked position of the energy accumulator when at least the guide pin (12) engages into the curved end portion (23).