Guide Rail Bridging Track for Smooth Butt-Joint Transitions
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing guide devices for sliding doors, when assembled from multiple elements, create noticeable steps due to non-flush butt joints, requiring large material inserts that disrupt the roller's contact with the guide track, leading to inefficient transport and potential jumping during transitions.
Innovation Solution
A bridging element with an additional track, formed by an auxiliary guide element, ensures a seamless transition by lifting the roller off the main guide track, using ascending and descending sections at a small acute angle, allowing the roller to move smoothly without jumps, and is integrated with the main roller for space efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If guide elements are assembled from several segments for logistical reasons, then packaging effort is reduced, but noticeable steps are created at the butt joints
Solution Approach 1:
An auxiliary guide element is introduced as an intermediary component between the first and second guide elements. This auxiliary element features an ascending section and a descending section that bridge the gap between the two main guide elements, creating a continuous running surface that eliminates steps while allowing the guide elements to remain segmented for packaging efficiency
2Ease of operation
If a flexible insert is used to bridge the gap between guide elements, then steps are avoided, but the material required is relatively large and the guide track is raised
Solution Approach 1:
The bridging function is segmented into two separate inclined sections (ascending and descending) that are integrated with the existing guide element structure. This eliminates the need for a single large flexible insert, reducing material consumption while maintaining the smooth transition function
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a flexible insert that extends along the entire length of the guide elements, the solution uses inclined sections that bridge the gap in a different dimensional approach - creating a triangular profile that rises and falls between the two guide elements, thereby reducing the volume of bridging material required
3Ease of operation
If a bridging element is provided between guide elements, then homogeneous transition is achieved, but the structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary guide element is merged with the existing guide element structure through integration. The ascending and descending sections are formed as part of the guide element assembly, reducing the number of separate components while achieving homogeneous transition between segmented guide elements
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a guide device with an elongated first guide element and with an elongated second guide element arranged in extension of the same to form a guide track along which a traversing element can be guided and moved, wherein a bridging means is provided in a mutually facing end region of the first guide element and/or the second guide element, by means of which the traversing element can be guided and moved in the transition region between the first guide element and the second guide element exclusively along a continuous additional track.