Sliding Door Guide Rail Markings for Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing guide devices for sliding door systems face challenges in precise alignment and mounting of positioning means in the central region of the guide rail, leading to potential errors in the opening or closing positions of sliding doors due to complex installation processes.

Innovation Solution

A guide device with a mounting element featuring markings and pre-fixing projections/recesses for easy alignment and fixation to the guide rail, allowing for precise positioning of self-closing mechanisms, which includes a driver biased by a spring for controlled door movement, and multiple mounting points for flexible positioning based on furniture design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If positioning means are mounted directly to the guide rail without markings, then the structure is simpler, but the alignment precision and positioning accuracy deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning accuracyVSAvoidmounting structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces markings as an intermediary element on the guide rail that mediates between the mounting structure and the positioning means. These markings serve as a reference system that enables precise alignment without requiring complex mounting mechanisms, thus improving positioning accuracy while maintaining structural simplicity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The markings are pre-applied to the guide rail during manufacturing, establishing a reference framework before the positioning means are mounted. This preliminary action eliminates the need for complex real-time alignment procedures during installation, improving positioning accuracy without adding structural complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Manufacturing precision

If complex alignment procedures are used to position central sliding doors, then positioning accuracy improves, but the installation time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedoor positioning precisionVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The markings act as an intermediary reference system that simplifies the alignment process. Installers can directly align positioning means with the pre-marked positions on the guide rail, eliminating complex calculation and measurement procedures during installation, thus reducing installation time while maintaining positioning precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

All alignment reference information is prepared in advance on the guide rail through markings. This preliminary action transfers the alignment complexity from the installation phase to the manufacturing phase, allowing for quick and accurate installation without time-consuming calculations or measurements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If positioning means are fixed indirectly through mounting elements, then positioning flexibility and precision improve, but the mounting structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning flexibilityVSAvoidmounting element complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting element serves as an intermediary component between the guide rail and the positioning means. It provides a standardized interface with pre-defined mounting points that can accommodate different positioning means while maintaining alignment through the markings, thus improving adaptability without significantly increasing overall structure complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The mounting element is designed as a universal component that can accommodate various types of positioning means through standardized mounting points. This multi-functionality allows the same mounting element to be used in different configurations and positions, improving versatility while keeping the mounting structure relatively simple through standardization

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

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

This solution simplifies the alignment and mounting process, reducing errors and enabling precise positioning of sliding doors, allowing for desired spacing and flushness of parallel sliding doors, while facilitating easy assembly and adjustment.

Implementation Method 1

a driver (12) which is movable along a guide track (13) and is pre-tensioned in a retraction direction by a force storage device, in particular a spring

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring force: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP3954852B1Guide device and furniture
Publication Date: 2023.12.27 HETTICH HEINZE GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3954852B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP3954852B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP3954852B1 patent drawingFigure 2A

AI summary

A guide device for a sliding door system comprises a guide rail (3) on which at least three sliding doors (5, 7) are movably held by means of running elements (4, 6), wherein each sliding door (5, 7) is movable by means of at least one running element (4, 6) with rollers along a track (30) on the guide rail (3), and the guide rail (3) has at least two parallel tracks (30), wherein at least one positioning means (10) in the form of a detent element or a self-closing mechanism is provided on the guide rail (3) to position one of the sliding doors (5, 7) in a predetermined position along the guide rail (3). At least one marking (32) is provided on the guide rail (3) spaced apart from the end faces of the guide rail (3), and the at least one positioning means (10) can be aligned and fixed to the guide rail (3) by means of a marking (16, 16', 16") on the marking (32).