Hidden Door Closer in Rail for Aesthetic and Installation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional door closers are often aesthetically unpleasing and difficult to install, as they are typically mounted externally, detracting from the appearance of doors and requiring complex internal mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A hidden door closer system is integrated into the upper horizontal rail of a door assembly, featuring a closer body with a vertical pinion connected to an internal biasing mechanism, allowing for easy installation and operation by utilizing a closer arm that slides into a track associated with a drip cap, enabling the door to be easily converted between left and right hinged configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If door closers are mounted externally on the door surface, then the door closure function is achieved, but the aesthetic appearance of the door deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The door closer mechanism is nested within a cavity or recess in the door structure. The closer body is positioned inside the door thickness, with only minimal external components visible, effectively hiding the mechanism within the door's own structure while maintaining closure functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The door closer is transitioned from an external surface-mounted configuration to an internal embedded configuration. By moving the mechanism into the third dimension (inside the door thickness), the solution eliminates the visual prominence of external mounting while preserving the closure function through internal mechanical action.
2Shape
If complex internal mechanisms are used to hide the door closer, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The door closer system is divided into modular components: a closer body, a closer arm, and a mounting structure. This segmentation allows for simplified assembly where each component performs a specific function and can be installed independently, reducing overall installation complexity while maintaining the hidden aesthetic appearance.
Solution Approach 2:
The door closer mechanism is designed with universal mounting capabilities that work with standard door constructions. The closer body and arm assembly can be adapted to different door types and thicknesses without requiring custom complex internal mechanisms, simplifying both installation and maintenance while preserving the concealed appearance.
3Ease of manufacture
If the door closer is mounted externally, then the installation process is simplified, but the door appearance deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The door closer is nested within a pre-formed cavity in the door structure, allowing installation without external mounting hardware. The closer body fits inside the door thickness, and the closer arm connects internally, enabling straightforward installation that maintains clean external door surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The door cavity and mounting structure are prepared in advance during door manufacturing. This preliminary preparation of the internal mounting environment allows for simplified field installation of the closer mechanism without requiring complex external mounting operations, achieving both ease of installation and aesthetic appearance.
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 sleek, aesthetically pleasing door closure mechanism that is easier to install and maintain, offering flexible hinged configurations while ensuring reliable door closure with minimal visible components.
Implementation Method 1
The closer includes a biasing mechanism and a pinion. The pinion is rotatably connected to the biasing mechanism.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure describes various embodiments of a concealed or hidden door closer that is installed in a rail of a door assembly. In some embodiments, the door frame and door closer components are configured to allow the door assembly to be readily installed as either a left or a right hand hinged door.