Hinged Upper Door Frame Member for Portable Building Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional portable storage structures face challenges in accommodating large or heavy equipment due to the lack of electrical wiring and increased framing costs for side-by-side or overhead doors, making it difficult to efficiently move such items in and out.
Innovation Solution
A hinged upper door frame member and ramp door system that allows for controlled lowering and raising, forming a ramp for easy access, with mechanisms to move the door frame from a vertical to horizontal position, enabling the door to be fully opened or closed, and a panel extending to create a smooth transition from the ground to the ramp.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If side-by-side or overhead doors are installed to accommodate large equipment, then the entryway size is increased, but the framing cost and structural complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The door frame member transitions from a static vertical structure to a dynamic system that can rotate between vertical and horizontal positions. This dynamic capability allows a single door structure to provide both full opening capability and structural support, eliminating the need for additional framing required by traditional side-by-side or overhead door configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The door frame member serves multiple functions: it provides structural support when vertical, creates a large opening when rotated horizontal, and works with the ramp door to form a complete loading system. This multi-functionality replaces what would traditionally require separate door systems and extensive framing.
2Area of stationary object
If overhead doors are installed to provide large entryway, then the opening capability is improved, but electrical wiring is required increasing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrically powered overhead door mechanisms with a purely mechanical system. The door frame member is rotated manually or through simple mechanical means, and the ramp door is lowered using mechanical advantage, eliminating the need for electrical wiring entirely while still providing large opening capability.
3Productivity
If ramp door is lowered to form ramp for easy access, then the loading efficiency is improved, but the door cannot remain closed for security
Solution Approach 1:
The door system is segmented into two independent components: the ramp door that lowers for loading, and the door frame member that remains vertical to maintain security. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently - the ramp door provides loading access while the vertical frame member maintains the enclosed security of the structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The door frame member acts as an intermediary element between the ramp door and the building structure. When the ramp door is lowered, the vertical door frame member serves as both the structural support and the security barrier, mediating between the open ramp configuration and the closed secure building interior.
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
Enables the efficient movement of large or heavy items into and out of portable structures without the need for electrical wiring, reducing fabrication costs and preventing damage by providing a smooth, angled surface for loading and unloading.
Implementation Method 1
The upper door frame member is hinged for rotation outwardly from this vertical position to a generally horizontal position
Implementation Method 2
The panel is mounted to the interior top portion of the door and extends outwardly as the door is fully lowered to rest on the ground and complete formation of a ramp
Data Source
AI summary
An improvement in a portable building (B) comprises a ramp door (100) installed in an opening (O) formed in a sidewall (S) of the building. An upper door frame member (106) is hingedly installed to the side of building so to cover the upper end of the ramp door. When the member is in a vertical position, it prevents the ramp door from being lowered; but when the member is rotated to a horizontal position, it unblocks the upper end of the door so the door can be lowered and raised.