Hinged Wall Profile Door Assembly for Frameless Shower Enclosures
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional shower enclosure systems with sliding glass doors are functionally and aesthetically flawed due to obstructive support structures, high hardware usage, and limited adjustability, leading to restricted access and increased maintenance needs.
Innovation Solution
A hinged wall profile door assembly featuring extruded hardware components, including adjustable hinge mechanisms with separable pivot pins and ergonomic handles, which allows for easy installation, adjustment, and maintenance, while minimizing obstructions and enhancing aesthetics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional sliding glass doors with metal frames are used, then the support structure provides stable support, but it blocks the entrance and restricts free access to the bathing area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the traditional metal header and side frames from the shower enclosure system. Instead, glass panels are directly mounted to the wall using minimal hardware, extracting the obstructive metal support structure while maintaining structural integrity through alternative mounting methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses thin metal strips or channels mounted directly to the wall to support glass panels, replacing bulky metal frames and headers. These thin profiles minimize visual obstruction and physical blockage while providing sufficient structural support for the glass panels.
2Reliability
If metal frames and glass-to-metal interfaces are used, then structural support is provided, but special cleaning and maintenance are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates metal frames and glass-to-metal interfaces by mounting glass panels directly to the wall using wall-mounted channels or strips. This removes the complex junctions between metal and glass that require specialized cleaning and maintenance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a more homogeneous surface by eliminating the interface between dissimilar materials (metal and glass). The glass panel meets the wall directly or through minimal metal strips, reducing the number of different materials and interfaces that require different maintenance procedures.
3Strength
If metal framing, header and rail are used, then structural integrity is maintained, but the clean and open appearance is detracted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes metal frames, headers, and side rails from the shower enclosure design. Glass panels are mounted directly to the wall or supported by minimal metal strips, eliminating the visual clutter of metal framing while maintaining structural integrity through alternative support methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses thin metal strips or channels mounted to the wall to support glass panels, replacing bulky metal frames. These thin profiles are minimally intrusive and preserve the clean, open aesthetic while providing necessary structural support.
4Strength
If conventional enclosure systems with more hardware material are used, then structural support is enhanced, but the system becomes heavier and obtrusive in appearance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes excessive hardware material from conventional shower enclosure systems. Instead of using multiple metal frames, headers, and side rails, the design employs minimal wall-mounted channels or strips to support glass panels, significantly reducing hardware weight and visual obtrusiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses thin metal profiles or strips mounted to the wall to support glass panels, replacing heavy metal frames and headers. These thin support elements provide sufficient structural support while minimizing weight and visual impact.
Data Source
AI summary
A hinged wall profile door assembly including a first and second longitudinal wall profile having a body configured for mounting to a wall, and a longitudinal hinge profile having a body configured to be received within an inner section of the first longitudinal wall profile. The assembly also includes a profile door, at least a first hinge assembly and a second hinge assembly secured to the longitudinal hinge profile and configured for mounting to the profile door, the first and second hinge assemblies having a body and a first end and a second end, wherein the first end of the body is configured to be curved and the second end of the body is configured to form a longitudinal channel for receiving the profile door therethrough.