Impact Resistant Full View Door with Integrated Retainer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Multi-panel doors, especially those used in hurricane-prone areas, face challenges with wind resistance and debris impact due to lightweight materials and limited viewing areas, often requiring cumbersome framing structures.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates articulating panels with aluminum extrusion frames, tempered or polycarbonate sheets, and a retainer member system that securely fastens the sheets to the frames using angled fasteners, creating a robust and transparent impact-resistant door with a full view.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If lightweight shell and core materials are used to form panels, then the door weight is reduced and ease of operation is improved, but wind resistance and debris impact protection deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses composite materials by combining lightweight panel shells with reinforced framing structures. The frame members are constructed with internal reinforcement elements and bracing systems that provide structural strength while maintaining overall door weight efficiency. This allows the door to achieve both lightweight operation and hurricane-resistant strength.
2Area of stationary object
If windows are positioned within panels using external framing structures, then viewing area is provided, but the framing structures become cumbersome additions and reduce impact resistance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the window framing function with the panel structure itself. The frame members are integrated into the panel design, eliminating separate external framing structures. The ledges and lips are formed as integral parts of the panel shell, providing both structural support and window retention in a unified, streamlined construction that reduces complexity while maintaining viewing area.
3Reliability
If traditional framing structures are used to hold windows, then windows are secured in place, but the framing structures are cumbersome and reduce overall door performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses thin, integrated framing elements (ledges and lips) formed as part of the panel shell structure. These thin film-like structures provide sufficient window retention when properly designed and configured, eliminating the need for bulky traditional framing. The ledges and lips create effective mechanical retention while maintaining a sleek, simplified appearance and structure.
Data Source
AI summary
An overhead door includes a plurality of articulating panels. At least one of the plurality of articulating panels includes a frame defining an opening, the frame having a ledge and a lip extending from the ledge into the opening and a transparent panel having a first side and an opposing second side. The transparent panel is positioned adjacent to both the lip and the ledge with the first side of the transparent panel positionable adjacent the lip. The plurality of articulating panels further includes a retainer member positionable adjacent the second side of the transparent panel and operable to be fastened to the frame.