Internally Powered Sliding Panel Frame with Concealed Drive System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sliding panels, particularly automatic sliding doors and gates, face challenges in aesthetics due to external motor and drive system housings, and struggle with efficient sealing and automation, especially in applications where aesthetics are paramount, such as residential and high-end commercial settings.
Innovation Solution
The development of an internally powered sliding panel with a frame that contains the power source, drive train, and lift system, allowing for seamless integration and concealment of components within the panel frame, ensuring a clean aesthetic while maintaining efficient operation and sealing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If the motor and drive system are contained in an external housing, then the panel can be automatically operated, but the aesthetic appearance deteriorates due to visible external components
Solution Approach 1:
The motor and drive system are nested within the panel frame structure itself, with the motor housed in a compartment formed by the frame members. This nesting eliminates the need for separate external housings while maintaining automatic operation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The drive system components (motor, belt, pulleys) are merged with the panel frame structure, where the frame serves dual purposes as both structural support and housing for the automation components. This integration achieves both aesthetic concealment and functional automation.
2Shape
If the housing is installed inside the wall to conceal it, then the aesthetic appearance improves, but the ease of repair deteriorates due to inaccessibility
Solution Approach 1:
The housing design incorporates movable or accessible features that allow the motor and drive components to be accessed for maintenance while maintaining concealed appearance during normal operation. The system dynamically transitions between concealed and accessible states.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor and drive system are extracted from wall cavities and placed within the panel frame, which provides inherent access points for maintenance while maintaining aesthetic appearance when the panel is closed and in position.
3Reliability
If the bottom surface of the panel contacts the support surface to make a seal, then the sealing improves, but the productivity deteriorates due to friction preventing efficient movement
Solution Approach 1:
The panel employs periodic lifting and lowering of the bottom surface - lifted during movement to eliminate friction, and lowered during stationary closed position to achieve sealing. This periodic action resolves the contradiction between movement efficiency and sealing quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The panel is preliminarily lifted before sliding operations to prevent friction contact during movement, and then lowered after positioning to establish the seal. This preliminary action sequence ensures both efficient movement and effective sealing.
4Reliability
If lift and slide components are added to the panel, then the sealing and automation improve, but the device complexity increases making internal containment difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The panel frame structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: structural support, housing for motor and drive system, guide for panel movement, and integration point for lift mechanisms. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity while achieving advanced sealing and automation.
Solution Approach 2:
The lift and slide mechanisms are integrated in the vertical dimension (lift) and horizontal dimension (slide) separately, allowing independent optimization of each function within the frame structure without increasing overall complexity.
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 enables aesthetically pleasing, internally powered sliding panels that can lift, slide open, and close efficiently, addressing the challenges of external component visibility and sealing issues, while providing a reliable and maintainable automation system.
Implementation Method 1
an electric motor contained inside the frame... the electric motor is operatively connected to a driven wheel
Implementation Method 2
a reel mechanism contained inside the frame... the reel mechanism is operatively connected to the first driven wheel and is capable of storing energy to lift the sliding panel vertically
Data Source
AI summary
An internally powered sliding panel has a power source and drive train contained internally within the stiles and rails of a frame. A driven wheel is rotatably mounted on the frame and connected to the power source via the drive train. The panel may further include a lift system including a second power source, a lift mechanism, and a lift drive which are contained internally within the stiles and rails of the frame. The power sources, drive train, lift mechanism, and lift drive may be contained completely inside the stiles and rails of the frame. The movement of the panel along a fixed path, and the raising and lowering of the panel, may be regulated by a control system. The control system includes a microcontroller and sensor used to determine the position of the panel.