Lift-And-Slide Sash Magnetic Guidance for Stable Door Lifting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sliding doors with magnetic lift mechanisms face issues such as increased friction due to dirt, permanent magnets losing effectiveness over time, and inability to maintain a stable equilibrium, leading to operational inefficiencies and potential door catching.

Innovation Solution

A sliding door system utilizing a combination of permanent magnets and electromagnets, where the electromagnets are controlled to adjust magnetic force dynamically, allowing for selective lifting, lowering, and lateral guidance, with a yoke structure to optimize magnetic field alignment and a control system for precise positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If permanent magnets are used to lift the door, then the door can be held in a suspended position, but the magnetic force diminishes over time leading to door catching and dragging

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemagnetic force stabilityVSAvoidoperational lifespan
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from static permanent magnets to dynamic electromagnets that can adjust their magnetic force. The electromagnets are controlled to provide variable lifting force, allowing the system to adapt to changing conditions and compensate for magnetic degradation over time, thereby resolving the reliability-lifespan contradiction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the magnetic field strength parameter dynamically through electromagnet control. By adjusting the electrical current to the electromagnets, the system can maintain optimal lifting force throughout the operational lifespan, compensating for the natural degradation that occurs with permanent magnets.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Ease of operation

If rollers are used for lateral guidance, then the door can move horizontally, but dirt increases friction and causes disturbing noise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelateral movementVSAvoidfriction from dirt
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical roller guidance system with a magnetic guidance system. Electromagnets provide lateral guidance forces without physical contact, eliminating the friction and noise problems associated with dirty rollers while maintaining ease of lateral movement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the door is held in raised position by permanent magnets, then lateral movement is enabled, but the door cannot be selectively lowered and energy efficiency is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveposition selectivityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses dynamically controllable electromagnets instead of static permanent magnets. The electromagnets can be selectively activated and deactivated to lower the door when needed, providing position selectivity. They can also be controlled to maintain the door in a suspended position only when required, improving energy efficiency by avoiding continuous energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 system provides energy-efficient, stable, and friction-reduced operation, maintaining desired positions despite environmental changes, and compensates for magnetic degradation over time.

Implementation Method 1

at least one magnetic arrangement with at least one magnet is arranged in the frame and in the at least one lift-and-slide sash, the magnetic force of which counteracts the weight of the lift-and-slide sash

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic force: Magnetism

Implementation Method 2

The at least one magnetic arrangement comprises at least one electromagnet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnet: Electromagnet

Implementation Method 3

The at least one electromagnet is arranged on a yoke that is U-shaped and whose end faces face the ferromagnetic element. The yoke ensures that the magnetic field lines are guided as continuously as possible, effectively achieving a high magnetic force

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMagnetic field guidance: Magnetic Field

Implementation Method 4

a ferromagnetic element is associated with the magnetic arrangement. This element is attracted when the at least one lift-and-slide sash is lifted

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFerromagnetism: Ferromagnetism

Data Source

PatentEP4455434B1Sliding door with at least one lifting/sliding wing and method for lifting, lowering and/or for lateral guidance of a lifting/sliding wing
Publication Date: 2025.11.19 SCHUECO INTERNATIONAL KG
  • EP4455434B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4455434B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP4455434B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

The invention relates to a sliding door (1) with at least one lift-and-slide sash (3) which is arranged to be vertically height-adjustable and horizontally movable relative to a frame (10), wherein at least one magnetic arrangement (12) with at least one magnet is arranged in the frame (10) and/or in the at least one lift-and-slide sash (3), the magnetic force of which opposes a weight force of the lift-and-slide sash (3). The at least one magnetic arrangement (12) has at least one electromagnet, and a ferromagnetic element is associated with the magnetic arrangement (12), which is attracted when the at least one lift-and-slide sash (3) is lifted, wherein the at least one electromagnet is arranged on a yoke (121) which is U-shaped and whose end faces face the ferromagnetic element.The invention further relates to a method for raising, lowering and/or guiding laterally a lifting/sliding sash (3) of a sliding door (1), wherein at least one magnetic arrangement (12, 16) is provided which acts on the lifting/sliding sash (3) via magnetic attraction and which has at least one electromagnet which is controlled by a control unit.