Modular Building Connection Profile for Threshold Adaptation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing threshold systems for sliding and lift-slide doors face challenges in on-site adjustments due to differing installation conditions, leading to construction delays and issues with sealing different materials, which affect the tightness and reliability of the threshold.

Innovation Solution

A modular building connection profile system that allows for adjustable substructure frame extensions with uniform material surfaces, enabling on-site adaptation and improved sealability by connecting multiple modules with positive connections and shared fastening systems.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If frame extensions are prefabricated to fixed dimensions in the factory, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability to different installation conditions deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedimensional precisionVSAvoidadaptability to installation conditions
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The frame extension is divided into a base element and adjustable connection elements that can be segmented and reconfigured. The connection element can be positioned at different locations along the base element, allowing the overall length to be adjusted in discrete steps while maintaining factory precision in each component's manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The frame extension transitions from a static fixed-dimensional component to a dynamic adjustable structure. The connection element can be repositioned along the base element to change the effective length, enabling adaptation to varying installation conditions while maintaining precise dimensional control through standardized positioning features.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If adjustments are made on site based on re-measurement, then adaptability to installation conditions is improved, but construction time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to installation conditionsVSAvoidconstruction delay
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple possible adjustment positions are pre-configured into the frame extension design during manufacturing. The connection element includes pre-positioned attachment points or guide features that allow quick selection and adjustment on-site without requiring complex measurements or custom fabrication, reducing construction time while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If different material surfaces are used on the threshold, then functional requirements are met, but sealability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional compatibilityVSAvoidseal tightness
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

A sealing element acts as an intermediary between different material surfaces of the threshold. This sealing component compensates for the incompatibility between different materials (such as aluminum and wood) by providing a continuous sealing interface that accommodates thermal expansion and contraction differences, ensuring reliable seal tightness across material joints.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Manufacturing precision

If frame extensions are customized for each door element, then manufacturing precision for specific applications is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication-specific precisionVSAvoidproduct variety
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The frame extension is designed as a universal base element that can accommodate multiple door element types and dimensions. By using a standardized base with adjustable connection elements, the same fundamental component serves multiple functions and applications, reducing the number of unique custom parts needed while maintaining application-specific precision through adjustable positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4071330A1Structural joint profile
Publication Date: 2022.10.12 4B AG
  • EP4071330A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4071330A1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3D
  • EP4071330A1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

A building connection profile (5) for use with a sill, which extends along a longitudinal axis, comprising a web (50) with an outer surface and an inner surface (502), wherein the web (50) in the intended position of use comprises an upper end and a lower end opposite the upper end, wherein in the region of the upper end, an upper connection (53) is provided on the outer surface, which is designed to form a positive connection with a tread plate (4) of the sill or with a building connection profile above it, and wherein in the region of the lower end, a lower connection (54) is provided, which is designed to form a positive connection with a building connection profile below it.