Modular Door Seal Trigger for Hinge and Lock Conversion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing door seals require separate triggers for hinge-side and lock-side releases, necessitating different designs and additional ordering for conversion, which is inconvenient and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A modular trigger system with two parts, one outwardly curved and the other trap-like beveled, allowing conversion between hinge-side and lock-side triggering configurations, enabling the same trigger to function for both types of releases by adjusting the abutment surfaces and connection structures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate triggers are used for hinge-side and lock-side releases, then the trigger mechanism can be optimized for each specific application, but the device complexity increases and additional triggers must be ordered for conversion

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetrigger compatibilityVSAvoidtrigger mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The trigger is designed with a universal interface system that allows it to function with both hinge-side and lock-side door seal releases. The trigger body includes a standardized mounting structure and actuation mechanism that can accommodate different release types through interchangeable components or adjustable configurations, eliminating the need for separate trigger designs for different applications.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The trigger mechanism is divided into modular components including a main trigger body, mounting bracket, and actuation elements. This segmentation allows specific parts to be adjusted or replaced depending on whether hinge-side or lock-side release is required, while the core trigger mechanism remains unchanged. The modular design simplifies conversion between different release types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate triggers are used for hinge-side and lock-side releases, then each trigger can be optimized for its specific movement pattern, but loss of time occurs during conversion and additional ordering is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetrigger configurationVSAvoidconversion time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The trigger is pre-configured with a universal mounting system and adjustable components that allow rapid conversion between hinge-side and lock-side applications. The standardized interface and pre-positioned adjustment mechanisms enable users to switch configurations without extensive rework or additional parts, significantly reducing conversion time.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If different trigger shapes are used for lock-side and hinge-side triggering, then each trigger can be optimized for its specific movement characteristics, but ease of operation decreases due to the need to specify and order different triggers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetrigger shapeVSAvoidtrigger selection
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The trigger employs a universal shape and structure that can effectively engage with both hinge-side and lock-side release mechanisms. The actuation force application point and trigger geometry are designed to accommodate the different movement patterns of both release types without requiring shape modification, simplifying selection and ordering.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3647529B1Actuator for a door seal with a liftable and retractable seal strip
Publication Date: 2021.06.30 ATHMER
  • EP3647529B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3647529B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

Trigger for a door seal with a liftable and/or lowerable sealing strip, with at least one stop surface with which the trigger can strike a counter surface to actuate the sealing strip in order to be moved in a longitudinal direction of the door seal, wherein the trigger is convertible between a first embodiment in which a first stop surface is convex outwards, and a second embodiment in which the trigger has a trap-like chamfer which has a second stop surface.