Modular Motor Support for Tilting Garage Doors

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing manufacturing process for tilting garage doors is costly, requires various support parts and welding operations, leading to deformations in the fixed frame, and is not adaptable to large or non-traditional installations without vertical support.

Innovation Solution

A modular garage door design with a motor support sub-assembly comprising a support profile that integrates the motor, bearing, and compensation mechanism, allowing for standardized production and assembly, eliminating welding and deformations, and supporting different door dimensions and installations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If welding operations are used to attach support parts to side uprights, then the garage door can be assembled with various configurations, but the fixed frame undergoes deformations that reduce its rigidity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration flexibilityVSAvoidfixed frame rigidity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The support parts are segmented into modular components that can be attached to the side uprights without welding. Each support part is designed as a separate element that can be configured in different positions and orientations to accommodate various garage door dimensions and installation types.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

An intermediary connection system is introduced between the support parts and side uprights, using mechanical fastening elements instead of direct welding. This intermediary mechanism allows for configurable attachments while preserving the structural integrity of the fixed frame.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple support parts with specific locations are used, then the garage door can accommodate different dimensions and installation types, but the manufacturing process becomes complex and costly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedimensional adaptabilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The support parts are designed as universal components that can serve multiple functions and configurations. A single standardized support part design can be used across different garage door models and installation types, eliminating the need for multiple specialized parts and simplifying manufacturing and inventory management.

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

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of creating different support parts for different configurations, the invention allows the same support part to be positioned at different locations and oriented at different angles. By changing the positional and orientational parameters rather than the part geometry itself, the system achieves dimensional adaptability with standardized components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If welding operations are performed, then support parts can be securely attached, but significant factory intervention time and precision are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment securityVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The welding process is replaced with a mechanical fastening system that uses pre-designed connection elements. This substitution eliminates the need for complex welding operations, reducing both the time required and the skill level needed for assembly, while maintaining secure attachments through mechanical interlocking.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The support parts are pre-configured with attachment features during manufacturing, allowing for quick and easy installation on-site. The preliminary preparation of connection elements eliminates the need for complex on-site assembly operations, significantly reducing factory intervention time and field installation complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4455433B1Overhead garage door with integrated motorisation in the fixed frame
Publication Date: 2025.07.23 ETS A MOOS
  • EP4455433B1 patent drawingFigure 1A
  • EP4455433B1 patent drawingFigure 1B
  • EP4455433B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The invention relates to a tilting garage door comprising a motor (30) mounted in the two side posts (12) of a fixed frame, and coupled to the shutter panel (15) of the door (10) to move it between a closed position and an open position, and vice versa. The garage door (10) comprises, for each side post (12), a motor support (40) constituting a subassembly, to which are fixed a motor, a bearing for a rotation shaft of the shutter panel (18), a mechanical transmission (33), and attachment means (22-24, 26) for the two ends (20a, 20b) of a weight compensation mechanism (20) for the panel.