Modular Sliding Door Sill with Interchangeable Guide Components

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sliding door and window guide devices have limited operational flexibility, requiring pre-cast screed design and modification, which restricts customization and future adjustments, and can only support a limited number of leaves.

Innovation Solution

A modular sill system comprising interchangeable sill components and connection components that can be easily assembled and adapted to support an unlimited number of sliding leaves, allowing for flexible configuration and installation independent of the screed construction, with a thin platform for minimal invasiveness and aesthetic continuity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If guide devices are embedded inside the screed, then the structure is stable and integrated, but the operational flexibility is limited and modifications require complete screed remaking

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidoperational flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The guide device is divided into multiple modular components (sill body, connection elements, adjustment mechanisms) that can be independently assembled and reconfigured. This segmentation allows the guide device to maintain structural stability while enabling flexible modifications without requiring complete screed remaking.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The guide device incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable elements that allow dynamic modification of the sliding door/window configuration. These dynamic features enable operational flexibility while maintaining reliable structural integration with the screed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of manufacture

If guide devices are designed before screed casting, then the installation is simplified, but customization and future modifications are waived

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidcustomization capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The modular guide device components are prepared and standardized in advance, allowing for simplified installation during construction. At the same time, the modular design preserves the capability for future customization through easy reconfiguration of the pre-fabricated components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The guide device is designed with universal connection elements and standardized components that can accommodate various configurations. This multi-functionality allows the same base structure to support different numbers and types of sliding leaves, enabling both simplified initial installation and future customization.

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

3Device complexity

If guide devices support a limited number of leaves, then the structure is simpler, but the operational flexibility is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidoperational flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The guide device is segmented into modular units that can be easily added or removed. This segmentation maintains structural simplicity for basic configurations while allowing flexible expansion to support any number of sliding leaves by simply adding or removing modular components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The guide device employs a nested modular structure where additional sliding leaf supports can be integrated into the existing framework. This nesting approach allows the structure to scale from simple to complex configurations without requiring complete redesign, maintaining simplicity while enabling operational flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Data Source

PatentEP4461914A1Modular sill for a sliding door or window, sliding door or window and method for mounting a sill for a sliding door or window
Publication Date: 2024.11.13 ALBAN GIACOMO SPA
  • EP4461914A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4461914A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4461914A1 patent drawingFigure 4A~4B

AI summary

A modular sill (1) for a sliding door or window comprising a plurality of sill components (2) each of which has a seat (3) suitable for housing a respective guide (G) for a sliding leaf (A). In particular, the sill components (2) are configured to be reciprocally disposed so that, during use, the guides (G) are parallel to one another. Furthermore, the modular sill (1) comprises at least one connection component (4), suitable for connecting and spacing apart a first sill component and a second sill component, extending along a longitudinal direction (X) substantially aligned with the seat (3). In particular, the sill components (2) and the connection component (4) are configured to be interconnected to one another.