Modular Sliding Frame with Pre-cut Incisions

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sliding architectural elements require integration into a wall for functionality, limiting versatility and necessitating invasive installation and removal processes, making them unsuitable for adaptability and economic competitiveness.

Innovation Solution

A modular structure for sliding architectural elements featuring a customizable in-wall frame with adjustable vertical posts and pre-cutting incisions, allowing the frame to be adaptable to different configurations and panel types, and enabling the sliding body to operate independently of a wall, with wheels for easy movement and assembly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the in-wall frame is integrated within a wall, then the sliding architectural element can function properly, but the installation requires invasive and expensive masonry interventions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctionality of sliding elementVSAvoidinstallation complexity and cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The structure is divided into separate modular components: a standalone frame assembly with vertical posts and horizontal rails that can be installed without wall integration, allowing the sliding element to function independently of masonry work

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The requirement for wall integration is extracted and removed from the system. The sliding architectural element is designed to function without being embedded in a wall, eliminating the need for invasive masonry interventions while maintaining operational functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Stability of the object's composition

If the in-wall frame is integrated within a wall, then the sliding architectural element is stable, but removal and displacement require invasive interventions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestability of sliding elementVSAvoidremoval and displacement ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The frame is constructed as an assembly of discrete vertical posts and horizontal rails that can be easily disassembled and reconfigured, providing both stability during use and ease of removal when needed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The structure transitions from a fixed wall-integrated state to a movable standalone configuration, allowing the sliding element to be easily relocated or removed without invasive interventions while maintaining structural stability during operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If the in-wall frame is designed for a single type of sliding architectural element, then the structure is simple, but it is not adaptable to different requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoidadaptability to different panel types
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The frame assembly is designed as a universal structure with standardized vertical posts and horizontal rails that can accommodate various types of sliding architectural elements including doors, partitions, and furniture pieces, enabling multi-functionality without increasing structural complexity

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

Solution Approach 2:

The structure incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable components that allow it to adapt to different panel types and configurations, transforming from a fixed single-purpose design to a dynamic multi-purpose system

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 structure is more versatile, adaptable, and cost-effective, allowing for easy installation, removal, and reconfiguration, providing a modular solution that can be used as both a wall element and furniture, enhancing user flexibility and reducing installation costs.

Implementation Method 1

wheels for easy movement and assembly

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRolling: Roller

Data Source

PatentEP3822448B1Structure for highly versatile sliding architectural elements
Publication Date: 2023.07.12 PROTEK
  • EP3822448B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3822448B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3822448B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Structure (1) for sliding architectural elements comprising: an in-wall frame (2) which has a substantially parallelepiped shape and which comprises a first (11) and a second (12) vertical main faces parallel and opposite to each other, an open passage face (13) vertical, an upper face (14) horizontal and a lower base (15) horizontal, the main faces comprising a plurality of vertical posts (20, 30, 23, 24) adapted to connect the upper face (14) with said base lower (15); a sliding body (3) which slides inside the in-wall frame (2) and through the open face (13) along a horizontal sliding axis (X), between a retracted position and an extracted position; the in-wall frame comprising, on the upper face (14), a horizontal sliding guide (141) integral with it. The sliding body (3) comprises a sliding carriage (666), sliding along the horizontal sliding guide (141), which sliding carriage (666) is able to support a sliding door or a sliding panel or similar. The upper face (14) and the lower base (15) are provided with a plurality of transversal pre-cutting incisions (99) which make the upper face (14) and the lower base (15) arranged to be cut along predetermined transverse axes, thus reducing the depth and/or width of the in-wall frame (2).