Modular Wall Pocket Door with Accessible Track

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional pocket doors are difficult to install and adjust within modular wall systems, making them unsuitable for reconfiguration and maintenance.

Innovation Solution

A modular wall system with an integrated pocket door featuring a support member with an accessible track, roller mechanisms, and damping mechanisms, allowing for easy installation and adjustment by removing aesthetic panels and accessing components through integrated windows.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional pocket doors are installed in modular wall systems, then the door provides closure functionality, but the door becomes difficult to install, adjust, and service

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedoor closure functionalityVSAvoidinstallation and adjustment ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The support member is segmented into modular sections with standardized interfaces, allowing the pocket door system to be divided into discrete, easily installable components that can be assembled without complex field adjustments

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The pocket door assembly is nested within the modular wall system framework, with the door unit containing integrated rollers and damping mechanisms that fit within the wall cavity, allowing easy access and serviceability while maintaining closure functionality

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If conventional pocket doors are installed in modular wall systems, then the door provides closure functionality, but the door becomes impossible to adjust or service after installation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedoor closure functionalityVSAvoidserviceability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

Adjustment mechanisms and service access points are built into the support member structure during manufacturing, with pre-positioned adjustment screws and access panels that enable future serviceability without requiring disassembly of the entire wall system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The pocket door system incorporates self-adjusting roller mechanisms and easily accessible damping mechanism adjustments that allow users to perform routine maintenance and adjustments without professional service intervention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If modular wall systems are used to divide office spaces, then the spaces can be easily reconfigured, but integrating pocket doors becomes difficult and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespace reconfiguration capabilityVSAvoiddoor integration ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The support member is designed as a universal component that serves multiple functions: providing structural support for the modular wall system, integrating the pocket door mechanism, and offering adjustment capabilities, all within a single standardized component that works across different wall configurations

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

Solution Approach 2:

The pocket door support member incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities allowing the door position, height, and operation characteristics to be modified after installation, enabling the system to adapt to changing spatial requirements without replacing the entire door assembly

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

Enables seamless integration, installation, and maintenance of pocket doors within modular architecture, providing a functional and aesthetically pleasing solution that can be easily reconfigured as needed.

Implementation Method 1

A pocket door is slideably integrated into the track of the support member such that when closed, the pocket door blocks the doorway, and when open, the pocket door is at least partially enclosed behind the one or more, e.g. aesthetic, panels

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravitation: Gravitation

Implementation Method 2

The support member includes an integrated track that is accessible through one or more access windows integrated into the support member. A pocket door is slideably integrated into the track of the support member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3180487B1Pocket door
Publication Date: 2019.11.20 DIRTT ENVIRONMENTAL SOLUTIONS
  • EP3180487B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3180487B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3180487B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A modular wall system with an integrated pocket door includes a frame defining a wall plane and a doorway. The system also includes one or more aesthetic panels connected to at least a portion of the frame so as to cover at least a portion of the wall frame. Additionally, the system includes a support member extending above the doorway and across at least a portion of the wall plane. The support member includes an integrated track that is accessible through one or more access windows integrated into the support member. The system includes a slideable pocket door integrated into the track such that when closed, the pocket door blocks the doorway, and when open, the pocket door is at least partially enclosed behind the one or more aesthetic panels.