Motorized Sliding Panel Retrofit Kit for Automated Operation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Manual operation of slidable panels, such as windows in doctor's offices, leads to repetitive motion injuries due to frequent opening and closing, which is physically and mentally tiring, and increases the risk of improper disclosure of confidential information.

Innovation Solution

A retrofit kit that converts manually actuated sliding panels to mechanically assisted sliding panels using an elongate driven rail and a rotatable drive member, with a motor and slip-clutch for automated movement, ensuring the panel can be easily switched between open and closed positions without manual effort.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual operation of slidable panels is used, then the panel can be opened and closed, but physical fatigue and repetitive motion injuries occur due to frequent operation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of panel operationVSAvoidrepetitive motion injuries

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the manual mechanical operation system with an automated motor-driven system. A motor coupled to a drive member (screw, belt, or chain) automatically moves the panel between open and closed positions, eliminating the need for manual grasping and sliding operations that cause repetitive motion injuries.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service operation where the panel automatically opens and closes without human physical intervention. The motorized drive mechanism performs the sliding action autonomously based on control signals, allowing the receptionist to simply activate the system rather than manually operate the heavy panel.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If manual operation of slidable panels is used, then the panel can be opened and closed, but mental fatigue increases due to repeated operations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepanel operation efficiencyVSAvoidmental fatigue

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The automated motorized system replaces manual mechanical operation, transforming the task from a physically demanding repeated action to a simple control activation. The receptionist only needs to press a button or switch, significantly reducing mental fatigue associated with repeated manual operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The motorized system is pre-configured and ready to operate, eliminating the need for the receptionist to repeatedly perform the physical action of grasping and sliding the panel. The system performs the sliding action automatically once activated, reducing the cognitive load of repeated operational decisions and physical efforts.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If manual operation of slidable panels is used, then the panel can be opened and closed, but wear to sliding components increases causing greater operating force requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent wearVSAvoidforce required for sliding

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The motorized drive system replaces the worn manual sliding mechanism. Instead of relying on the deteriorating rollers and guide tracks that require increasing force, the motor applies controlled force through a drive member (screw, belt, or chain) to move the panel, bypassing the worn components and maintaining consistent operation with minimal force.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The motorized drive member acts as an intermediary between the power source and the panel. It transfers the motor's rotational motion to linear motion of the panel through the screw, belt, or chain mechanism, eliminating the need for direct manual contact with the worn sliding surfaces and reducing the force required to overcome friction and wear.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Ease of operation

If automated motor-driven system is used, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomated panel operationVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

While introducing a motor and drive mechanism increases complexity compared to manual operation, the system replaces complex manual dexterity requirements with a simpler electronic control interface. The motorized system with screw, belt, or chain drive provides automated operation that simplifies the user interaction despite the added mechanical components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS11053726B2Actuatable sliding panel assembly; retrofit kit and method for retrofitting a sliding panel for mechanically assisted movement between open and closed positions

Publication Date: 2021.07.06 HOHWART TODD A

AI summary

An actuatable slidable panel assembly, a retrofit kit for converting a slidable panel of a panel assembly from manually actuated sliding movement to mechanically assisted, actuatable sliding movement, and method of retrofitting a manually operating sliding panel therewith are provided. The retrofit kit includes an elongate driven rail configured for attachment to the slidable panel. The elongate driven rail is configured to be attached to the slidable panel. A rotatable drive member is configured for operable engagement with the elongate driven rail to drive the elongate driven rail and the slidable panel along the direction of travel between open and closed positions.