Movable Seal with Universal Trigger Attachment for Sliding Doors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional sliding door seals are limited in their actuation methods, as they can only be activated by either pulling or pressing a trigger, and are not easily adaptable for use in both swing and sliding doors, nor can they be modified post-manufacturing to change trigger attachment points.

Innovation Solution

A seal design that allows for the attachment of triggers at two different locations, enabling actuation by either pulling or pressing, with a mechanism involving leaf springs and a rod system that can accommodate multiple trigger configurations, including protrusions beyond the housing, to accommodate various door types.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the trigger is fixed at a specific location during manufacturing, then the seal structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the seal cannot be adapted to different door types or have trigger attachment points changed post-manufacturing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different door typesVSAvoidseal structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The seal is designed with a universal trigger attachment system that can accommodate multiple trigger configurations. The housing includes a channel with connection structures that allow the rod to be connected at different positions, enabling the same seal to function with both pull-type and push-type triggers, and to be adapted to different door types without redesigning the entire seal structure.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The seal structure incorporates dynamic adaptability through the rod connection system. The rod can be connected to the leaf spring at different positions along the channel, allowing the trigger attachment point to be adjusted or changed after manufacturing. This dynamic configuration capability enables the seal to adapt to different application requirements without requiring a completely new design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If the seal is designed for a specific actuation method (pulling or pressing), then the mechanism is simpler, but it cannot be used for both swing doors and sliding doors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with different door mechanismsVSAvoidactuation mechanism simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The seal mechanism is designed to be universal across different door types. By providing a rod that can connect to the leaf spring at multiple positions along the channel, the same seal can be configured for pull-type actuation (suitable for sliding doors) or push-type actuation (suitable for swing doors), making it compatible with different door mechanisms while maintaining operational simplicity.

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

3Productivity

If the trigger attachment point is fixed during manufacturing, then production is faster and more efficient, but subsequent changes or adaptations are not easily possible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing efficiencyVSAvoidpost-manufacturing adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The rod connection system provides dynamic configurability that allows the trigger attachment point to be adjusted after manufacturing. The connection structures in the channel enable the rod to be repositioned or reconnected at different locations, facilitating post-manufacturing adaptations, repairs, or modifications without requiring complex disassembly or specialized tools, thus maintaining ease of repair while enabling productivity during initial manufacturing.

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 flexible and adaptable seal operation suitable for both swing and sliding doors, allowing users to choose or combine actuation methods based on preference, enhancing usability and installation flexibility.

Implementation Method 1

the two leaf springs to move the sealing strip from the second to the first position when the mechanism is not actuated

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2634350B1Movable seal, in particular seal for sliding door
Publication Date: 2022.02.02 ATHMER
  • EP2634350B1 patent drawingFigure 1~6
  • EP2634350B1 patent drawingFigure 7~9
  • EP2634350B1 patent drawingFigure 10~13

AI summary

The seal has a channel provided in a housing (1) between plate springs (5a, 5b) and an outer side of the housing. The channel extends from an end (52b) of one of the springs (5b) to an end (51a) of the other spring (5a), and over the end of the latter spring to a channel end. A guide is provided at or adjacent to the channel end. A trigger is displaceably arranged in the guide and connected with a bar (8), and actuates a mechanism for displacing sealing strips between positions. A coupling piece (91) of the trigger is provided with a threaded hole running in a longitudinal direction.