Non-hinged Door Conversion System with Overhead Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pocket and barn door systems are difficult to install after initial construction and require significant modifications, making them unsuitable for converting existing hinged doors without extensive demolition or custom modifications.
Innovation Solution
A non-hinged door system that includes an overhead movement mechanism for transverse movement and a latching mechanism to replace hinges, allowing the door to slide along the wall and latch securely without modifying the existing door or frame, enabling conversion of hinged doors into non-hinged doors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If pocket door systems are installed after initial construction, then door functionality is added, but wall demolition and structural modifications are required
Solution Approach 1:
The door system is divided into separate functional components: overhead support structure, door mounting mechanism, and latching system. This segmentation allows each component to be independently installed and adjusted, eliminating the need for extensive wall demolition while maintaining structural integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
An overhead support structure acts as an intermediary element between the existing wall/ceiling and the door. This mediator carries the door weight and enables movement without requiring modifications to the wall structure, thus avoiding demolition while adding door functionality.
2Ease of operation
If barn door systems are used, then door movement is achieved, but significant space is required for door translation
Solution Approach 1:
The door movement mechanism transitions from horizontal translation (barn door style requiring lateral space) to vertical suspension and controlled movement. The overhead support structure enables the door to move in a different spatial dimension, reducing the lateral space requirement while maintaining operational ease.
3Volume of moving object
If hinged doors are converted to non-hinged doors, then space usage is improved, but extensive modifications to door and frame are needed
Solution Approach 1:
The conversion system separates the door from its traditional hinge mounting and creates independent mounting points on the overhead structure. This segmentation allows the door leaf to remain unchanged while only the mounting and latching components are replaced, significantly reducing conversion complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The overhead support structure serves multiple functions: supporting door weight, enabling door movement, and providing mounting for latching mechanisms. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate components and modifications, simplifying the conversion process.
Data Source
AI summary
A door system is provided for use with a door and a door frame defining an entry opening to provide selective closing and opening of the entry opening. The door system can be used to convert a conventional hinged door into one providing less obtrusion into space in front of and behind the respective entry opening. The door system includes an overhead movement mechanism providing at least two transverse directions of movement, and one or more hinge replacement mechanisms providing latching of the door at a lateral side opposite the door handle. The movement mechanism is configured to move the door between a closed orientation in the door frame and an open orientation horizontally spaced from the entry opening. The open orientation is disposed along an adjacent wall having the door frame. A standard door handle, strike and strike plate are used to move and to lock the door.