Nonparallel Bi-Part Partition Geometry for Damage-Free Installation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing automatic bi-part partitions face constraints due to the need for a minimum radius in curved tracks, limiting design flexibility and installation in non-planar orientations, particularly when using sheet metal doors.

Innovation Solution

A bi-part partition system with a first door and a second door that extend and retract in perpendicular directions, utilizing an electro-mechanical system with motors and a control system to manage the doors' movement, allowing for non-planar orientations without damaging the doors.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a curved track is used to accommodate non-planar orientations, then the partition can be installed in various building configurations, but the sheet metal doors may be damaged due to the minimum radius constraint of the curved track

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation flexibilityVSAvoiddoor damage

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from a two-dimensional curved track problem to a three-dimensional solution by allowing the door to approach the lead post at an angle. The door extends along a first direction while the lead post extends along a second direction that is oblique to the first direction, enabling non-planar operation without requiring the door to bend along a curved path.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of forcing the door to conform to a curved track path, the invention inverts the approach by having the lead post positioned at an oblique angle to accommodate the door's linear motion. The female receptacle on the lead post receives the male protrusion from the door along an insertion direction that is oblique to both the door's extension direction and the lead post's extension direction.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Strength

If a minimum radius is imposed on curved tracks, then the structural integrity of sheet metal doors is maintained, but the design flexibility and installation options are constrained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedoor integrityVSAvoiddesign flexibility

Core Design Contradiction:

StrengthVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The invention moves the solution from a planar curved track constraint to a three-dimensional oblique arrangement. The door, lead post, and male protrusion are arranged in different spatial dimensions, allowing the door to maintain its structural integrity while accommodating various building configurations through angular relationships rather than curved paths.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of operation

If the male protrusion and female receptacle are oriented parallel to the door extension direction, then the insertion is simple, but the system cannot accommodate non-planar orientations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsertion simplicityVSAvoidnon-planar orientation capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs asymmetric orientation where the lead post extends along a second direction that is oblique to the first direction (door extension). The male protrusion and female receptacle are positioned at this oblique angle, creating an asymmetric insertion geometry that simultaneously achieves simple linear insertion motion and accommodates non-planar building configurations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

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 installation in various building configurations by avoiding damage to doors in non-planar orientations, providing effective insulation and security without design constraints.

Implementation Method 1

An electro-mechanical system is operatively coupled with each of the first door and the second door and is configured to extend and retract the first door and to extend and retract the second door

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromechanical conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

The male protrusion is oriented on the first lead post and the female receptacle is oriented on the second lead post such that the insertion direction is substantially parallel to one of the first and second directions and is substantially perpendicular to the other of the first and second directions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical fastening: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentUS20250314057A1Nonparallel bi-part partition and related components and methods

Publication Date: 2025.10.09 WON DOOR CORP

AI summary

A bi-part partition system includes a first door configured to extend and retract along a first direction, the first door having a first lead post including a male protrusion extending from the first lead post. The bi-part partition system further comprises a second door configured to extend and retract along a second direction, the second door having a second lead post including a female receptacle, the female receptacle having a size and shape configured to receive the male protrusion of the first lead post therein along an insertion direction. The male protrusion may be oriented on the first lead post and the female receptacle may be oriented on the second lead post such that the insertion direction is substantially parallel to one of the first and second directions and is substantially perpendicular to the other of the first and second directions.