Overhead Door Rail Clamp Release for Faster Installation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for converting a preinstalled overhead door into a ready-to-use state are complex and require multiple actions, complicating the installation process.

Innovation Solution

A preinstalled overhead door design featuring a releasable clamp and removable brace system for steel ropes, allowing easy conversion by simply releasing the clamp and removing the brace, which secures the steel ropes to the U-shaped rail using a removable clamp and brace.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the steel rope is fixed to the profile using a permanent connection method, then the connection strength and reliability are improved, but the device complexity and installation difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fixed connection is segmented into two independent components: a clamp that attaches to the profile and a brace that secures the steel rope to the clamp. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while enabling easy assembly and disassembly, resolving the contradiction between connection reliability and installation complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The clamp is pre-equipped with a release mechanism that allows the brace to be removed without tools. This preliminary preparation of the release mechanism enables the connection to be as reliable as a permanent fix while allowing for easy conversion to a ready-to-use state by simply removing the brace

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the installation procedure follows the method disclosed in EP 3 243 988 A, then the door can be converted to a ready-to-use state, but the number of actions required and installation time increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedoor conversion reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The brace is extracted as a separate removable component from the permanent connection structure. This extraction allows the brace to be quickly removed to convert the door to a ready-to-use state, eliminating the need for complex multi-step procedures while maintaining connection reliability during storage and transport

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The connection system transitions from a static permanent connection to a dynamic system where the brace can be easily added or removed. This dynamic characteristic enables rapid conversion between stored and ready-to-use states, significantly reducing installation time while ensuring reliable connection when the brace is in place

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Stability of the object's composition

If the clamp is secured with a non-removable brace, then the structural stability is improved, but the ease of operation and accessibility for conversion are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural stabilityVSAvoidconversion ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The brace acts as an intermediary component between the clamp and the steel rope. It provides structural stability when in place but can be easily removed when conversion is needed. The intermediary nature of the brace allows the system to switch between stable and easily convertible states, resolving the contradiction between structural stability and ease of operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

Simplifies the installation process by reducing the number of required actions, making the conversion of a preinstalled overhead door into a ready-to-use state more accessible and efficient.

Implementation Method 1

a pretensioned spring packet which is assembled with and attached to the profile

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the spring packet will then gradually become unstressed

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 3

said at least one steel rope is releasably fixed to the profile with a removable clamp, which clamp is secured in position with a removable brace

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Fastening: Mechanical Fastener

Data Source

PatentEP4686798A1A preinstalled overhead door and a method for converting the preinstalled door into an overhead door that is ready to use
Publication Date: 2026.02.04 CONDOOR GROUP
  • EP4686798A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4686798A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4686798A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A preinstalled overhead (1) door comprising hinged door panels (2, 3, 4, 5) and a door profile (6, 7) on each lateral side of the overhead door (1), said profile (6, 7) being formed as a U-shaped rail (8) provided with a pretensioned spring packet (9) which is assembled with and attached to the profile (6, 7), said profile (6, 7) being further equipped with at least one steel rope (10, 11) connected at a first end to the pretensioned spring packet (9) and at a second end to one of the door panels of the overhead door (1), wherein said at least one steel rope (10, 11) extends within and along the U-shaped rail (8), wherein said at least one steel rope (10, 11) is releasably fixed to the profile (6, 7) with a removable clamp (12) at a second position which is between the first end and the second end of the at least one steel rope (10, 11), which clamp (12) is secured in position with a removable brace (13) which extends around the profile (6, 7) along an outer side (8') of the U-shaped rail (8) which is facing away from the door panels (2, 3, 4, 5) and is opposite to where the at least one steel rope (10, 11) runs.