Independent Pivot Door Panels for Hidden Hinges and Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Pivot doors face issues with installation and manufacturing variations causing misalignment of the axis of swing, leading to increased frictional forces, and the need for substantial door frames to support large doors, while also exposing hinges, which detracts from their aesthetic appeal.
Innovation Solution
A pivot door system with a primary and secondary panel that can pivot in concert or independently, featuring a pivot assembly and retainer mechanism to align panels, and complementary joining members with recesses and protrusions to minimize seams and sight lines, along with improved pivot hinges to correct for installation or manufacturing tolerances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If pivot doors are constructed as large, heavy doors, then the door size and weight are increased, but the door frame must be more substantial to support the door
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from vertical hinge support to horizontal pivot support, changing the dimensional orientation of the support mechanism. This allows the door to be supported along its bottom edge rather than requiring a substantial vertical frame structure, enabling larger door sizes without proportionally larger frames
2Reliability
If hinges are used to attach the door, then the door can be supported, but the hinges are visible from at least one side at all times
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the visible hinge mechanism from the door assembly by using concealed pivot mechanisms located at the top and bottom edges. The pivot points are positioned within the door frame structure rather than attached to the door surface, removing the visual element while maintaining the mechanical function of door support and rotation
3Manufacturing precision
If installation and manufacturing variations occur, then the axis of swing becomes misaligned, but frictional forces increase in the system
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs adjustable pivot mechanisms that allow for parameter changes in the axis of rotation. The pivot points can be adjusted to compensate for installation and manufacturing variations, maintaining proper alignment and minimizing frictional forces despite tolerances in the construction process
Data Source
AI summary
A pivot door assembly is provided, including a primary panel, a secondary panel, and providing a pivot assembly and/or joining member with upper and lower pivot assemblies.