Pivotable Lock Fastening Device for Sliding Door Gap Reduction
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fastening devices for sliding doors on trolleys require significant vertical space and are aesthetically unpleasing due to visible gaps between the sliding door and the cabinet top, and they often lack adjustability and accessibility for height adjustment.
Innovation Solution
A fastening device with a pivotable lock mechanism that minimizes vertical extension by connecting the drive carriage to a bracket with a snap-in closure system, allowing the sliding door to be securely attached without tools, ensuring the fastening device is hidden from view and adjustable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a lateral fastening bracket is used to connect the carriage to the sliding door, then the sliding door can be securely attached, but a large vertical gap is created above the sliding door which is visible and aesthetically unpleasing
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of extending the bracket laterally as in conventional designs, the patent inverts the approach by using a vertically oriented bracket that extends downward from the carriage to engage with the sliding door from above. This inversion allows the bracket to be hidden within the door assembly rather than creating a visible gap, thus maintaining secure attachment while eliminating the aesthetic defect.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a lateral (horizontal) bracket extension to a vertical bracket extension. By changing the dimension of bracket extension from horizontal to vertical, the fastening mechanism can be positioned within the door assembly's vertical space rather than creating a horizontal gap, thereby solving both the attachment strength requirement and the aesthetic appearance requirement.
2Length of stationary object
If the bracket is positioned close to the sliding door to minimize the gap, then aesthetics are improved, but the bracket becomes inaccessible for adjustment and installation
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket is divided into multiple segments or components: a fixed upper portion attached to the carriage, a movable intermediate portion that can be accessed from the front, and a lower portion that engages with the sliding door. This segmentation allows the bracket to be positioned close to the door for aesthetics while maintaining accessibility through the movable intermediate section for installation and adjustment operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The bracket incorporates dynamic elements such as movable or adjustable components that can be accessed from the front of the assembly. These dynamic features allow the bracket to maintain its compact vertical position for aesthetics while providing access points for installation and height adjustment, thus resolving the contradiction between proximity and accessibility.
3Reliability
If a complex locking mechanism with multiple components is used to secure the bracket, then reliability of attachment is improved, but the vertical extension and complexity of the device increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated bracket structure. The bracket combines attachment, locking, and adjustment functions into one unified component rather than using separate elements for each function. This merging reduces the total number of components while maintaining reliable attachment through the integrated design of the vertical bracket system.
Solution Approach 2:
The vertical bracket is designed as a multi-functional element that simultaneously provides structural support, secure attachment, height adjustment capability, and aesthetic coverage. By making the bracket universal in its functions, the patent eliminates the need for multiple separate components, thereby reducing device complexity while maintaining high reliability of attachment.
Data Source
Figure 1~8
Figure 4~5
Figure 6~10
AI summary
The device has a retaining bracket including a fastening leg, which is connected with a sliding door. A support leg of the retaining bracket is connected with a drive carriage. A closure (15) is provided at the support leg for securing a shaft of an adjustable screw at the drive carriage in a slot at the support leg. The closure partially encloses a lower end of the adjustable screw. The closure is pivotably hinged around a vertical axis (A) at the support leg. The closure is engageably designed in a locking position. A U-shaped opening (31) is provided in a middle of the closure.