Pivoting Bridge Structure for Smooth Doorway Threshold Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing threshold structures in doorways, particularly for external doors, pose a challenge for wheelchair users and others with mobility issues, as they are cumbersome and interfere with door operation, requiring modifications that compromise weather sealing and door functionality.
Innovation Solution
A bridging structure comprising a first ramp structure and a pivotable bridge element, assembled from layers of ramp and tile elements, which pivots outwards and downwards to create a smooth transition across the threshold without interfering with the door's operation, using a hinge mechanism and optional support structure to adapt to various thresholds and levels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a normal ramp construction is built on either side of the threshold, then passage of the threshold is eased, but the door frame construction is interfered with causing problems opening and closing the door
Solution Approach 1:
The bridge element is made movable rather than fixed, allowing it to pivot between a retracted position (when the door is closed) and an extended position (when the door is open). This dynamic configuration enables the bridge to provide threshold assistance only when needed, without interfering with door operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The bridge structure is divided into a fixed first ramp structure and a movable bridge element that can pivot independently. This segmentation allows the fixed portion to remain integrated with the door frame while the movable portion provides assistance without interfering with door closure.
2Reliability
If the threshold is made larger to accommodate weather seals and locking mechanisms, then weather sealing is improved, but passage of the threshold becomes more cumbersome and causes stress to users
Solution Approach 1:
The bridge element pivots to extend beyond the threshold when the door is open, creating a smooth transition surface that reduces the effective height barrier for users. This dynamic extension provides assistance exactly when the door is open and weather sealing is not required.
Solution Approach 2:
The bridge element extends in the horizontal dimension beyond the threshold when needed, rather than increasing the vertical dimension of the threshold itself. This allows the threshold to maintain its weather sealing height while providing a extended ramp surface for easier passage.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the bridge element is made thicker to adapt to various thresholds and levels, then adaptability is improved, but the bridge element interferes more with door operation when closed
Solution Approach 1:
The bridge element's thickness is managed through pivotal movement, allowing it to retract to a thinner profile when the door is closed and extend to a greater thickness when the door is open. This dynamic thickness adjustment provides adaptability without compromising door operation.
Data Source
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AI summary
Bridge structure suitable to provide a smooth transition way across a threshold in an openable doorway, where said bridging structure comprises: - an first ramp structure suitable to be arranged on the opposite side of a door to which the door opens, where said first ramp structure is built up from one or more layers of ramp elements and optionally tile elements, assembled to provide a fist section of an inclined ramp having a substantially upper smooth transition surface, where a first height along a first side in use substantially corresponds to or is higher than the height of the threshold and a height along a second opposing side which is as shallow as possible; - a bridge element, comprising a first bridge part fastened to the first ramp structure, where said first bridge part by means of a hinge is pivotably connected to a second bridge part, where said bridge element comprises one or more layers of tile and/or ramp elements, where the bridge element has an upper surface and a lower surface, where said first bridge part has a first inclined part and optionally a straight part where the first bridge part has a maximum thickness and where said second bridge part has a straight part and a second inclined part, where said second inclined part connects the upper straight part or first inclined part with a surface in use outside of the door.