Pocket Door Power Assistance With Bidirectional Cable Drive
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power support mechanisms for pocket doors are complex, require adjustment of spring force and pulling distance, and can only provide power support in one direction, limiting flexibility and ease of use.
Innovation Solution
A pocket door mechanism with a synchronization system using first and second synchronization cables and a power support arrangement that includes a pull-cable and a drive means, allowing for easy adjustment of power support direction and force by modifying the pull-cable attachment, and utilizing electric motors for bi-directional power support.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a power support mechanism with spring and cable pulley is used, then power support for door movement is provided, but the mechanism is complex and requires adjustment of spring force and pulling distance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power support function from a complex spring-cable-pulley mechanism and implements it through a simpler electric motor directly coupled to the cable pulley. The motor controller handles all adjustment parameters electronically, removing mechanical adjustment components and simplifying the overall mechanism while maintaining power support capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical spring-based power support system with an electric motor system. The motor and controller combination substitutes for the complex spring force adjustment and cable pulling distance adjustment mechanisms, providing power support through electrical control rather than mechanical adjustment.
2Ease of operation
If a spring-based power support mechanism is used, then power support is provided, but adjustment of spring force and pulling distance is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical adjustment of spring force and cable pulling distance with electronic control parameters. The motor controller adjusts power support characteristics through software parameters rather than mechanical adjustment of spring tension and cable length, eliminating the need for physical adjustment during installation and maintenance.
3Ease of operation
If a unidirectional power support mechanism is used, then power support in one direction is provided, but flexibility and ease of use are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic power support system where the electric motor can reversibly change rotation direction. The motor controller enables bidirectional power support by controlling the motor to rotate in either direction, allowing the pocket door to be assisted in both opening and closing directions, thereby increasing system flexibility and adaptability.
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 easy retrofitting, versatile power support in both directions, and adjustable speed and distance, suitable for both light-duty and heavy-duty applications, enhancing user convenience and operational flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
The pulling-force transmission uses a power spring system with a spring-loaded cable pulley in a housing mounted to at least the upper carriage on the door
Implementation Method 2
utilizing electric motors for bi-directional power support
Data Source
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AI summary
A pocket door comprising a door panel (1) and a guide arrangement provided for the suspension and longitudinal motion of the door panel (1), the guide arrangement comprising upper and lower guide rails (3, 3'), upper and lower carriages (4, 4') being mounted in a fixed connection on the door panel (1) at different vertical heights for engagement with the upper and lower guide rails (3, 3') and being designed and provided for suspension and longitudinal motion of the door panel (1) along the upper and lower guide rails (3, 3') between a retracted end-position (E1) and an extended end-position (E2), a synchronization system for the synchronization of the motion of the upper and lower carriages (4, 4') along the guide rails (3, 3'), the synchronization system comprising first and second synchronization cables (5, 5') and at least two deflection rollers (6) being mounted in a fixed connection to the upper and lower carriages (4, 4'), a power support arrangement (7) for supporting or effecting the motion of the pocket door comprising a pull-cable (8) and a drive means exerting a pulling force on the pull-cable, wherein the drive means comprises a power means selected from a spring and an electric motor.