Power Pocket Door Spindle Actuation and Impact Damping
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Manual operation of pocket doors in constrained spaces, such as delivery vehicles, lacks automation, and existing systems are inefficient in terms of packaging, cost, and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A power pocket sliding door system utilizing a spindle and brackets actuated by an electric motor, with bushing systems to dampen impact and redundant actuators for extended cycle life, allowing for automatic operation and efficient packaging.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual operation of pocket doors is used, then operational costs increase and efficiency decreases, but automation adds device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with an automated actuator system. The actuator converts electrical energy to mechanical motion, automatically opening and closing the pocket door without human intervention, thereby increasing productivity while managing system complexity through standardized components
Solution Approach 2:
The actuator system serves multiple functions: it provides automated door operation, includes redundancy for reliability, and integrates with the existing door hardware system. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering comprehensive automation benefits
2Reliability
If a single actuator is used, then device complexity is minimized, but reliability and cycle life are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements redundancy by installing a second actuator as a backup. This beforehand cushioning ensures that if the primary actuator fails, the system can continue operating with the secondary actuator, thereby increasing reliability without requiring complex failure prediction mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The redundant actuator configuration allows the system to discard the failed actuator and recover continued operation using the remaining functional actuator. This approach maintains reliability while managing complexity through a straightforward failover strategy
3Strength
If rigid connection between spindle and bracket is used, then structural strength is maximized, but impact damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a bushing as an intermediary element between the bracket and spindle. This bushing acts as a mediator that provides a rigid connection for strength while simultaneously absorbing impact forces, preventing direct transmission of harmful impacts to the spindle and bracket
Solution Approach 2:
The bushing converts the harmful impact force into a beneficial damping effect. By absorbing and dissipating impact energy, the bushing protects the rigid connection components from damage while maintaining the structural strength needed for normal operation
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 automatic operation of pocket doors, reduces system costs, and simplifies installation, repair, and replacement, while extending the life of components through redundancy and impact damping.
Implementation Method 1
a first bushing system that couples the first bracket to the first end of the spindle, and that is configured dampen impact between the spindle and the pocket door
Data Source
AI summary
A system for managing opening and closing a pocket door includes a spindle, an actuator, and brackets. The spindle extends along a longitudinal axis between first and second ends, and is configured to be coupled to the pocket door. The actuator is coupled to the spindle and is configured to cause the spindle to move axially along the longitudinal axis. The brackets are connected to the spindle at each end and are constrained from longitudinal motion relative to the spindle. The brackets are configured to affix the spindle to the pocket door. A bushing system couples each bracket to the spindle and is configured to dampen impact between the spindle and the brackets. For example, the bushing system may include lobed elements, made of a rubber material, that engage each other to transmit azimuthal forces. In some embodiments, another actuator is included to improve cycle life and redundancy.