Sectional Door Guide Rail Connecting Segment Alignment

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Solution Overview

Problem

The assembly of guide rail arrangements for sectional doors is challenging due to the need for precise alignment and attachment of arcuate connecting segments between different components, often requiring multiple fastening elements and making it difficult for a single person to assemble correctly.

Innovation Solution

A guide rail arrangement with a holding arrangement that allows for predetermined alignment of the connecting segment with respect to a holding device, eliminating the need for separate fastening elements during initial alignment, and using retaining tabs or bolts for precise positioning and locking in a subsequent assembly step.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If traditional fastening elements (screws, bolts, rivets) are used to attach the connecting segment to the holding device, then the connection strength is improved, but the assembly complexity and difficulty increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection strengthVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The connecting segment is divided into distinct functional zones: a holding arrangement with retaining tabs for alignment, and separate fastening elements for locking. This segmentation allows the alignment function to be performed independently without requiring complex fastening operations during the initial assembly phase.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The retaining tabs are pre-formed as integral parts of the connecting segment, enabling preliminary alignment action to be performed during assembly. This preliminary alignment is achieved through the geometric relationship between the retaining tabs and the holding device recesses, eliminating the need for complex fastening operations during the alignment phase.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If multiple fastening elements are used to secure the connecting segment, then the connection reliability is improved, but the ease of assembly deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidease of assembly
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening system is segmented into two functional stages: first, the retaining tabs provide alignment and temporary holding; second, the fastening elements provide secure locking. This segmentation allows simple initial assembly while maintaining reliable final connection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The retaining tabs are designed as self-aligning features that automatically position the connecting segment correctly relative to the holding device without requiring external alignment tools or complex fastening operations. The geometry of the retaining tabs and recesses provides self-service alignment functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Manufacturing precision

If the connecting segment requires precise alignment with the holding device, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the ease of manufacture deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvealignment precisionVSAvoidease of assembly
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The retaining tabs are pre-formed as integral features during the manufacturing of the connecting segment, enabling precise alignment to be achieved automatically during assembly. This preliminary preparation of alignment features eliminates the need for complex alignment procedures during the assembly process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The retaining tabs and corresponding recesses create a self-aligning system where the geometry of the components automatically ensures precise positioning during assembly. The self-service alignment mechanism eliminates the need for external alignment tools or complex fastening operations to achieve precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2986797A1Guide rail arrangement and sectional door
Publication Date: 2016.02.24 HORMANN BROCKHAGEN

AI summary

Disclosed is a guide rail arrangement for a sectional door, comprising at least one guide rail that includes at least two straight segments and a curved connecting segment (20) for connecting the straight segments; the connecting segment includes a holding arrangement (24, 26) for retaining the connecting segment in relation to a holding device (10) at an orientation relative to the holding device which is defined by the holding arrangement.