Sectional Gate End Profile Triangular Cross-Section

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sectional door systems lack a cost-effective, easy-to-assemble, and lightweight floor termination solution that can accommodate various panel connections and ensure sealing against water and drafts, while also facilitating easy electrical cable routing and avoiding tripping hazards.

Innovation Solution

A triangular cross-sectional end profile is used, with a hollow leg for a seal that does not protrude beyond the panel, and a connecting profile with grooves for easy assembly, allowing for adaptable panel shapes and electrical cable routing, and featuring a seal that integrates with the panel for unified appearance and functionality.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a traditional stabilization profile with overhanging legs is used, then the door is stabilized, but it creates tripping hazards and prevents easy cable routing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedoor stabilizationVSAvoidtripping hazards
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The stabilization function is segmented from the sealing function. The end profile provides stabilization through its triangular cross-section and panel connection, while the seal is a separate replaceable component that can be optimized independently for sealing performance without overhanging legs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing function is moved to a different dimensional approach - instead of using overhanging legs that extend into the room space, the seal is integrated into the end profile's cross-sectional geometry with sealing surfaces that contact the floor or panel edges directly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Reliability

If a custom floor termination is designed for each panel connection type, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing effectivenessVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The end profile with triangular cross-section is designed as a universal component that can accommodate multiple panel connection types and configurations. The standardized profile geometry works with different panel designs while maintaining effective sealing through the integrated seal component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The seal is designed as a replaceable component with adjustable parameters. By changing the seal rather than the entire end profile, the system can adapt to different sealing requirements while keeping the main structural component standardized and cost-effective to manufacture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If cables are routed through the length of the sectional door, then electrical connections are established, but assembly becomes laborious and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connectionVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The cable routing function is extracted from the main door structure. Cables are routed through the end profile or along the outside of the door rather than through the entire length of the sectional door, significantly reducing assembly time and complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Reliability

If a heavy-duty floor termination is used to ensure durability, then reliability is improved, but weight increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovedurabilityVSAvoidfloor termination weight
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The end profile is produced as an extruded profile from light metal, combining structural strength with weight reduction. The triangular cross-section provides mechanical strength for stabilization while the extrusion process allows use of lightweight materials.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentEP2357307B1Sectional gate
Publication Date: 2018.08.22 ALPHA DEUREN INT
  • EP2357307B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2357307B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2357307B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a sectional door which, by using a lower end profile (1) with an end seal (5), can be used both for sealing the section itself and for sealing and closing an integrated door (15) at the floor. When using an integrated door (15), an additional connecting profile (2) is inserted in the area of ​​the door (15) instead of the end profile (1).