Segmented Base Profile Locking for Threshold-Free Escape Doors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sectional gates with wicket doors face challenges in designing a tripping hazard-free escape door without compromising structural stability and incurring excessive construction effort, as previous attempts to eliminate thresholds resulted in undesirable load on gate tracks and failed to meet professional standards for escape doors.
Innovation Solution
A base profile for sectional gates with a U-shaped or semicircular locking niche and pivoting locking elements that separate during door opening and connect firmly during closure, allowing for a non-positive connection that minimizes lateral forces on rollers and enables a threshold-free escape route, using a motor-actuated push rod system with reduction gear for efficient operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If a threshold is installed to provide structural stability for the escape door, then the structural stability is improved, but the tripping hazard increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the threshold component entirely from the escape door design. Instead of having a continuous base profile, the threshold is extracted and replaced by locking mechanisms that engage only when needed, eliminating the tripping hazard while maintaining structural stability through the locking system.
Solution Approach 2:
The base profile transitions from a static continuous structure to a dynamic system with movable locking elements. The locking elements can pivot between engaged and disengaged positions, allowing the structure to adapt between providing support and allowing free movement, thereby eliminating the need for a permanent threshold.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the base profile is made tubular with sliding stabilizers to stiffen it, then the structural stability is improved, but the load on gate tracks increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The base profile is segmented into separate sections with individual locking mechanisms at each segment. This segmentation allows each section to be stabilized independently through locking elements that engage with locking niches, distributing the stabilizing function across multiple points rather than requiring a continuous tubular structure with sliding stabilizers that would transmit forces to the tracks.
Solution Approach 2:
Locking elements and locking niches serve as intermediary components between the base profile sections and the gate tracks. These intermediaries provide the necessary stabilization through mechanical engagement without transmitting lateral forces to the gate tracks, thereby reducing the load on the tracking system while maintaining structural stability.
3Stability of the object's composition
If multiple hook elements are provided to stiffen the gate frame, then the structural stability is improved, but the construction effort increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple locking functions are merged into a single integrated base profile design. The locking elements, locking niches, and stabilization mechanisms are combined into one cohesive structure that provides both stability and ease of construction, eliminating the need for separate hook elements and reducing overall construction effort.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking elements serve multiple functions simultaneously: they provide structural stabilization, enable easy assembly and disassembly, and maintain the rigidity of the gate frame. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing construction effort while maintaining structural stability.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If a low threshold of 5-30 mm is installed, then the tripping hazard is reduced, but the escape door is not recognized as meeting professional standards
Solution Approach 1:
The threshold is completely extracted from the design, creating a true threshold-free escape door. This goes beyond reducing the threshold height and fully eliminates the component that prevents compliance with professional standards, while the locking mechanisms provide the necessary structural support without requiring a threshold.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a sectional gate or to a sectional lift-fold gate that comprises a closing edge safety device and an escape door having a trip-free threshold, comprising a base profile that is separated in the area of the vertical edges of the escape door over the entire cross section thereof in order to enable the installation of the escape door on the lock side and/or on the hinge side, and locking elements as well as preferably U-shaped or round locking recesses which, when the sectional gate or the sectional lift-fold gate is lowered and the escape door is opened or pivoting inward, are separated from one another on the lock side and on the hinge side with sufficient contact tolerance by at least one gap respectively, but which, when the escape door is closed and the sectional gate or the sectional lift-fold gate is to be lifted or has been lifted, are applied against one another other on the lock side and on the hinge side in a force-fitting manner and without gap respectively, and thus connect the base sections that abut on both sides to one another in a force-fitting manner, wherein the incorporation of a continuous closing edge safety device is also possible in the area of the escape door.