Sliding Closet Damping System Self-Positioning Flanges

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing damping systems for sliding closet doors require precise measurement and installation, leading to potential misalignment, visible drill holes, and increased installation time, which can result in user frustration and reduced perceived quality.

Innovation Solution

A damping system where the actuating element and damping device are secured through flanges that exert pressure on the guide's side walls, allowing them to move and position themselves during closure, eliminating the need for specific distance measurements and simplifying the installation process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the damping device and actuating element are fixed by screws to specific distances as indicated by the manufacturer, then the closing speed reduction function is achieved, but the installation process becomes complex requiring precise measurements and potential repositioning

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclosing speed reduction functionVSAvoidinstallation process
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The damping device is designed to self-position within the guide channel during door closure. The actuating element automatically engages with the damping device at the correct position without requiring manual measurement or adjustment, eliminating the need for precise distance markings and repositioning operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The damping device transitions from a static fixed position to a dynamic self-adjusting position. During door closure, the device moves along the guide channel and automatically positions itself where the actuating element can engage it, adapting to variations in door dimensions and guide tolerances

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the damping device is repositioned to achieve correct operation, then the closing function improves, but visible drill holes are created that spoil the appearance of the closet

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclosing functionVSAvoidappearance of closet
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-positioning during the first door closure operation, eliminating the need for manual repositioning that would create additional drill holes. The damping device automatically finds its correct position within the guide channel without requiring user intervention or additional fastening operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If the damping device is secured by screws to the guide, then the positioning precision is improved, but the installation time increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning precisionVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The damping device uses a dynamic positioning mechanism where it slides along the guide channel and automatically positions itself during door closure. The flange geometry ensures precise positioning through mechanical engagement with the guide walls, eliminating the need for time-consuming measurement and screw-fitting operations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The guide channel acts as an intermediary that guides and positions the damping device. The flanges on the damping device engage with the guide walls to provide precise positioning without requiring direct attachment to the door frame, simplifying the installation process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If specific fixing distances are required between damping device, actuating element and frame, then the damping function is optimized, but the device complexity increases due to multiple positioning constraints

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedamping functionVSAvoidpositioning constraints
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The guide channel serves multiple functions: it guides the door movement, positions the damping device, and provides the reference for actuating element engagement. The flange design provides both structural support and positioning function, eliminating the need for separate positioning mechanisms and reducing overall system complexity

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

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

The system effectively reduces the closing speed of sliding doors, prevents impacts, and simplifies installation by allowing the damping device to self-position, reducing the need for precise measurement and minimizing visible installation marks.

Implementation Method 1

the damping device is secured in the guide of the door as a result of the pressure of the flanges on the side walls of the guide

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3170956B1Damping system for closets with sliding doors
Publication Date: 2020.05.20 ADINOR
  • EP3170956B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3170956B1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP3170956B1 patent drawingFigure 7

AI summary

The present invention relates to a damping system for closets with sliding doors (2) comprising: a damping device (1) and an actuating element (3), wherein the damping device (1) can be fitted in the upper guide (2a) of a door (2) through deformation of flanges (7) of respective supporting parts (5, 6) of said damping device (1) to allow the damping device (1) to be secured in the closet itself and to allow said damping device (1) to slide driven by the actuating element (3) during the relative movement between both; or the element actuating element (3) can be fitted in the upper guide (2a) of the door (2) through deformation of flanges (3c) of said actuating element (3), which allows it to be secured and to slide driven by the damping device (1) during the relative movement between both.