Sliding Closure Frame Valve Integration for Low Profile Height
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing closing frames with fluid evacuation systems in buildings face challenges in maintaining a low profile height while effectively preventing fluid passage, particularly water, due to the height requirements of existing valve systems which obstruct passage for individuals with mobility issues.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a profile with a base and guide rail featuring valve means within the inter-wall space, allowing fluid communication in one direction and preventing it in the opposite direction, reducing the overall height by placing the valve means in parallel rather than series with other components, and utilizing a slat mechanism for fluid deflection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If existing valve systems are mounted on the base or outer surfaces of walls in series configuration, then fluid communication control is achieved, but the rail height increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The valve means are relocated from a vertical series arrangement (mounted on base or outer surfaces) to a horizontal parallel arrangement within the inter-wall space. This dimensional repositioning allows the valve to occupy space laterally between the walls rather than extending vertically, thereby controlling fluid communication while maintaining a low rail height profile.
Solution Approach 2:
The valve means are nested within the inter-wall space formed by the first and second walls of the rail. This nested configuration utilizes the existing spatial envelope between structural components, allowing the valve to be housed within the rail structure itself rather than adding external height, thus achieving compact integration.
2Reliability
If high sections are used to accommodate valve systems, then fluid evacuation capability is provided, but accessibility for people with reduced mobility is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
By repositioning the valve means from a vertical arrangement that increases rail height to a horizontal arrangement within the inter-wall space, the closure maintains a low profile that does not obstruct the passage of wheelchairs or mobility aids, thereby ensuring accessibility while retaining fluid evacuation functionality.
3Length of stationary object
If valve means are integrated within the inter-wall space in parallel configuration, then rail height is reduced, but space utilization becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The valve means are nested within the inter-wall space, utilizing the existing structural envelope between the first and second walls. This nesting approach allows the valve to be integrated into the rail structure without requiring additional external components or complex external mounting arrangements, thereby reducing overall height while managing spatial complexity through efficient use of available internal volume.
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
This configuration significantly reduces the rail height, allowing for easier passage and accommodating individuals with reduced mobility by integrating the valve system within the inter-wall space, enhancing accessibility while maintaining effective fluid management.
Implementation Method 1
these valve means being further arranged to provide fluid communication in a first direction going from the first orifice towards the second orifice and to prevent this fluidic communication in the second direction opposite to the first
Implementation Method 2
a slat means for mounting said slat in rotation in said total inter-wall space and with respect to the first wall so that said slat is able to assume at least two first and second positions in the total inter-wall space
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~4
AI summary
The profile (Pro) has a rail (12) having walls (14, 16) that are arranged parallel to one another and perpendicular to a face (11) of a base (10) at a non-null distance from one another to form a total inter-wall space (18). A fluid evacuation unit (19) has openings (21, 22) respectively formed in the walls, so as to be edged by the face of the base. A valve unit (30) is assembled in the space and assures fluidic communication in a direction (Ps1) from one of the openings toward the other opening and prevents fluidic communication in another direction (Ps2) opposite to the former direction. The latter direction is gas fluid/liquid flow direction.