Sliding Door Bracket System for Co-Planar Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sliding door systems with co-planar closure face issues of complexity in construction and assembly, encumbrance of the supporting structure, and require significant user force for closing, leading to potential damage and noise due to violent impacts.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a bracket system with L-shaped joints, cylindrical spacers, and multiple pairs of wheels and guides that allow for co-planar closure and easy opening, featuring a spring-loaded brake to control the final closure and reduce impact, eliminating the need for direct user intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Shape
If conventional sliding door systems with co-planar closure are used, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but construction complexity and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bracket system is divided into modular components: a base bracket fixed to the door leaf, and separate guide elements mounted on the furniture frame. This segmentation allows independent optimization of each component and simplifies assembly, while still achieving the complex co-planar closure effect through their coordinated interaction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces intermediate guide elements and transition mechanisms that mediate between the simple linear motion of the door leaf and the complex co-planar closure trajectory. These intermediary components translate straightforward sliding motion into the desired multi-stage closing sequence without requiring complex direct coupling.
2Stability of the object's composition
If bracket systems with curved guide portions are used to achieve co-planar closure, then door leaf alignment is improved, but encumbrance of supporting structure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves alignment issues by transitioning from two-dimensional curved path guides to three-dimensional spatial arrangement of guide elements. Instead of using curved portions in the horizontal plane, the invention uses vertically stacked guide rails and multi-level bracket configurations, allowing alignment to be achieved through spatial positioning rather than complex in-plane curvatures.
3Ease of operation
If user applies force for door leaf closing, then closure function is achieved, but violent impact and component damage occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates cushioning elements and progressive resistance mechanisms in advance of the final closure position. The guide elements are designed to provide increasing guidance and damping as the door approaches closure, and the bracket system includes built-in compliance features that absorb impact energy before the door leaf reaches its final position, preventing violent impacts.
Solution Approach 2:
The closing mechanism transitions from static rigid guidance to dynamic adaptive guidance. The guide elements and bracket system are designed to provide varying levels of constraint and compliance during different phases of closure, allowing smooth deceleration and controlled stopping without rigid impacts. The system adapts its mechanical properties during the closing motion to prevent damage.
4Shape
If complex entrainment devices with multiple guides are used, then co-planarity is achieved, but ease of manufacture decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs universal bracket components that perform multiple functions: providing structural support, guiding door motion, enabling co-planar alignment, and facilitating easy installation. The base bracket design, for example, integrates mounting features, adjustment mechanisms, and guidance interfaces into a single component, eliminating the need for separate specialized parts for each function.
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 device achieves gradual and gentle closure of sliding door leaves, protecting the furniture from damage and reducing noise, while being simpler in construction and requiring less user force, ensuring smooth operation without violent impacts.
Implementation Method 1
a spring-loaded brake to control the final closure and reduce impact
Implementation Method 2
brackets with rolling means guided by a rail
Data Source
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AI summary
A device for sliding door leaves with co-planar closure, particularly for furniture and the like, comprising a bracket system, for connection with each one of said door leaves and with which a first pair of wheels is associated in a downward region. The device comprises means adapted to force the closure arrangement of at least one of said door leaves.