Sliding Door Carriage Decoupling for Low Threshold Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sliding windows and doors with pivotable support arms and carriages create a high threshold, obstructing barrier-free access, especially for individuals with disabilities.

Innovation Solution

Decoupling the carriage from the support arm and moving it to the inner floor area, with a flexible covering or sealing device to prevent contamination and maintain a low threshold height, allowing for a barrier-free and disabled-friendly design.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the carriage is arranged at the level of the horizontally pivotable support arms, then the sliding window structure is stable and functional, but the threshold height becomes relatively high, preventing barrier-free access

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebarrier-free accessVSAvoidthreshold height
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The carriage is moved from a horizontal arrangement (at support arm level) to a vertical arrangement (below the support arm), utilizing the vertical dimension to resolve the contradiction. This dimensional shift allows the threshold to be lowered while maintaining the carriage's functional position through the running rail extending below the finished floor level

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

2Ease of operation

If the carriage is decoupled from the support arm and moved to the inner floor area, then barrier-free access is enabled with low threshold height, but open areas and contamination risks arise between the support arm and carriage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebarrier-free accessVSAvoidcontamination and open areas
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A flexible sealing element (brush strip) is introduced to cover the opening in the running rail, creating a flexible barrier that prevents contamination and closes open areas while allowing the carriage to move freely along the rail. This thin film approach resolves the contradiction by providing containment without restricting motion

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

Solution Approach 2:

The flexible sealing element acts as an intermediary between the support arm and carriage areas, mediating the potential contamination issue while allowing both components to function independently. The sealing element bridges the gap created by decoupling the carriage from the support arm

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP2907952B1Sliding window or sliding door
Publication Date: 2019.06.26 RAICO BAUTECHN
  • EP2907952B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2907952B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a sliding window or sliding door with a frame (1) and a sash (2) slidably arranged on the frame (1) via a sliding fitting, wherein the sliding fitting comprises a guide rail (4) arranged on the underside of the frame (1) and guide rails (3) attached to the underside of the sash (2), the guide rail having a carriage (5) arranged on a pivotable support arm (10) and slidably guided on a guide (7) of the track (4). The carriage (5) is arranged below the pivotable support arm (10), and a cover or sealing device (19) is provided between the support arm (10) and the carriage (5).