Motorless Sliding Door Closure Device with Spring Energy Storage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sliding door closure systems require pre-planning and installation during construction, are aesthetically and practically limiting, and often necessitate external energy sources or complex mechanisms that increase costs and reduce door opening widths.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a housing with rotatable pulley batteries, a tension spring, and a traction cable that allows for the closure of sliding doors without pre-planned structural measures, using a U-shaped cross-section design that fits within the guide rail, enabling installation after construction and remaining invisible, with a rotation damper for controlled door closure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If a motorized drive with flexible connections is used to close sliding doors, then the door can be automatically closed, but the device requires external power sources and increases installation complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding door closure device uses the door's own movement to charge a spring mechanism during opening, which then automatically closes the door without external power. The system serves itself by converting the opening motion into stored energy that drives the closing action.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using an active motor to push the door closed, the invention uses a passive spring mechanism that pulls the door closed. The approach is inverted by storing energy during opening and releasing it for closing, rather than continuously powering the closing action.
2Extent of automation
If a counterweight system is used to close the sliding door, then the door can be closed automatically, but the device requires significant space and limits door opening width
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism and cable system are nested within the existing guide rail structure and door assembly, utilizing available spaces rather than requiring additional external space. The closure device is integrated into the door's existing mechanical structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a space-intensive counterweight system operating in three dimensions to a compact cable-and-spring mechanism that operates within the two-dimensional plane of the guide rail and door assembly.
3Ease of operation
If a cable pull is accommodated in the lateral reveal of the door frame, then the door can be retracted, but the width of the door and opening cross-section is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cable pull mechanism is extracted from the lateral reveal (side frame) and relocated to the upper guide rail structure, removing it from the door's width calculation and preserving the full opening cross-section.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure mechanism is moved from a lateral (horizontal) arrangement that consumes door width to an upper (vertical) arrangement within the guide rail, utilizing vertical space instead of horizontal space.
4Object-affected harmful factors
If a damping element is arranged within the guide rail above the cable pull, then the impact can be dampened, but the height of the guide rail is doubled and aesthetics are impaired
Solution Approach 1:
The damping function is merged with the existing cable pull housing and guide rail structure, eliminating the need for separate damping elements that would increase guide rail height. The closure device itself incorporates damping capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The cable pull housing serves multiple functions: it contains the cable mechanism, provides structural support, and incorporates damping elements, eliminating the need for separate dedicated damping components.
5Adaptability or versatility
If locking devices are planned during building design, then the door closure system can be integrated, but the system cannot be installed in existing structures without reconstruction
Solution Approach 1:
The closure device is segmented into modular components that can be independently assembled and installed on existing doors and guide rails, allowing retrofits without requiring complete system redesign or building reconstruction.
Solution Approach 2:
The device incorporates adjustable and adaptable mounting mechanisms that can accommodate variations in existing door and guide rail configurations, providing flexibility for installation in both new and existing structures.
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
Enables easy, cost-effective installation of a motorless sliding door closure system that reduces installation complexity, maintains door aesthetics, and provides efficient energy storage for smooth operation without external power, allowing for flexible attachment to various sliding door configurations.
Implementation Method 1
a tension spring, which is fastened on the one hand to the housing of the device and on the other hand to the cable pulley housing
Implementation Method 2
a roller is installed on the device as a rotation damper for reducing the travel speed of the sliding door while the sliding door travels along the travel path
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a sliding door assembly comprising a motor-free device (19) with which the sliding door (1) can be moved from an open position into a closed position. The device (19) comprises a wire-rope (25) connected to the housing (21) of the device (19) and a second wire-rope (43) moveably arranged in the housing (21) and a tension spring (53).