Sliding Door Synchronization via Hidden Cord Loop
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sliding door systems, such as the TREDUE mechanism, are difficult to use, hard to install, and lack aesthetic appeal, with limited flexibility in adapting to different door widths, and do not allow easy access by moving the central door.
Innovation Solution
A sliding door system with a synchronization mechanism using pulleys and a cord loop that allows any of the three doors to open the storage space, featuring a hidden synchronization mechanism for aesthetic quality and adjustable cord length for flexibility in door widths.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a synchronization mechanism with rods and external mounting plates is used, then the doors can be synchronized, but the aesthetic quality deteriorates due to visible external components
Solution Approach 1:
The synchronization mechanism is nested within the door structure itself. The cord is arranged in a loop on the rear face of the central door, and the rods are connected to the cord through connection elements that are integrated into the door panels. This nesting approach allows the synchronization function to be achieved while keeping all components hidden within the door assembly, eliminating visible external mounting plates and rods.
Solution Approach 2:
A cord arranged in a loop serves as an intermediary element that transmits the synchronization force between the doors. The cord runs through pulleys mounted on the rear face of the central door and connects to the side doors through connection elements. This intermediary mechanism allows synchronized movement while maintaining a clean external appearance.
2Device complexity
If fixed-length rods are used in the synchronization mechanism, then the structure is simple, but the adaptability to different door widths deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The synchronization mechanism uses a flexible cord instead of rigid fixed-length rods. The cord can be adjusted in length and tension to accommodate different door widths and configurations. The connection elements allow the cord to be connected at various positions on the side doors, providing dynamic adaptability while maintaining structural simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism allows for parameter changes in the cord length and connection points to adapt to different door widths. The cord can be tensioned or loosened, and connection elements can be positioned at different locations on the side doors, enabling the same basic mechanism to work with various door configurations without requiring different rod lengths.
3Device complexity
If the central door is positioned behind the side doors, then the synchronization mechanism is simplified, but the ease of operation deteriorates as users cannot easily open the storage unit
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of positioning the central door behind the side doors, the invention inverts the arrangement by placing the central door in front, making it the primary access point. The synchronization mechanism still functions with the cord loop on the rear face of the central door, but the inverted positioning allows users to easily open the storage unit by pulling the central door forward, while the side doors automatically synchronize to the correct position.
4Ease of manufacture
If external mounting plates are used for connection, then the installation is straightforward, but the aesthetic quality and hidden mechanism requirement deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The connection elements are merged with the door panel structure itself rather than being separate external mounting plates. The connection elements are integrated into the side doors and the central door, allowing straightforward installation while maintaining a clean external appearance. The mounting brackets and connection points are designed to be concealed within the door assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
All connection and mounting components are nested within the door structure. The pulleys are mounted on the rear face of the central door, the cord runs through them, and the connection elements are integrated into the side doors. This nesting eliminates the need for visible external mounting plates while maintaining installation simplicity.
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 provides ease of use, easy installation, high aesthetic quality, and adaptability to different door widths, allowing any door to open the storage space while maintaining a sleek appearance.
Implementation Method 1
a pair of pulleys (601, 602) arranged on the rear face (502) of the center door (104)
Implementation Method 2
a cord (607) arranged in a loop on the pair of pulleys (601, 602)
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A sliding door system has a front facade-forming side, a rear side, a left side, and a right side. The system comprises a central door and a pair of side doors. The central door is able to slide in the direction of the left side of the system and in the direction of the right side of the system. One side door is able to slide from the left side of the system in the direction of the right side. The other side door is able to slide from the right side of the system in the direction of the left side. A pair of pulleys is disposed on a rear face of the central door orientated towards the rear side of the system. One pulley is disposed on a left side of the central door. The other pulley is disposed on a right side of the central door. A cord is disposed in a loop over the pair of pulleys in such a way that the cord has two parallel sections, one above the other, between the pair of pulleys. A coupling device connects one of the side doors to one of the two cord sections. Another coupling device connects the other side door to the other cord section. In said system, the central door is disposed on the front side of the system. The side doors being disposed on the rear side of the system.