Sliding Door Drive Combs with Eccentric Crankshaft

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing devices for driving the opening or closing of sliding sashes, such as doors, gates, and windows, lack compactness and reliability, and do not offer effective locking solutions in various positions.

Innovation Solution

A drive device comprising combs with notched edges and a crankshaft system that provides a circular translation movement with a phase shift between combs, allowing for a compact and reliable mechanism with locking capabilities, enabling smooth operation and extended movement range.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If traditional cable or chain transmission mechanisms are used, then the device can transmit movement, but the device lacks compactness and aesthetic appeal

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecompactnessVSAvoidtransmission mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transmission mechanism is segmented into multiple combs (at least three) that operate in parallel, each engaging with the sash at different positions. This segmentation allows the system to achieve compactness while maintaining transmission functionality through distributed engagement points along the sash length.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The combs are arranged in a spatial configuration where they extend along the length of the sash, utilizing the longitudinal dimension to distribute engagement points. This dimensional arrangement reduces the need for complex lateral mechanisms, achieving compactness in the lateral direction while maintaining effective transmission.

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

2Length of moving object

If a single comb mechanism is used, then the structure is simple, but the movement range is limited to the length of the comb

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemovement rangeVSAvoidnumber of combs
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transmission system is divided into multiple combs spaced along the sash length, with each comb responsible for a specific segment. This segmentation enables the sash to be moved over distances greater than any single comb length by sequentially engaging different combs during the circular translation motion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Multiple combs are merged into a single coordinated system driven by one motor means, where the combs work together in sequence to extend the effective movement range. The combining of multiple combs' capabilities allows the system to achieve a total movement range exceeding the length of individual combs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If combs are positioned to engage the sash, then the sash can be moved, but locking solutions in intermediate positions are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking capabilityVSAvoidlocking mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides self-locking capability through the engagement geometry between the combs and the sash. The circular translation movement of the combs creates natural engagement and disengagement points that provide inherent positioning and locking effects at various positions, including intermediate positions, without requiring additional active locking mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Device complexity

If the motor means is integral with the fixed frame, then the structure is simplified, but the element must be carried by the moving sash

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemotor mounting structureVSAvoidsash weight
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of mounting the motor on the moving sash and having the combs stationary, the invention inverts the arrangement by fixing the motor means to the frame and having the combs mounted on the moving sash. This inversion allows the heavier motor to remain stationary while the combs, which are lighter and simpler in structure, are attached to the sash, thereby simplifying the overall mounting structure while distributing weight effectively.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 a compact, reliable, and aesthetically pleasing solution for sliding sash operation, ensuring engagement and locking in all positions without the need for complex motor mechanisms, allowing for efficient movement over distances greater than the comb length.

Implementation Method 1

the crankshaft system comprises at least two crankshafts set and driven in rotation in the same direction, and each consisting of eccentrics, as many as combs, mounted eccentrically relative to the axis of rotation of the crankshaft

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEccentric mechanism: Eccentric

Data Source

PatentEP1865140B1Device for powering the opening or closing of a sliding door and sliding door equipped with such a powering device
Publication Date: 2014.05.07 BUBENDORFF SA
  • EP1865140B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP1865140B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3g

AI summary

The device has three identical toothed plates (4, 5, 6) including rectilinear edges (50, 60) provided with regular succession of steps (51, 61), where the plates are assembled on identical hubs (3) fixed on shafts (11) in an identical manner. The hubs drive the plates in a same circular translational movement to make movements of the plates to be 120 degrees out of phase with each other such that the plates engage/disengage a finger tool (20) through the edges to obtain relative movement of the tool with respect to the hubs, where the hubs are in the form of eccentric discs (30, 31, 32).