Sliding Door Fitting Adapter for Modular Functional Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sliding door fittings require numerous components and complex assembly processes due to separately attached additional functions, leading to increased complexity and component count.

Innovation Solution

A sliding door fitting featuring an adapter with multiple holding means on a sheet metal holder, allowing functional parts like spacers, stops, and self-closing mechanisms to be easily attached without tools, enabling modular assembly and unified fastening with screws.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If additional functional parts are separately attached to the metal sheet of the running element, then the running element can provide multiple functions (anti-derailment, self-closing, damping, etc.), but the number of components and fasteners increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional versatilityVSAvoidcomponent count
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functional parts (anti-derailment device, self-closing mechanism, damping device, locking device) that were previously separately attached to the metal sheet into a single integrated running element structure. This merging eliminates the need for numerous separate fasteners and components while maintaining all required functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The running element is designed as a universal component that integrates multiple functions: it provides anti-derailment protection, self-closing capability, damping, and locking functions all within a single structure. This multi-functionality reduces the overall component count while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If all functional parts are individually positioned and attached to the metal sheet, then each function can be precisely implemented, but the assembly process becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional implementationVSAvoidassembly time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The running element is pre-assembled with all functional parts (anti-derailment device, self-closing mechanism, damping device, locking device) integrated into a single unit before installation. This preliminary integration eliminates the need for individual positioning and attachment steps during final assembly, significantly reducing assembly time while maintaining functional reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate components are used to achieve additional functions, then the fitting can be customized for different needs, but inventory management and fastener selection become more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecustomization capabilityVSAvoidinventory management
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The running element is designed as a universal component that incorporates all possible functional variations (anti-derailment, self-closing, damping, locking) within a single standardized structure. This eliminates the need to manage inventories of multiple separate components and fasteners for different configurations, while still allowing customization through optional inclusion of specific functional modules.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3167136B1Fitting for a sliding door
Publication Date: 2020.05.06 HETTICH HEINZE GMBH & CO KG
  • EP3167136B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3167136B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP3167136B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A fitting for a sliding door (4, 5) comprises a rail (3) having at least one track along which a running part (10, 40) equipped with at least one roller (13) can move; the running part (10, 40) includes a holder (11, 41) made of a sheet metal as well as an adapter (14, 44) on which at least one holding means (20, 28, 52, 53, 55) is provided for securing at least one additional functional part (17, 21, 24, 26, 30, 47, 50, 56) to the adapter (14, 44). This allows the fitting for the sliding door to be flexibly adapted for any intended purpose.