Sliding Door Fitting Connecting Rod Fixing Element

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sliding door fittings face issues with bending due to wind and thermal loads, leading to potential sealing and noise problems, and require additional components for installation which can be incorrectly positioned.

Innovation Solution

A sliding door fitting with a fixing part that is held on a connecting rod between two carriages, allowing for easy assembly and secure engagement with the running rail, featuring holding means to prevent horizontal movement and lateral projections to prevent lifting, ensuring reliable fixation without additional components.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a sash positioner is mounted on a downward-facing groove in the frame profile to prevent horizontal deflection, then the frame profile is secured against bending, but the device complexity increases due to additional components that must be supplied and installed separately

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveframe profile stabilityVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing element is integrated into the connecting rod as a single component, eliminating the need for separate sash positioners that must be mounted on frame profiles. The fixing element is held on the connecting rod between the first and second carriages, combining the stabilization function with the existing connecting rod structure, thereby reducing installation complexity while maintaining frame profile stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The connecting rod is given multiple functions: it not only connects the carriages but also holds the fixing element that secures the frame profile against bending. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate stabilization components, reducing both device complexity and installation steps while maintaining the stabilizing effect

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

2Stability of the object's composition

If a track engagement element is mounted on a downward-facing groove to prevent horizontal deflection, then the frame profile is secured against bending, but incorrect positioning can lead to functional impairments such as sealing issues or grinding noises

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveframe profile stabilityVSAvoidsealing reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing element is designed to be self-positioning through its interaction with the connecting rod and guide element. The guide element on the connecting rod limits deflection of the rod itself, which in turn positions the fixing element correctly without requiring manual adjustment. This self-positioning mechanism ensures reliable sealing and prevents grinding noises by eliminating incorrect positioning, while the fixing element simultaneously provides the necessary stabilization against horizontal deflection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If the fixing element is held on the connecting rod between carriages, then installation is simplified and positioning is ensured, but the fixing element must be securely attached to prevent lifting under load

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation easeVSAvoidfixing element attachment strength
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The fixing element is designed with laterally projecting projections that extend in a direction perpendicular to the main load direction. These projections engage with corresponding features on the connecting rod to prevent lifting under vertical load, while the primary attachment mechanism remains simple for installation. This dimensional approach to attachment ensures both ease of installation and sufficient attachment strength under various loading conditions

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

Data Source

PatentEP3854972B1Sliding door fitting and sliding door
Publication Date: 2024.05.01 HAUTAU
  • EP3854972B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3854972B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3854972B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

A sliding door fitting (1) comprises a track (17), a first carriage (2), and a second carriage (12), between which a connecting rod (8) is arranged, each carriage (2, 12) being movable along the track (17) and having a support element (3, 13) that is movable between a raised and a lowered position to hold or fix a sliding leaf (10) along a track (17), and a fixing element (20) that, in a lowered position of the sliding leaf (10), at least partially engages or surrounds the track (17) for fixing, the fixing element (20) being held on the connecting rod (8). This allows the fixing element (20) to be easily mounted.