Sliding Door End Guide Assembly Pivoting Gate Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sliding sectional doors with lateral movement face challenges in opening and closing due to the need for manual intervention in reintroducing the guide assembly into the rail and precise interlocking of the gate's bolt with the striker, which can lead to dust and particle penetration and complex locking mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A sliding sectional door design featuring a removably linked end guide assembly with coupling means that allows for easy pivoting of the gate in the closed position, using a vertical rod and latch mechanism with a slider and control stop for automatic unlocking and locking, and a guide assembly integral with the door to facilitate smooth operation without user intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the guide assembly is permanently engaged in the upper rail, then the door structure is simpler and more reliable, but the gate cannot pivot in the closed position and dust can penetrate through the rail end

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegate pivoting capabilityVSAvoidguide assembly coupling mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The guide assembly's engagement state is made dynamic rather than static. It automatically transitions between engaged and disengaged states based on the door's position, enabling the gate to pivot when needed while maintaining structural simplicity during normal operation

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The guide assembly automatically engages and disengages from the upper rail through the door's own movement. The coupling mechanism is actuated by the door's lateral displacement, eliminating the need for manual intervention or complex external control systems

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Stability of the object's composition

If the upper guide rail extends fully to the frame, then the door structure is more rigid and stable, but the gate guide assembly cannot be released for pivoting and requires manual reintroduction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedoor structure rigidityVSAvoidguide assembly release and reintroduction
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The guide assembly is pre-positioned and automatically released at the appropriate moment during door movement. The coupling mechanism is designed to disengage before the gate needs to pivot, eliminating the need for manual intervention

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The manual mechanical operation of releasing and reintroducing the guide assembly is replaced by an automatic mechanical coupling mechanism that responds to the door's position, simplifying the user's interaction with the system

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If manual intervention is required to release the guide assembly, then the locking mechanism is simpler, but the operation becomes complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedoor opening speedVSAvoidautomatic coupling mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The door system performs the guide assembly release operation itself through its own movement. The coupling mechanism detects and responds to the door's position automatically, eliminating the need for separate manual operations and improving overall productivity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Object-affected harmful factors

If the gate bolt interlocking with the striker is precisely managed manually, then the locking mechanism is simpler, but dust and particles can penetrate during the operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedust and particle penetrationVSAvoidbolt interlocking management
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The locking mechanism automatically manages the bolt interlocking with the striker during door operation. The system self-regulates the timing and position of the bolt and striker engagement, eliminating gaps that would allow dust and particle penetration while requiring no additional manual management

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP2628878B1Sliding sectional door with lateral movement comprising a pivoting gate at the end section
Publication Date: 2016.06.01 MOULAGES PLASTIQUES DU MIDI SA
  • EP2628878B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2628878B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP2628878B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The door has an end guide assembly (5) releasably connected to the door and comprising a coupling unit. Another coupling unit is moved between a coupling position in which the former coupling unit is attached with the latter coupling unit to secure the assembly of the door and another coupling position in which the assembly is moved with respect to the door. An attaching unit connects the assembly with a control unit allowing passing of the assembly from a position to another position when the door reaches a closing position of an opening of a construction.