Sliding Door Guide Rail With Segmented Linkage

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional sliding door guide systems face challenges in maximizing the utilization of available opening width and achieving effective sealing of the door leaf on the frame, while also being adaptable to changes in application requirements.

Innovation Solution

The proposed guide slot system utilizes at least two rollers in contact with the guide rail and an additional roller that temporarily hovers over a link guide or rests on the rail, allowing for maximum utilization of the opening width and improved sealing by enabling movement in the y and z directions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional guide systems with machined track profiles are used, then the door can be guided and sealed, but the available opening width is not maximized and the system lacks adaptability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to changes in application requirementsVSAvoidfixed machined track profile
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The guide rail is divided into multiple replaceable segments with different profiles (straight, curved, inclined). Each segment can be independently selected and installed to match specific application requirements, enabling the system to adapt to different door weights, opening widths, and sealing needs without requiring a completely different fixed profile.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a static, fixed machined profile to a dynamic, reconfigurable segment-based structure. The guide rail can be dynamically adjusted by replacing segments to accommodate changing application requirements, making the system flexible and adaptable rather than fixed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If additional rollers are installed next to the door leaf to control movement, then the door can be guided in multiple directions, but the length of the track increases and the opening width is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveguidance and sealing controlVSAvoidtrack length
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of adding rollers in the horizontal plane (x-direction) to control movement, the invention uses a single roller that engages with vertically oriented link segments (z-direction) in the guide rail. This vertical dimension approach allows the roller to be deflected upward or downward to control the door's movement in y and z directions, achieving reliable guidance without increasing track length in the horizontal plane.

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

3Reliability

If the door leaf is deflected in y and z directions for hermetic sealing, then sealing contact pressure is achieved, but the guide system becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehermetic sealingVSAvoidguide slot and roller system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The link segments in the guide rail incorporate curved and inclined surfaces instead of straight rigid guides. These curved profiles naturally guide the roller through the required y and z direction movements to achieve hermetic sealing, while the smooth transitions reduce complexity compared to multi-component mechanical linkages.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

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

This solution allows for a minimum opening width of 800 mm and a maximum of 2500 mm, while ensuring dynamic movement even with heavy door leaves and achieving hermetic sealing, with the ability to adjust the system to suit different door weights and sealing types.

Implementation Method 1

the carriage rolls with three rollers on a guide rail located above the opening to guide the leaf

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRolling friction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3421704B1Sliding door with guiding groove
Publication Date: 2025.05.21 LANDERT GRP AG
  • EP3421704B1 patent drawingFigure 1~5
  • EP3421704B1 patent drawingFigure 6~11
  • EP3421704B1 patent drawingFigure 12~14

AI summary

Sliding door (1) with at least one leaf (40) movable relative to an opening (2), wherein a guide rail (8) with a carriage (13) rolling on it over several rollers (40), and a cam guide (3) for the transverse and longitudinal displacement of the movable leaf (40) are provided for guiding the movable leaf (40), wherein at least two rollers (40 a, b, d) are in contact with the guide rail (8) and at least one further roller (40c) temporarily floats above the cam guide (3) during the opening or closing movement