Sliding Door Interlocking Stiles for Wind Load Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Sliding door assemblies face issues with wind loads causing doors to separate due to structural weaknesses, where the meeting stiles are primarily held together by locking hardware rather than their structural properties, limiting performance.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a door stile with a three-dimensional surface topography on its mating edge, allowing for interlocking with a door jamb or second stile, creating a stronger assembly by combining the structural properties of both stiles to withstand wind loads.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If locking hardware is used to hold meeting stiles together, then doors can be kept closed under normal conditions, but the meeting stiles separate under wind loads because the locks are not strong enough to resist the full wind pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the locking function with the structural frame by integrating interlocking features directly into the meeting stiles. The extensions and recessed zones form a unified structural system where the stiles themselves provide both structural support and locking action, eliminating the need for separate hardware while achieving both reliability and strength requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a third dimension to the meeting stile interface by creating three-dimensional extensions and recessed zones that interlock vertically along the height of the stiles. This vertical interlocking dimension provides multiple engagement points that collectively resist wind loads far superior to traditional point-contact locks
2Strength
If multiple locks are installed to improve wind load resistance, then the door assembly can better resist separation, but the device complexity increases and the structural properties of the stiles are not fully utilized
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the structural frame and locking mechanism into a single integrated system. The meeting stiles incorporate interlocking extensions and recessed zones as inherent structural features, eliminating the need for separate locking hardware while achieving superior wind load resistance through the combined structural and locking functions
Solution Approach 2:
The meeting stiles are designed to be self-locking through their interlocking geometry. The extensions on one stile fit into recessed zones on the mating stile, creating an automatic mechanical interlock that requires no additional actuators, controls, or complex hardware systems to maintain closure under wind loads
3Ease of manufacture
If the meeting stiles are designed with simple flat surfaces, then manufacturing is easier and the structure is simpler, but the stiles cannot effectively interlock and resist wind loads
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the meeting stile surface into multiple discrete features including extensions, recessed zones, and engagement surfaces positioned at different vertical locations. This segmentation creates multiple interlocking points along the height of the stiles, providing progressive resistance to wind loads while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through standardized forming processes
Data Source
AI summary
A pair of interlocking bi-parting sliding doors includes a first sliding door and a second sliding door, wherein the first sliding door has a first meeting stile that includes a first side portion for maintaining a door glass panel and a first mating side portion for engaging the second sliding door, wherein the first mating side portion includes a plurality of recessed zones, and wherein the second sliding door has a second meeting stile that includes a second side portion for maintaining a door glass panel and a second mating side portion for engaging the first mating side portion of the first sliding door, wherein the second mating side portion includes a plurality of extensions, wherein when the first sliding door and the second sliding door are in a closed position, the plurality of extensions interlock with the plurality of recessed zones.