Sliding Door Locking Device with Groove Guide for Slim Corner Arrangements

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional sliding door locking systems are often heavy and unsuitable for corner arrangements in modern architecture, where a slim and light design is required, and they struggle to accommodate two movable door leaves moving in opposite directions without a support element at the corner.

Innovation Solution

A locking device with a sliding body and a lifting body coupled via a groove guide, where the sliding body's movement is converted into a lifting movement, allowing for a slim and light design that can lock the door leaves in a closed position without a support element at the corner, using a linear drive and sensor elements for precise positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a conventional two-piece latch is used in the door frame, then reliable locking is achieved, but the device becomes heavy and unsuitable for corner arrangements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking reliabilityVSAvoidframe component weight
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSWeight of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The locking device is divided into functionally independent components: a lifting body for actuation, a sliding body for movement conversion, and a groove guide for motion transformation. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while reducing overall weight and complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The locking mechanism uses dynamic movement conversion where horizontal movement of the sliding body is transformed into vertical lifting movement of the actuating element through the groove guide. This dynamic approach replaces heavy static locking components with lighter dynamic elements that achieve the same locking function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If a conventional locking device is used, then secure locking is achieved, but the design becomes bulky and unsuitable for modern slim corner arrangements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking securityVSAvoiddevice dimensions
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The groove guide converts movement from one dimension (horizontal sliding) to another dimension (vertical lifting). This dimensional transformation allows the actuating element to engage the locking device from above in a slim profile, eliminating the need for bulky lateral locking mechanisms.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanism uses dynamic movement conversion where horizontal movement of the sliding body is transformed into vertical lifting movement of the actuating element through the groove guide. This dynamic approach replaces heavy static locking components with lighter dynamic elements that achieve the same locking function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Stability of the object's composition

If support elements are installed at corners for sliding doors, then structural stability is improved, but the modern architectural requirement for corner windows/doors without support elements is compromised

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedoor structure stabilityVSAvoidcorner arrangement flexibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The locking device integrated in the door frame serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the locking mechanism, enables secure locking of door leaves, and maintains the architectural requirement for clean corner arrangements without additional support elements. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction between stability and adaptability.

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

4Ease of manufacture

If a simple linear drive is used, then ease of manufacture is improved, but precise positioning control may be insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrive system simplicityVSAvoidpositioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The groove guide acts as an intermediary mechanical element that transforms simple linear horizontal movement into precise vertical lifting movement. This passive mechanical guidance system provides positioning accuracy without requiring complex control mechanisms, maintaining ease of manufacture while achieving precise positioning.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP3498960B1Locking device for a door, in particular sliding door
Publication Date: 2020.07.15 LIBERDA RUDOLF
  • EP3498960B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3498960B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3498960B1 patent drawingFigure 5~7

AI summary

Device for locking a door leaf movable in a door frame, in particular a sliding door, comprising: - a main part (31) which, in the assembled state of the device, is arranged in the door frame of the door and has a drive means for moving a sliding element in a first direction within the main part (31), and - a lifting element (33) projecting from the main part (31), which is movably mounted in the main part (31) along a lifting direction transverse to the first direction, wherein the lifting element (33) has an actuating element (34) projecting transversely to the lifting direction, which is configured to engage in a locking device of the door leaf when the door leaf is brought into a closing position in the door frame, and to lock the locking device by a movement along the lifting direction, wherein the sliding element and the lifting element (33) are coupled to each other via a groove guide.which converts a movement of the sliding body in the first direction into a lifting movement of the lifting body (33) along the lifting direction.