Sliding Door Lock and Seal System for Modular Walls
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Modular wall systems face challenges in securely sealing and locking sliding doors, particularly due to the reconfigurable and non-permanent nature of these systems, which makes it difficult to achieve a reliable seal and secure position for sliding doors without obstructive sealing devices.
Innovation Solution
A locking and sealing system for sliding doors that includes receiving channels on the door to capture a pin extending from a support surface, combined with a gasket seal integrated into the modular wall to seal transverse gaps, allowing for secure alignment and sealing without obstructing aesthetics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional sealing beads (astragal) are placed along the lead edge of sliding doors, then a seal is provided between the sliding door and the surface it contacts when closed, but the sealing device remains visible when the door is open and may be unsightly
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing function is extracted from the door assembly and integrated into the wall module instead. The gasket seal is attached to the wall module and engages with the sliding door when closed, removing the visible sealing bead from the door's lead edge and eliminating the aesthetic drawback while maintaining sealing effectiveness.
2Adaptability or versatility
If modular wall systems use reconfigurable and non-permanent construction, then ease of configuration and reconfiguration is improved, but the ability to securely lock sliding doors is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system is segmented into discrete components: a pin received by a receiving channel, and a locking mechanism with an operating means. This modular approach allows the locking system to be integrated into the reconfigurable wall modules while maintaining secure locking capability through the pin-channel engagement mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism serves multiple functions: it secures the sliding door in the closed position, provides alignment through the receiving channel, and integrates with the modular wall system's reconfigurable nature. The same structural elements support both the locking function and the overall modular assembly.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If gaps around sliding doors are sealed with traditional methods, then light and sound isolation is improved, but the sealing devices become visible and obstruct aesthetic appeal
Solution Approach 1:
The gasket seal acts as an intermediary element that provides the sealing function without being visually prominent. By attaching the gasket to the wall module rather than the door, and positioning it to engage only when the door is closed, the sealing function is achieved while minimizing visual impact during both open and closed states.
Data Source
AI summary
Implementations of the present invention relate generally to systems and components for sealing and locking doors, including sliding doors for use with modular walls. A locking system can be configured to secure and release a sliding door. In particular, the locking system can include a sliding door with one or more receiving channels configured to receive a pin extending from a floor's surface. A locking mechanism can be included and configured to selectively drive a shaft to capture and release a pin that has been received by the receiving channel. The sealing system is configured to seal a gap between a modular wall and an adjacent sliding door. In particular, the sealing system can include a connector configured to connect trim to a wall panel wherein the connector includes an integrated gasket seal configured to seal the gap.