Concealed Sliding Door Panel Support Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sliding doors with abutting panels face aesthetic and functional issues due to visible support and sliding devices, which are complicated and expensive, and require masonry works for installation, with no single device capable of supporting the panel independently.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a fixed frame, a mobile frame, a telescopic guide, rotating wheels, and synchronization means that allows the panel to slide without visible tracks on the masonry wall, enabling installation on new or existing doors without masonry works and supporting both right- and left-side opening doors with a single device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If simple rectilinear tracks are used for sliding panels, then the structure is simpler and cheaper, but the tracks remain visible on the wall and require masking elements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sliding mechanism from the wall plane by using a mobile frame that protrudes from the wall. The tracks are mounted on this mobile frame rather than being fixed to the wall, allowing the entire sliding mechanism to be retracted into the door opening when not in use, thus eliminating visible tracks on the wall.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a mobile frame that can dynamically change its position between a retracted state (inside the door opening) and an extracted state (protruding from the wall). This dynamic positioning allows the system to adapt between aesthetic mode (retracted) and functional mode (extracted for sliding operations).
2Ease of operation
If sliding doors with abutting panels are used, then the panel can abut against the jambs, but complicated and expensive devices are required with visible support structures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the support function and the sliding function into a single integrated mobile frame structure. This unified structure eliminates the need for separate support devices and tracks on the wall, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining the panel abutting capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile frame serves multiple functions: it supports the panel, provides the sliding mechanism, enables the panel to abut against jambs, and remains aesthetically concealed when retracted. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple separate components, simplifying the overall system.
3Productivity
If handling devices are mounted in pairs above and under the panel, then the panel can slide, but the device under the panel remains visible and creates an obstacle for users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges both handling devices into a single mobile frame structure located above the panel. This eliminates the need for a separate handling device under the panel, removing the visual obstacle and passage interference while maintaining full sliding capability through the integrated design.
4Adaptability or versatility
If separate devices are manufactured for left-opening and right-opening doors, then each version is optimized, but manufacturing costs double
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal mobile frame structure that can accommodate both left-opening and right-opening door configurations. The system achieves adaptability through adjustable or reconfigurable components within the single device design, eliminating the need for separate manufacturing lines for different opening directions.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1D
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AI summary
A device for support and handling of sliding panels for doors, comprising a first fixed frame (10) adapted to be housed inside the door opening (V) astride uprights (MO) of the door frame, as well as a second mobile frame (20) disposed under the first frame (10) and connected to it with means that allow it to assume a retracted position, in which the panel (A) is housed inside the door opening (V) and abuts against the jambs (S) of the door frame, and an extracted position, in which the panel (A) is not housed inside the door opening (V) and is free to slide laterally, device also comprising a telescopic guide (30) with two or more tracks interposed between said second mobile frame (20) and the upper edge (A2) of the sliding panel (A).