Sliding Door Rain Deflector with Segmented Plug
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for reducing water intrusion through sliding glass doors during severe weather are impractical, difficult to install, and often require heavy materials that can damage the door's track or obstruct its operation.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight, compact mechanical rain deflector apparatus with a declined body surface to deflect water and a compliant base portion that can be secured to the sliding glass door's track, allowing for easy installation and removal without obstructing the door's operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sandbags or heavy pliable materials are used to block the track, then water intrusion is prevented, but the sliding door cannot be opened from the inside and the track may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into a removable plug portion and a retention mechanism. The plug portion can be inserted to block water, while the retention mechanism (lugs fitting into recesses) allows for easy removal and reinstallation, maintaining door operability while providing water protection when needed
Solution Approach 2:
The device transitions from a static heavy material (sandbag) to a dynamic removable plug system. The plug can be inserted and removed as needed, allowing the system to adapt between protected and operational states, enabling door opening when the plug is removed
2Strength
If heavy shapeable material is used to create a sealing surface, then the device resists strong winds, but the device becomes difficult to store and deploy
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into modular components (plug portion with sealing surface, retention lugs) that can be easily stored and deployed. This modular design eliminates the storage difficulties associated with heavy continuous materials while maintaining wind resistance through the retained sealing surface
Solution Approach 2:
The plug portion is designed as a simple, lightweight component that can be easily replaced or repositioned, eliminating the need for heavy durable materials that are difficult to store and handle
3Reliability
If a physical barrier is installed to divert water, then water intrusion is reduced, but the device may obstruct the door's operation
Solution Approach 1:
The barrier is segmented into a compact plug portion that fits within the track rather than spanning across it. This allows the door to slide over or around the plug without significant obstruction, maintaining door operability while providing effective water diversion at the critical track area
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
Effectively reduces water intrusion and wind-driven rain by creating a physical barrier that diverts water away from the door's track, while being easy to install and use, and does not require heavy materials that could damage the door's track.
Implementation Method 1
a declined body surface to deflect water and wind-driven rain
Data Source
AI summary
A rain deflector apparatus provides a declined body surface to deflect water away from a sliding glass door (or similar structure) and a one or more compliant portion in order to prevent water and debris from collecting in the track and making its way under the door. In a preferred embodiment, the rain deflector apparatus is secured to the door or door track by a one or more attachment mechanism. The attachment mechanism(s) is/are selected such that their holding force to the track or other structure is sufficient to keep the upper edge of the apparatus pressed up against the glass and the lower edge in sealed relation to the track or floor.