Sliding Door Sash with Slidable Rod Segments for Multi-Point Closure

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing lift and slide doors/windows face challenges with inflexible assembly and limited adaptability due to heavy materials like wood or PVC, which hinder rapid and adaptable installation procedures, and lack sufficient closing points for secure operation.

Innovation Solution

The design incorporates a system of sliding rod segments with right-angle drives and multiple closing elements that can be easily adapted to different sizes and configurations, allowing for simultaneous movement and secure closure at multiple points around the door/window frame, utilizing grooves in the sash profile for direct control and assembly simplicity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Strength

If traditional heavy materials like wood or PVC are used for the frame, then the door/window has sufficient strength and durability, but the weight increases significantly which hinders rapid and adaptable installation procedures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveframe strengthVSAvoiddoor/window weight
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSWeight of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The operating unit is divided into separate modular components: a rack and pinion device, rod segments, and closing elements that can be independently assembled and positioned. This segmentation allows for lighter individual components that can be rapidly installed while maintaining overall structural strength through the coordinated assembly of these modular parts.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of manufacture

If a fixed structure with predetermined closing points is used, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the adaptability to different sizes and configurations is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing simplicityVSAvoidconfiguration adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The rod segments are designed to be slidable within grooves of the sash profile, allowing their positions to be dynamically adjusted along the length of the profile. This dynamic positioning capability enables the same basic structure to adapt to different door/window sizes and configurations while maintaining a standardized manufacturing process for the components themselves.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The operating unit with its adjustable rod segments and multiple closing elements serves multiple functions: it provides locking at various positions, accommodates different sash profile lengths, and works with various door/window configurations. This universal design allows a single standardized component to replace multiple specialized parts.

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

3Reliability

If multiple closing points are added to enhance security, then the locking capability is improved, but the device complexity and assembly difficulty increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvelocking securityVSAvoidclosing system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple closing elements are integrated into a single unified operating unit that controls them all through a common rack and pinion mechanism. This merging of multiple closing functions into one coordinated assembly reduces the overall complexity compared to having separate locking mechanisms at each closing point, while still providing enhanced security through multiple engagement points.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP1970514B1A sliding door or window
Publication Date: 2012.06.13 GSG INT
  • EP1970514B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP1970514B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

A sliding door or window (1) comprises: a fixed frame (2); a sash (3) that opens and closes by sliding horizontally relative to the fixed frame (2); a sliding unit or carriage (4) associated with the bottom horizontal member (3a) of the sash (3) and resting on a horizontal base track (5); a controlling member (6) located on the sash (3) and connected to operating means (7) which, when actuated by the controlling member element (6), lift the sash (3) from the carriage (4) and lower the sash (3) through drive means (8) located between the sash (3) and the carriage (4) and connected to the operating means (7); closing means (9) acting between the vertical member (3b) of the sash (3) and the vertical member (2b) of the fixed frame (2) which, in the closed configuration, abut against each other edge to edge; the operating means (7) comprise a first rod segment (7a) and a second rod segment (7b) slidable in both directions in respective grooves (3c) formed on the profile of the vertical member (3b) and the upper horizontal member (3d) of the sash (3), respectively, and connected to each other by first right-angle drive means (10); the two rod segments (7a, 7b) operate on respective closing means (9, 9a) in such a way as to enable multiple and simultaneous closure of the sash (3) by a single direct movement of the segments (7a, 7b) using the controlling member 6).