Compact Sliding Door Soft-Close and Locking Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sliding door systems, particularly those with glass panels, face challenges in aesthetics due to visible structural frame members, roller brackets, and exposed soft-close and locking hardware, which disrupt the appearance of transparent or translucent materials.
Innovation Solution
The development of compact sliding door systems that integrate soft-close and locking functionalities within a track enclosure, concealing rollers and soft-close systems within the door panel and using a locking handle assembly that separates locking components from the door panel and frame, providing a seamless aesthetic while allowing for adjustable and secure operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If structural frame members are used to affix rollers to glass door panels, then the rollers can be securely attached, but the aesthetic appearance of the glass door panel is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the structural frame members from the visible surface of the glass door panel and relocates them to the rear side or integrates them into the roller assembly itself. This allows the frame to perform its structural function of securing rollers while remaining hidden from view, thus maintaining the aesthetic appearance of the glass panel.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent nests the structural frame members within the roller assembly or positions them behind the glass panel in a layered configuration. The frame is effectively nested within the overall door assembly structure, allowing it to provide secure attachment while being concealed by the glass panel and other visible components.
2Shape
If roller brackets are used to affix rollers to glass door panels without structural frames, then the aesthetic appearance is partially preserved, but the brackets extend onto the visible portion of the panel and still disrupt aesthetics
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the roller bracket functionality with the roller assembly itself, integrating the attachment mechanism directly into the roller unit. This eliminates the need for separate, extended brackets that would protrude onto the visible glass surface, thereby preserving aesthetics while maintaining secure roller attachment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent relocates the roller attachment mechanism from the front visible surface of the glass panel to the rear side or edges of the panel. By changing the spatial dimension of attachment from face-mounted to edge-mounted or rear-mounted, the brackets no longer extend onto the visible portion of the panel, thus preserving aesthetic appearance.
3Ease of operation
If conventional soft-close systems are used with components positioned outside or extending below the sliding door track, then soft-close functionality is provided, but exposed hardware disrupts the aesthetic of the sliding door
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the soft-close system components within the existing door track structure. The soft-close actuator, catch, and associated mechanisms are positioned inside the track enclosure, utilizing the track's internal space. This allows the soft-close functionality to operate effectively while all hardware remains concealed within the track, preserving the clean aesthetic appearance of the sliding door.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the door track to serve multiple functions: it provides the guiding path for roller movement, structural support for the door panel, and an enclosure for housing the soft-close system components. By making the track a multi-functional element, the patent eliminates the need for separate external soft-close hardware, thus maintaining aesthetic appearance while providing soft-close operation.
4Strength
If conventional locking systems with mortise and tenon are used on vertical door frames and door panels, then secure locking is achieved, but the arrangement disrupts the aesthetics of the transition between door panel and frame
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the locking mechanism from the traditional mortise-and-tenon configuration that would be visible on the door panel and frame surfaces. The locking components are relocated to the edge of the door panel where they interface with the frame from the side, or integrated into the roller assembly. This allows secure locking functionality to be maintained while the locking hardware remains hidden from the visible faces of the door and frame.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions the locking mechanism from a face-mounted mortise-and-tenon arrangement to an edge-mounted or side-interface configuration. By moving the locking action to the vertical edge of the door panel where it meets the frame, the locking hardware operates in a dimension that is not visible from the front or side views, thus preserving the aesthetic appearance of the door panel and frame transitions.
5Shape
If separate locking systems are used away from the door panel and frame interface, then aesthetic appearance is slightly improved, but the locking process becomes disjointed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the locking mechanism with the handle assembly, creating an integrated unit where the handle and lock operate together as a single coordinated system. The handle is positioned at the edge of the door panel and directly actuates the locking components, providing a seamless and intuitive locking process that is both aesthetically pleasing and operationally unified.
Data Source
AI summary
A sliding door includes a door panel that has a first face, a second face that is opposite to the first face, and a top edge that defines first and second raised portions of the door panel and an open space that extends between the first and second raised portions. The sliding door includes a plurality of rollers affixed to the door panel by first and second mounting assemblies. Each of the plurality of rollers has an axis of rotation that is normal to the first face of the door panel. The sliding door includes a soft-close assembly secured to the first and second mounting assemblies at opposing ends thereof, such that the soft-close assembly is positioned within the open space between the first raised portion of the door panel and the second raised portion of the door panel.