Semi-Invisible Sliding Door Thermal Profiles for Coplanar Flooring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing semi-invisible thermal insulating profiles for sliding doors and windows face issues such as insufficient insulation, cold liquefaction, non-coplanar floors, lack of waterproofing, and inefficient expansion and contraction due to temperature differences, which hinder accessibility and glazing replacement, and lead to dysfunctional sliding mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A semi-invisible combination of thermal insulating profiles for the lower part of sliding doors and windows, featuring a 'frame' with movement grooves, a 'sash' with U-shaped channels, and an 'added horizontal support' that allows linear contraction and expansion, integrated with wheels and ball bearings for stabilization and waterproofing, enabling unhindered passage and easy glazing replacement without dismantling the floor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If thermal insulating profiles are used for sliding doors and windows, then thermal insulation is improved, but the floor flatness and uniformity deteriorate due to non-coplanar floors
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the floor structure into separate functional segments: the thermal insulating profile system (frame, sash, added horizontal support) is segmented from the floor covering layers. This segmentation allows the insulation system to function independently while the floor coverings maintain their own flatness and coplanarity through separate adjustment mechanisms, resolving the contradiction between thermal insulation and floor flatness.
2Illumination intensity
If semi-invisible profiles are used to increase interior visibility, then aesthetic appeal is improved, but accessibility for people with mobility issues deteriorates due to protruding surfaces
Solution Approach 1:
The invention resolves the contradiction by transitioning from a two-dimensional surface problem to a three-dimensional solution. The floor coverings are positioned at different vertical levels (dimensions) relative to the thermal insulating profile, with the first floor covering at one level and the second floor covering at another level. This dimensional arrangement allows the profile to remain semi-invisible while eliminating protruding surfaces that hinder accessibility, as the floor coverings can be contoured or stepped to accommodate the profile without creating obstacles.
3Device complexity
If traditional sliding mechanisms are used with rollers attached to the frame, then structural simplicity is improved, but reliability deteriorates over time due to dysfunctional rollers
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the sliding function from the frame structure and relocates it to the sash assembly through the added horizontal support. The rollers are now attached to the movable sash rather than the fixed frame, which separates the sliding mechanism from the structural framework. This extraction improves reliability because the sliding components are now part of the replaceable sash assembly, allowing for easier maintenance and replacement without affecting the overall frame structure.
4Ease of operation
If floor coverings are made coplanar for easy access, then ease of operation is improved, but thermal insulation performance deteriorates due to compromised insulation zones
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by creating distinct functional zones with different properties. The thermal insulating profile system maintains its insulation properties in the vertical zone, while the floor coverings provide coplanar accessibility in the horizontal plane. The first and second floor coverings are positioned to ensure ease of access, while the thermal insulating profile (frame, sash, added horizontal support) maintains the thermal insulation zone between them. This local differentiation allows both coplanar flooring and effective thermal insulation to coexist without compromising either function.
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
This solution provides enhanced thermal insulation, accessibility for people with mobility issues, and durable, corrosion-resistant rollers, ensuring optimal thermal performance and aesthetic appeal while maintaining operational functionality and compatibility with various glazing types.
Implementation Method 1
the temperature difference between indoor and outdoor environment is not widely taken into consideration therefore the expansion and contraction of the elements used is not efficiently addressed
Implementation Method 2
The wheels which roll on the side walls of the movement grooves align bended profiles
Implementation Method 3
Ball bearings have U-form grooves at the contact point, cooperating with cylindrical stainless guide, in order to avoid sideways movement due to wind
Implementation Method 4
semi-invisible combination of thermal insulating profiles of the lower part of sliding doors and windows
Data Source
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AI summary
The semi-invisible combination of thermal insulating profiles of the lower part of sliding doors and windows which allows the unhindered passing of people and objects above it. Most illustrative figure: Fig 10. This advantages of this invention are the following: co-planarity and uniformity of the interior and exterior floor, unhindered passage of people and objects, accessibility for people with walking disabilities, narrow width grooves, classy profile design, high levels of waterproofing of the non-visible parts as well as waterproofing against weather conditions.