Sliding Door Threshold With Segmented Drainage Channel
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ground sills for sliding doors face challenges in avoiding the formation of steps while ensuring reliable drainage and easy assembly, with previous solutions either requiring additional costly components or complicating the integration of drainage openings.
Innovation Solution
A ground sill design featuring a drainage channel with a sloping bottom, delimited by an upwardly projecting step and web, covered by separate components that allow for easy assembly and reliable drainage, with the covers being adapted for both drainage and supporting the fixed panel, and incorporating mounting grooves for a tread strip to maintain accessibility without large steps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a step is arranged adjacent to the running rail to enable drainage, then drainage function is improved, but accessibility is worsened due to formation of steps
Solution Approach 1:
The threshold profile is segmented into multiple functional parts: a first threshold section with the running rail, a second threshold section with drainage openings, and a connection section with a gentle slope. This segmentation allows the drainage function to be separated from the walking surface, enabling drainage without creating large steps that would hinder accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
Different sections of the threshold profile are given different local qualities: the first threshold section provides a stable walking surface adjacent to the running rail, the connection section provides a gentle slope for water flow, and the second threshold section provides drainage openings. Each section is optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall accessibility.
2Reliability
If drainage openings are introduced into the integrally formed threshold profile, then drainage function is improved, but manufacturing complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The threshold profile is divided into at least two separately formable sections: a first threshold section containing the running rail and a second threshold section containing the drainage openings. These sections can be manufactured separately using standard extrusion processes and then connected, avoiding the need for complex integral forming operations while ensuring reliable drainage functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The separately manufactured first and second threshold sections are connected via a connection section to form a complete threshold assembly. This merging approach allows the benefits of separate manufacturing (simplicity, flexibility) to be combined with the functionality of an integrated drainage system, achieving both ease of manufacture and reliable drainage.
3Ease of operation
If additional mounting profile is added to cover the threshold, then accessibility is improved by avoiding steps, but device complexity and cost are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The connection section serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides a gentle sloping surface for water drainage, connects the first and second threshold sections structurally, and creates a smooth transition surface that maintains accessibility. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate mounting profiles while achieving both drainage and accessibility goals.
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
The solution ensures reliable drainage and easy installation of the fixed panel while maintaining accessibility requirements by avoiding large steps and simplifying the assembly process, with the drainage channel's design ensuring no joints or gaps for effective sealing.
Implementation Method 1
a drainage channel (4) with a bottom sloping to an outside
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 3
AI summary
A threshold (1) for a sliding door (13) comprises a threshold profile (2) on which a guide rail (16) for the sliding door (13) is provided on an upper surface, wherein the threshold profile (2) has a drainage channel (4) spaced apart from the guide rail (16) with a bottom (20) sloping towards an outside, and the drainage channel (2) has an upwardly projecting step (5) on the side facing the guide rail (16) and is bounded on the outside by an upwardly projecting web (6) in which several drainage openings (60) are formed through which the bottom (20) can be drained, wherein the drainage channel (4) of the threshold profile (2) is covered on an upper surface by a first cover (7) with openings (8) for drainage and a second cover (9) for fixing a fixed panel (40). This makes it easy to drain moisture from an outside of the threshold (1) and to easily install a sliding door system.