Sliding Door Track Mounting Above Suspended Ceiling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sliding door systems and suspended ceilings pose aesthetic and functional challenges, including light, sound, and airflow issues, as well as increased complexity and cost due to separate installation systems.
Innovation Solution
A mounting system for sliding doors that positions the track and roller assembly above the suspended ceiling, with a shroud encasing the components to block light, sound, and airflow, and allows the ceiling to be mounted to the door system, providing a minimalistic aesthetic and improved privacy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the sliding door track and mounting assembly are positioned below the suspended ceiling, then the installation is simpler and more accessible, but the aesthetic appearance deteriorates and light/sound/airflow issues arise
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting assembly is repositioned from the traditional below-ceiling location to an above-ceiling location, utilizing the vertical dimension to resolve the contradiction. The track and roller assembly are mounted on the underside of the ceiling structure, with the door extending upward through the ceiling opening, thereby hiding the mounting hardware from view while maintaining installation accessibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The door assembly is nested within the ceiling structure by having the door extend through the ceiling opening. The mounting assembly is nested above the ceiling plane, with the track positioned in the ceiling cavity space, effectively concealing the mechanical components while preserving functional access.
2Ease of manufacture
If the sliding door track and mounting assembly are positioned below the suspended ceiling, then the installation is simpler, but light, sound, and airflow pass through the ceiling opening creating harmful effects
Solution Approach 1:
The harmful factors of light, sound, and airflow transmission are extracted and blocked by introducing a shroud or enclosure around the ceiling opening. The shroud is positioned at the ceiling plane to seal the opening through which the door extends, preventing environmental factors from passing between adjacent spaces while the mounting assembly remains accessible above the ceiling.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate systems are used to mount the sliding door track and install the suspended ceiling, then each system can be optimized independently, but the overall complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sliding door mounting system and suspended ceiling installation system are merged into a single integrated assembly. The track mounting brackets attach directly to the ceiling support structure, and the ceiling tiles are installed around the integrated door opening, eliminating the need for separate mounting procedures and reducing overall installation complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mounting assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for the sliding door, creates the ceiling opening, and integrates with the ceiling support structure. The shroud serves dual purposes by both concealing the opening and blocking harmful factors, thereby reducing the need for additional separate components.
Data Source
AI summary
A system for mounting sliding doors within a wall assembly and suspending a ceiling. The system includes a mounting assembly mounted above the suspended ceiling and out of sight. A sliding door extends through a slit between the wall and the ceiling and connects to the mounting assembly. A shroud encases the mounting assembly to block light, airflow and sound from passing through the slit in the ceiling.