Sliding Door Rain Deflector With Compliant Track Seal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing solutions for preventing flooding under sliding glass doors are either heavy, require external assistance for installation, or use materials like sandbags that can damage the track.
Innovation Solution
A lightweight rain deflector apparatus with a declined body surface and a compliant base portion that can be sealably inserted into the sliding glass door's track, or positioned on the floor outside the track, using suction cups or magnets for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a heavy shapeable material is used to create a sealing surface, then the device can resist strong winds and prevent flooding, but the device becomes difficult to install and remove
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate components: a rigid body structure and a separate compliant base portion. This segmentation allows the heavy sealing function to be isolated in the base portion while the main body remains lightweight and easy to handle.
Solution Approach 2:
A compliant base portion made of flexible material is used to create the sealing surface. This flexible element can conform to the track surface and be easily attached or removed without the entire device needing to be heavy, resolving the contradiction between sealing effectiveness and ease of installation.
2Reliability
If sandbags are used to block water, then flooding can be prevented, but sand can leak through holes and damage the track
Solution Approach 1:
A compliant base portion made of flexible material creates a clean sealing surface that prevents water infiltration without using particulate materials like sand. This eliminates the risk of sand leakage and track damage while maintaining flooding prevention effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses a removable compliant base portion that can be easily replaced if damaged, avoiding the need for permanent track modifications or heavy-duty permanent installations that could cause damage.
3Reliability
If a compliant base portion is inserted into the track, then water can be effectively blocked, but the track may be damaged by insertion forces
Solution Approach 1:
The compliant base portion is made of flexible material that can deform during insertion and then conform to the track surface, distributing insertion forces and preventing damage to the track while maintaining effective water blocking.
Solution Approach 2:
The compliant nature of the base portion acts as a cushioning element that absorbs insertion forces before they reach the track, protecting the track from damage while still providing effective sealing.
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
Effectively deflects water away from the sliding glass door, prevents water accumulation in the track, and allows for easy installation and removal without damaging the track, while being lightweight and easy to use.
Implementation Method 1
The suction cups and/or magnets are selected such that their holding force to the glass is sufficient to keep the upper edge of the apparatus pressed up against the glass
Implementation Method 2
The suction cups and/or magnets are selected such that their holding force to the glass is sufficient to keep the upper edge of the apparatus pressed up against the glass
Data Source
AI summary
A rain deflector apparatus provides a declined body surface to deflect water away from a sliding glass door (or similar structure) and a compliant base portion that can be sealably inserted into the sliding glass door's track (or similar structure) in order to prevent water and debris from collecting in the track and making its way under the door. In a preferred embodiment, the rain deflector apparatus is secured to the glass of the sliding glass door by way of one or more suction cups. The suction cups are selected such that their holding force to the glass is sufficient to keep the upper edge of the apparatus pressed up against the glass and the lower edge in sealed relation to the track or floor.