Sliding Panel Corner Key with Biasing Guide
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Solution Overview
Problem
Sliding panel systems face challenges in maintaining panels in desired positions relative to panel frames due to lack of effective holding mechanisms, leading to instability and difficulty in vertical movement.
Innovation Solution
A corner key assembly with a guide chamber and biasing element that urges the guide into frictional engagement with the panel frame, ensuring the panel remains in place while allowing for easy vertical movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If frictional engagement is increased to hold the panel securely, then stability is improved, but ease of vertical movement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The guide is designed to be movable relative to the corner key, transitioning between retracted and extended positions. The biasing element provides dynamic force to maintain frictional engagement while allowing the guide to extend when vertical movement is needed, resolving the contradiction between stable holding and easy movement
Solution Approach 2:
The frictional engagement parameter is dynamically adjusted through the guide's position changes. When the guide extends from the corner key, the frictional engagement increases to secure the panel; when retracted, engagement decreases to facilitate movement, allowing parameter optimization for different operational states
2Manufacturing precision
If a holding mechanism is added to maintain panel position, then panel positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The holding function is segmented into distinct components: the guide chamber for containment, the biasing element for force application, and the guide for frictional engagement. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while maintaining overall system manageability
Solution Approach 2:
The biasing element automatically maintains frictional engagement between the guide and panel frame without requiring external control mechanisms. The system self-regulates the holding force through the biasing element's inherent mechanical properties, eliminating the need for complex control systems while achieving accurate panel positioning
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 effectively holds panels in desired positions, providing stability and facilitating easy vertical sliding by balancing frictional engagement for secure positioning and easy movement.
Implementation Method 1
a first biasing element positioned in the guide chamber between the guide and the proximal end of the corner key, the first biasing element configured to urge a portion of the guide from the guide chamber away from the corner key and into frictional engagement with the panel frame to hold the panel in a desired position relative to the panel frame
Implementation Method 2
a first biasing element positioned in the guide chamber between the guide and the proximal end of the corner key, the first biasing element configured to urge a portion of the guide from the guide chamber away from the corner key
Data Source
AI summary
A corner key assembly for a sliding panel system including a panel frame and a movable panel can include a corner key including a distal and proximal end, and a guide chamber being defined in the corner key, the guide chamber extending from the distal end towards the proximal end of the corner key; a guide slidingly movable relative to the corner key, at least a portion of the guide being configured to be positioned in the guide chamber and a portion of the guide being configured to extend from the guide chamber; and a biasing element positioned in the guide chamber between the guide and the proximal end, the biasing element configured to urge a portion of the guide from the guide chamber away from the corner key and into frictional engagement with the panel frame to hold the panel in a desired position relative to the panel frame.