Sliding Profile with Extended Visible Surface for Glass Safety
Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional sliding door and window systems pose safety risks due to the likelihood of collisions with transparent partitions, such as glass panes, especially for individuals and pets who are unaware of their presence, and require frequent cleaning to address staining issues.
Innovation Solution
A sliding door or window system featuring a transparent partition held by a slidable profile with an extended visible surface area, where the profile extends from the lower to the upper free edge over a distance of at least 100 mm, increasing awareness and visibility of the partition, thereby reducing collision risks and incorporating a U-shaped rail for enhanced stability during sliding movements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a transparent partition (glass pane) is used in a sliding door system, then visibility and aesthetic appeal are improved, but safety is worsened due to the risk of collision with the invisible glass
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a visible surface (such as a colored or opaque profile) to the glass pane that changes or enhances the visual presence of the transparent partition. This visible surface allows light to pass through while providing a visual indicator of the glass location, thereby maintaining visibility while improving safety by making the glass detectable to prevent collisions.
2Reliability
If warning labels or decals are added to alert individuals to the presence of the glass pane, then safety is improved, but visibility is reduced and the system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using warning labels or decals that obstruct visibility, the patent employs a visible surface integrated into the glass pane structure that provides continuous visual indication without blocking light transmission. This approach maintains both safety awareness and visual clarity simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The visible surface serves multiple functions: it acts as a structural element of the glass assembly, provides continuous safety indication, and maintains optical transparency. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate warning labels while achieving both safety and visibility goals.
3Reliability
If the slidable profile extends over a longer distance (at least 100 mm), then safety and visibility are improved, but the amount of material and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent concentrates the visible surface and structural reinforcement at critical locations where collision risk is highest (such as the edges and corners of the glass pane), rather than uniformly extending the profile across the entire surface. This localized approach provides safety where needed while minimizing material usage and structural complexity.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a sliding door or window system and profile for use therein. The system has a transparent partition such as a glass pane, the slidable profile and a guiding means such as a rail, wherein the slidable profile has an upper portion with a free edge and a lower portion with a free edge; wherein the transparent partition is held by the upper portion of the slidable profile and wherein the lower portion of the slidable profile is slidably installed on the guiding means; wherein the slidable profile extends from the free edge of the lower portion to the free edge of the upper portion over a distance h which is at least 100 mm, preferably at least 120 mm, such as 250 mm.