Sliding System Push-Release Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sliding systems with sliding doors face challenges in providing a simple, economical, and aesthetic way to integrate a 'push-release' mechanism, as current solutions either reduce passage width, increase costs, or are perceived as unsightly.

Innovation Solution

A compact locking and ejection module with a sliding rail system that includes a support with a sliding guide, a resilient connection, and a switching link, where the switching link defines an armed state that maintains the sliding part in a fixed position until a thrust is exerted, allowing the sliding part to eject opposite to the arrival direction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a protruding section is used to facilitate door handling, then ease of operation is improved, but the width of the opening is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedoor handlingVSAvoidopening width
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the handling function from the door itself by introducing a separate ejection mechanism that protrudes from the partition. This allows the door to remain flush with the partition face while a dedicated component provides the protruding element needed for easy grasping and operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention introduces an intermediary ejection mechanism that acts as a mediator between the partition and the door. This mechanism includes a protruding section that can be grasped by users, while the actual door remains flush with the partition, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and opening width.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If a finger pull is installed on the door edge, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing cost increases significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedoor handlingVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the handling function from the door itself by introducing a separate ejection mechanism. This allows the door to remain simple and inexpensive to manufacture, while the handling function is provided by a separate mechanism that is part of the sliding system rather than the door assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The ejection mechanism serves multiple functions: it provides a protruding element for easy grasping, acts as a push-button to activate the ejection, and integrates with the sliding system's existing components. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components that would increase manufacturing cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If a finger pull is installed on the door edge, then ease of operation is improved, but aesthetic appearance deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedoor handlingVSAvoidaesthetic appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The invention extracts the handling function from the door surface by placing the ejection mechanism in the partition rather than on the door itself. This maintains the clean, flush appearance of the door when retracted, while still providing an accessible protruding element for operation through the partition.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The ejection mechanism acts as an intermediary that is visually separated from the door when retracted. It is housed within the partition and only becomes visible and accessible when needed, thus maintaining the aesthetic appearance of the door while providing easy operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Device complexity

If a compact locking and ejection module is used, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodule structureVSAvoidassembly tolerance
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The invention merges the locking and ejection functions into a single integrated module that utilizes existing components from the sliding system. By combining these functions and reusing existing parts like the pivoting arm and groove circuit, the overall device complexity is reduced while avoiding the need for highly precise manufacturing of new specialized components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The module uses universal components from the sliding system for multiple functions. The pivoting arm and groove circuit serve both locking and ejection purposes, reducing the number of specialized parts and lowering manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining functional integration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables the installation of a sliding system with a 'push-release' function that is simple, economical, and aesthetically pleasing, maintaining a flush door position when open and allowing easy ejection and closure without protrusion, compatible with existing damping devices.

Implementation Method 1

a resilient connection between the support and the sliding part such that sliding of the sliding part in a direction of arrival causes elastic deformation of the resilient connection

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the resilient connection canceling its elastic deformation upon exiting the armed state thus causing the sliding part to slide in an ejection direction opposite to the direction of arrival

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic recovery: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4230830A1Sliding system with a "push-release" function
Publication Date: 2023.08.23 ESTAB SOGAL (SAS)

AI summary

A sliding system mounting kit comprises, on the one hand, a sliding rail with a pair of internal grooves and, on the other hand, a locking and ejection module (111) adapted to be inserted into the sliding rail and held in place by the pair of internal grooves. The locking and ejection module (111) includes a support (1201) with a sliding guide (1202) and a sliding portion (1206) adapted to slide within the sliding guide (1202). Sliding the sliding portion (1206) in a forward direction causes elastic deformation of a resilient connection (1212) between the support (1201) and the sliding portion (1206).A switching link (1209, 1213) between the support (1201) and the sliding part (1206) defines an armed state where the sliding part (1206) is held in a fixed position while the resilient connection (1212) exerts a force on the sliding part (1206) due to its elastic deformation. The switching link (1209, 1213) exits the armed state when a push is exerted on the sliding part (1206) in the inward direction. The resilient connection (1212) then cancels its elastic deformation, thus causing the sliding part (1206) to slide in an ejection direction opposite to the inward direction. The switching link (1209, 1213) of the module (111) has the following characteristics. The sliding part (1206) includes a groove circuit (1209). A pivoting arm (1213) rotatably fixed to the support (1201) has a head (1214) which travels along the groove circuit (1209).