Sliding Screen Guide Device with Toothed Pivot for Height Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sliding screen systems face challenges in achieving a more space-efficient and cost-effective design due to the need for adjustable slide rail engagement structures to accommodate manufacturing tolerances and uneven surfaces, often requiring complex mechanisms that increase installation height and manufacturing costs.
Innovation Solution
A guide device with a manually operable pivot means that supports a height adjustment element, allowing it to be moved upwards and downwards between positions, reducing the total installation height and simplifying the housing design, while enabling easy assembly and adjustment through engagement structures and toothed mechanisms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a complex height adjustment system is used to accommodate manufacturing tolerances and uneven floor levels, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases and installation space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the height adjustment element and the manually operable pivot means into a single integrated guide device assembly. The pivot means is directly connected to the height adjustment element, eliminating the need for separate adjustment mechanisms. This merging reduces device complexity while maintaining the ability to adjust for manufacturing tolerances and uneven floor levels through the coordinated action of the pivot and adjustment element.
Solution Approach 2:
The guide device employs a manually operable pivot means that allows the height adjustment element to be positioned and locked at different heights through simple manual operation. The system serves itself by using the pivot mechanism to automatically maintain contact between the sliding surface and the slide rail while allowing height adjustment, eliminating the need for complex external adjustment systems.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a larger housing is used to accommodate the height adjustment mechanism, then the adjustability is improved, but the volume of the guide device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The height adjustment element is nested within the housing structure, with the pivot means integrated into the same assembly. The adjustment element moves within the confines of the housing rather than requiring external space, allowing height adjustability while minimizing the overall volume of the guide device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the vertical dimension for height adjustment while keeping the horizontal footprint compact. The pivot means operates in a rotational manner that translates to vertical displacement of the sliding surface, allowing height adjustability without increasing the horizontal dimensions of the housing.
3Ease of manufacture
If multiple separate components are used for height adjustment, then the ease of manufacture is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The guide device integrates the housing, height adjustment element, and pivot means into a single assembled unit that functions as one cohesive mechanism. While the components can be manufactured separately using standard processes, they are designed to work together as an integrated system, reducing the overall complexity compared to multiple independent adjustment mechanisms.
4Ease of operation
If the pivot axis is positioned higher, then the ease of operation is improved, but the total installation height increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions the pivot axis horizontally rather than vertically, allowing the user to operate the mechanism by applying force at a convenient horizontal distance from the pivot point. This creates a lever arm that provides mechanical advantage, making the device easy to operate without requiring the pivot axis to be positioned at a height that would increase the total installation height.
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 provides a more space-efficient and cost-effective sliding screen system by minimizing the housing's support requirements, allowing for a simpler design and easier assembly, while maintaining effective engagement with slide rails.
Implementation Method 1
the contact surfaces are always in contact with each other due to gravitation, since the weight of the sliding screen acts on the housing
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure relates to a guide device for a sliding screen system. The guide device includes a housing, a height adjustment element arranged to be set in different positions in a height direction, and a manually operable pivot connected to the housing for pivoting around a pivot axis and connected to the height adjust-ment element for moving the height adjustment element when pivoted. The housing includes a first toothed structure extending in a circular path around the pivot axis. The manually operable pivot includes a second toothed structure extending in a circular path around the pivot axis. The first toothed structure and the second toothed structure engage each other. The housing includes at least one finger that is radially flexible relative the pivot axis and that includes a section of the first toothed structure.