Sliding Wall Cover Element for Guide Channel Aesthetics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sliding wall arrangements with wide guide channels face aesthetic and practical issues, such as being unsightly and potentially hazardous, especially for individuals with disabilities, and existing cover solutions are limited in functionality and prone to interference with smooth movement due to friction and dirt accumulation.
Innovation Solution
A sliding wall arrangement featuring a cover element that transitions between a raised and lowered state to cover the guide channel, allowing the wing to move over it, supported by a spring mechanism and rollers, ensuring smooth operation and aesthetic appeal by maintaining a profiled appearance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the guide channel is made wider to accommodate thicker panels for better thermal and acoustic insulation, then the insulation performance is improved, but the aesthetic appearance deteriorates and accessibility problems arise
Solution Approach 1:
The cover element is extracted as a separate component that can be removed or lowered when needed. This allows the guide channel to maintain its necessary width for thick panels while appearing narrow or covered during normal operation, thus resolving the aesthetic conflict without compromising insulation performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover element transitions between different positions (raised/closed and lowered/open) to dynamically adapt the appearance of the guide channel. When raised, it provides a narrow aesthetic profile; when lowered, it allows access and accommodation for thick panels, thus resolving the static contradiction between width requirements and aesthetic appearance.
2Shape
If a trailing cover strip is used to cover the guide channel, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the smooth operation deteriorates due to friction and dirt accumulation
Solution Approach 1:
The cover function is extracted from the moving panel system and implemented as a separate, stationary cover element that does not trail with the panel. This eliminates the friction and dirt accumulation problems associated with trailing covers while maintaining aesthetic coverage of the guide channel.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover element acts as an intermediary component between the panel and the guide channel. It provides aesthetic coverage without interfering with the panel's movement, as it is positioned to cover the guide channel while allowing the panel to slide freely on its runners.
3Shape
If a flap that folds downwards is used to cover the guide channel, then the aesthetic appearance is improved, but the operation time increases due to manual pivoting required
Solution Approach 1:
The cover function is extracted from the panel operation sequence and implemented as a separate cover element that operates independently. This eliminates the need for manual pivoting during panel operation, thus reducing operation time while maintaining aesthetic coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The cover element is designed to automatically lower or open when the panel approaches, without requiring manual intervention. This self-service mechanism eliminates the time loss associated with manual flap pivoting while maintaining aesthetic appearance during closed periods.
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 enables the use of wide guide channels without aesthetic or practical drawbacks, ensuring smooth wing movement and effective coverage of the guide channel, reducing exposure and improving accessibility while maintaining a clean and functional profile.
Implementation Method 1
at least one cover element which serves to cover the at least one guide channel when the guide channel is released by the at least one slidable wing
Implementation Method 2
The at least one cover element has a raised state in which the cover element covers the guide channel released by the wing, as well as a lowered state in which the at least one cover element is lowered into the at least one guide channel, so that the at least one wing can be moved over the at least one cover element
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A sliding wall arrangement is described, comprising at least one panel (2) and a track (1) which can be recessed into a building floor and has at least one guide channel (11, 12) in which the at least one panel (2) is slidably mounted at its lower edge. At least one cover element (5) is provided, which serves to cover the at least one guide channel (11, 12) when the guide channel (11, 12) is released by the at least one slidable panel (2). The at least one cover element (5) has a raised state, in which it covers the guide channel (11, 12) released by the panel (2), and a lowered state, in which it is lowered into the at least one guide channel (11, 12) so that the at least one panel (2) can be slid over the at least one cover element (5).