Soft close device for doors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Display case doors are often closed with excessive force, leading to damage of electric and mechanical components.
Innovation Solution
A soft-close gasket system with a compressible foam and magnets is used to reduce the closing force of display case doors, incorporating a peripheral body with a cavity and compressible foam that slows the door's closure, thereby protecting components from excessive impact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the display case door is closed with force to ensure secure sealing, then the sealing effectiveness is improved, but the risk of damaging electric and mechanical components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gasket incorporates a compressible foam element positioned within a cavity of the peripheral body. This foam acts as a cushioning element that compresses before the door fully contacts the cabinet frame, absorbing impact forces and preventing damage to electric and mechanical components while still achieving effective sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The gasket serves as an intermediary element between the door and the cabinet frame. The peripheral body with its cavity and compressible foam mediates the contact, allowing the door to close securely while the foam absorbs excessive forces, thus protecting vulnerable components from damage.
2Reliability
If a rigid gasket is used to ensure strong sealing, then the sealing effectiveness is improved, but the mechanical impact during door closure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The gasket changes its physical parameters during door closure. The compressible foam element transitions from a compressed state to an expanded state, allowing it to absorb impact forces dynamically. This parameter change enables the gasket to provide strong sealing when needed while reducing mechanical impact during closure.
Solution Approach 2:
The gasket is constructed as a composite structure with a peripheral body (likely rigid or semi-rigid material) and a compressible foam element (soft, compliant material). This composite design combines the sealing effectiveness of rigid structures with the impact-absorbing properties of compliant materials.
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
Reduces mechanical and electrical component damage by minimizing the closing force, enhancing reliability, safety, and efficiency of display cases.
Implementation Method 1
The second portion has a magnet
Implementation Method 2
The third portion compresses when the door is closed against a cabinet frame
Implementation Method 3
The compressible foam is positioned in and extends along a length of the cavity
Data Source
AI summary
A soft close device for doors. A display case door includes a gasket and a compressible foam. The gasket has a peripheral body defining a cavity. The peripheral body includes a first portion, a second portion, and a third portion. The first portion is substantially flat and coupled to a surface of the display case door. The second portion is arranged on an opposite side of the cavity to the first portion. The second portion includes a magnet. The third portion is disposed between the first portion and the second portion. The third portion compresses when the door is closed against a cabinet frame. The compressible foam is positioned in and extends along a length of the cavity.