Subterranean Roller Assembly for Concealed Sliding Door Tracks
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sliding door and panel systems often have visible tracks that disrupt the aesthetic continuity between interior and exterior spaces, and require complex installation and maintenance, especially when dealing with large or heavy panels.
Innovation Solution
A subterranean sill and roller assembly system where the track is integrated into the bottom rail of the door or panel, with self-adjusting roller cartridges and concealed design elements, allowing for smooth operation and easy maintenance without removing panels or trim, and featuring a staggered sill for drainage and reduced visibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional sliding door systems use visible tracks for panel operation, then the panels can slide smoothly, but the aesthetic continuity between interior and exterior spaces is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The track system is extracted from the visible interior space and relocated to the exterior subterranean sill area. The roller cartridges are positioned in recesses within the sill assembly, hidden from interior view, while still providing the necessary rolling support for panel operation. This separation removes the visual disruption from the interior aesthetic while preserving the functional sliding capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The track system is moved from a two-dimensional visible plane to a three-dimensional concealed space below the flooring surface. By positioning the roller cartridges in recesses within the subterranean sill assembly, the track operates in a hidden dimensional space that does not interfere with the visual continuity of the flooring and panel surfaces.
2Strength
If conventional sliding door systems use complex track assemblies, then the panels can be supported, but the installation and maintenance become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The track system is segmented into discrete roller cartridges that can be independently installed, removed, and serviced. Each roller cartridge is a separate unit positioned within recesses in the sill assembly, allowing individual components to be accessed and maintained without dismantling the entire track system or removing panels or trim.
Solution Approach 2:
The roller cartridges are designed to be easily serviceable by the end user or maintenance personnel without requiring specialized tools or complex procedures. The cartridges can be independently accessed through openings in the sill assembly, allowing for simple cleaning, lubrication, or replacement without professional installation expertise.
3Ease of repair
If the sill assembly extends above the walking surface, then the track is accessible for maintenance, but the profile becomes elevated and visible
Solution Approach 1:
The roller cartridges are nested within recesses formed within the sill assembly, which itself is positioned at or below the flooring surface. This nested configuration allows the track components to be accessible for maintenance through openings in the sill while maintaining a low profile that does not extend above the walking surface.
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 system provides a visually discreet and functional sliding door solution that maintains a low profile, allows for easy maintenance, and ensures smooth operation of large or heavy panels while maintaining a seamless aesthetic between interior and exterior spaces.
Implementation Method 1
roller assembly configured to be secured in the sill, the roller assembly configured to be in the sill below the upper surface of the floor
Implementation Method 2
allowing for smooth operation of large or heavy panels
Implementation Method 3
support blade configured to extend downwardly from the bottom rail surface into the sill, the support blade configured to contact the roller assembly for the panel to move in the longitudinal direction
Implementation Method 4
inner housing at least partially positioned within the outer housing, the inner housing comprising a boss positioned within the socket of the outer housing, the boss configured to move within the socket such that the inner housing moves about the boss relative to the outer housing
Data Source
AI summary
A sliding door or panel system is provided. The system can have a roller assembly that is mounted onto a sill. The system can have a moveable door or panel with a blade extending from a bottom rail of the door or panel. The blade can rest on the rollers and the rollers facilitate the door or panel moving longitudinally along the sill. The sill can be installed below a top surface of a floor, making the system less visible. The system can include a brush insert that protects against debris entering the sill. The brush insert can be removed from the sill to allow access to the rollers.