Architectural Terrace Door Threshold with Thermal Break
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door threshold systems often require modifications to the walking surface to achieve a low height profile, which can lead to issues with water accumulation and mold/mildew formation, and are not easily installable in all environments, especially those where surface modifications are not permitted or desirable.
Innovation Solution
A threshold system comprising a first and second support member secured to the walking surface with thermal breaks and removable ramps, along with a gasket system that extends upwardly to provide a seal and reduce the edge profile, allowing for installation without extensive surface alterations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a threshold is installed with a low height profile, then accessibility is improved, but water accumulation and mold/mildew formation occur underneath the threshold
Solution Approach 1:
The threshold system is divided into multiple support members (first support member, second support member) with a thermal break between them, creating separate drainage pathways that prevent water accumulation while maintaining low profile accessibility
Solution Approach 2:
A thermal break is introduced as an intermediary element between the first and second support members, serving as both a thermal insulator and a structural component that enables drainage while maintaining the low-height threshold profile
2Ease of operation
If the walking surface is modified to accommodate the threshold, then a low height profile is achieved, but installation complexity and surface alteration requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ramps are designed to be removably coupled to the support members, providing a dynamic installation system that can be adjusted and removed without permanent surface modifications, simplifying installation while maintaining low profile
Solution Approach 2:
The threshold system uses multiple separately installable support members with removable ramps, allowing incremental installation without requiring extensive pre-modification of the walking surface
3Reliability
If sealing members are incorporated with the door, then moisture infiltration is reduced, but the risk of water accumulation underneath the threshold increases
Solution Approach 1:
The segmented support member design with thermal break creates natural drainage pathways that channel water away from underneath the threshold, preventing accumulation while sealing members block infiltration at the door interface
Solution Approach 2:
The system extracts water from the potential accumulation zone underneath the threshold by providing drainage pathways through the thermal break and support member gaps, separating the sealing function from the drainage function
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 effectively prevents water and air infiltration while maintaining a low profile, ensuring accessibility and compliance with ADA requirements without the need for surface cuts or extensive modifications, thus reducing the risk of mildew and mold formation.
Implementation Method 1
a thermal break joining the first support member and the second support member
Data Source
AI summary
The threshold system includes a first support member secured to a walking surface, a second support member secured to the walking surface, and a thermal break joining the first support member and the second support member. A first ramp is removably coupled to the first support member. A second ramp is removably coupled to the second support member.