Adjustable Torsional Door Rod for Screen Door Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing engine cooling package designs for vehicles suffer from torque-induced deformation of the screen door due to its cantilevered center of gravity, requiring manual leveling when closing the door assembly, which is inconvenient and can lead to improper alignment.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating torsion rods fixed at the top and bottom of the screen door, with one end attached to the door frame and the other end freely rotating, and using a fastener like a jack screw to apply adjustable torsion that counteracts the cantilevered weight of the secondary door, maintaining the screen door's level position without manual lifting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the screen door is hinged with a secondary door in a perpendicular configuration, then the door assembly can be opened for cleaning service, but the center of gravity becomes cantilevered causing torque-induced deformation and requiring manual leveling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a torsion rod that generates a counterbalancing torque to offset the cantilevered weight of the secondary door. The torsion rod is pre-loaded with a torsional force that creates an opposing moment to the gravitational torque, effectively balancing the door assembly and maintaining its level position without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The torsion rod is pre-loaded with an initial torsional force during assembly that anticipates and counteracts the torque that will be generated when the secondary door is in its operational position. This preliminary application of counter-torque prevents deformation before it occurs during normal door operation.
2Stability of the object's composition
If manual lifting is required to level the door assembly when closing, then the cantilevered torque can be temporarily overcome, but the operation becomes inconvenient and alignment may be improper
Solution Approach 1:
The torsion rod provides continuous counterbalancing torque during the door closing operation, eliminating the need for manual lifting. The pre-loaded torsional spring maintains the door assembly in a balanced state throughout the entire range of motion, allowing smooth closing without intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The torsion rod system is self-regulating and automatically maintains the door assembly in its proper level position without requiring external intervention. The system balances itself through the elastic recovery of the pre-loaded torsion rod, making the door assembly self-sufficient in maintaining its alignment.
3Strength
If the torsion rod is fixed at both ends, then the structure is rigid, but the torsion rod cannot rotate freely to counteract the twisting force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the connection system into two distinct segments: one end of the torsion rod is rigidly fixed to the door frame to provide structural support, while the other end is mounted on a rotating support that allows free rotation. This segmentation enables the torsion rod to simultaneously maintain structural integrity and rotate to counteract twisting forces.
Solution Approach 2:
A rotating support mechanism acts as an intermediary between the torsion rod and the door frame at one end. This intermediary component allows the torsion rod to rotate freely while maintaining its structural connection, enabling the rod to respond to twisting forces without compromising its structural integrity.
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 torsion rods effectively counteract the twisting force, preventing deformation and allowing the door assembly to close properly without manual leveling, ensuring a stable and aligned position of the screen door.
Implementation Method 1
The torsion bar has a proximal end fixedly attached to the proximal frame post and a distal end moveable relative to the distal frame post. Movement of the torsion bracket with respect to the stationary support applies an adjustable torsion on the torsion bar.
Data Source
AI summary
A screen door for a cooling package of a vehicle that includes proximal and distal frame posts, screen surface, torsion bar, stationary support, torsion bracket and fastener. The proximal frame post is hingedly coupled to the cooling package, and the distal frame post can be hingedly coupled to a secondary door. Proximal end of torsion bar is fixedly attached to proximal frame post, and distal end is moveable relative to the distal frame post. Stationary support is fixedly attached to distal frame post. Torsion bracket is fixedly attached to distal end of torsion bar, and is moveable relative to stationary support. Fastener maintains torsion bracket in a desired position relative to stationary support. Movement of torsion bracket relative to stationary support applies an adjustable torsion on torsion bar, and fastener maintains the adjustable torsion. An adjustment member can be attached to fastener between torsion bracket and stationary support.