Welded Plastic Sliding Door Assembly for Refrigeration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional sliding glass door assemblies for refrigeration cabinets are not fully integrated, leading to installation challenges, thermal conductivity issues due to metallic frames, and condensation problems, requiring additional insulation and sealing solutions.
Innovation Solution
A fully assembled sliding door assembly with a welded plastic frame and sash, featuring thermally welded plastic extrusion profiles that eliminate the need for fasteners and provide accurate, strong, and aesthetically pleasing construction, reducing thermal conductivity and condensation issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If metallic frames are used for sliding glass doors, then structural strength is improved, but thermal conductivity increases causing heat transfer and condensation problems
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs composite material construction by combining metal extrusions with thermal break materials (such as plastic or rubber inserts) within the frame structure. This composite approach maintains the structural strength provided by metal while introducing thermal insulation properties that reduce heat transfer and prevent condensation on the glass surfaces.
2Strength
If sliding glass door components are mechanically fastened together, then assembly strength is improved, but installation complexity and time increase due to multiple pieces requiring alignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate door components into a single pre-assembled unit that includes the frame, glass panels, and fastening mechanisms integrated together. This unified construction allows the entire door assembly to be installed as one piece, eliminating the time-consuming process of aligning and fastening multiple separate components while maintaining structural integrity through the integrated design.
3Ease of manufacture
If mitered joints are used to assemble door frames, then manufacturing flexibility is improved, but joint alignment precision deteriorates requiring shimming and caulking
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the joining parameter from traditional mitered joints to alternative connection methods such as butt joints with mechanical fasteners or interlocking profiles. This parameter change maintains manufacturing flexibility while achieving superior joint alignment precision without requiring shimming or caulking, as the new joint configuration allows for more accurate and consistent assembly.
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 allows for easy installation and replacement of components, reduces thermal conductivity, eliminates the need for supplemental heating and insulation, and provides a cost-effective, bacteria-resistant, and air-tight sealing system.
Implementation Method 1
the use of a metallic frame for a sliding glass door or door frame system presents a problem in maintaining a refrigerated condition within a refrigerated cabinet due to the fact that metals are good conductors of heat. In other words, they have a high coefficient of heat transfer, and are thus 'thermally conductive.'
Implementation Method 2
double or triple paned glass doors that have been used for refrigerated cabinets can have condensation formed on the exterior of the glass due to a heat differential between cold air inside a cabinet and warm air outside the cabinet. In order to prevent this condensation, the doors have typically been provided with an electrical heating means to elevate the temperature on the exterior surface of the glass so that it is above the dew point of the ambient air on the exterior of the refrigerated cabinet
Implementation Method 3
metallic frames have been provided with insulating 'thermal breaks' to reduce heat transfer across the extrusion
Data Source
AI summary
The frame and the sash of the sliding door assembly are each made of plastic. The frame extrusion profile utilizes an opposing open-leg or C-channel construction that creates an interior accessory slot that is utilized throughout the overall construction to create a carrier that can accept a wide variety of snap-in accessory extrusions or components. Similarly, the sash extrusion profile allows for the use of snap-in accessories.