Portable automated door operator

Abstract

A portable, battery-powered door operating device configured to mount at the bottom of an interior door using a clamp assembly. The device includes a chassis with motor-driven wheels, a rechargeable power supply, and a control unit comprising a wireless-enabled microcontroller. The control unit receives commands via wireless protocols and activates the motors to open or close the door based on stored parameters including motor speed and timing. The system may include additional sensors, such as motion, position, or fire detection sensors, to enable automated or emergency operation. The device is designed for compatibility with home automation platforms and may be installed without permanent modification to the door.

Description

Portable Automated Door Operator RELATED APPLICATIONS

[0001] This application claims priority to U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 63 / 675,228, filed July 24, 2024. BACKGROUND

[0002] Home automation devices provide convenience, security, and entertainment for many households. But this technology has been particularly beneficial to elderly, disabled, and handicapped people. Controlling lights, music, appliances, thermostats, and other electronics by voice control or the click of a phone app allows these individuals to feel safe and in more control in their homes. These types of automated devices and more are referred to as Assistive Technology.

[0003] One function that is missing from the home automation category of products, and specifically from Assistive Technology offerings, is a portable, easy to use, inexpensive mechanism to automatically open and close doors. Opening and closing doors can be particularly challenging for elderly, disabled, and handicapped individuals. Especially those who are mobility challenged, visually challenged or confined to a wheelchair or scooter.

[0004] Currently available automatic door opening and closing devices are primarily designed for commercial environments but are available in some cases for residential users. They consist of a rectangular metal case containing electronics, motors, clutches, and gears attached to a multi- segment metal arm that is mounted above or at the top of a door. When activated, the motor and gears open the door by increasing or decreasing the angle of the arms.

[0005] These devices are non-portable as they must be permanently installed to the door and door frame, normally by a professional. These devices are powered by a hard-wired electrical circuit from a junction box or plug installed near the device. This often requires a licensed electrician to run a power circuit to the device. Most of these devices are actuated by pushing a manual button or a remote control similar to a garage door opener. These devices can be very expensive especially considering the installation costs. They are also considered an “eye sore” in residential environments. SUMMARY OF EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

[0006] An example embodiment may include a portable, automated door operating device for interior residential doors, comprising a plastic chassis configured to mount at the bottom of a standard interior door using a two-axis spring-loaded clamp assembly comprising a tension spring for lateral grip and torsion springs for downward traction; two motor-driven wheels mounted to the chassis, wherein the wheels are plastic with rubber tires and are press-fit onto 90-degree motor shafts extending from gearboxes integrated with small DC motors; molded cutouts in the chassis for wheel clearance, motor shaft slots, and a battery shelf, wherein the motors are attached to the chassis using screws inserted through designated mounting holes; a rechargeable lithium-ion or lithium-polymer battery supported on said battery shelf and electrically connected to a power circuit that provides 5V and 3.3V DC outputs to system components; a control unit comprising a microcontroller unit (MCU) with onboard flash memory, a wireless antenna, and a motor control circuit, wherein the MCU is configured to receive open and close commands over Bluetooth, Wi- Fi, Zigbee, Thread, or Matter protocols and to control motor speed and run duration accordingly; software instructions executable by the MCU to store user-defined parameters including motor speed, open time, close time, and auto-close delay, detect obstructions based on current spikes and immediately stop motor operation, allow manual movement of the door without mechanical resistance when the motors are not engaged; a USB-C charging port mounted on the device, electrically connected to the rechargeable battery, and accessible through the outer cover; and a removable latch bracket attachable to the door to cover the standard door latch, said bracket being configured to prevent latch engagement with the door frame and enable uninhibited automated operation.

[0007] An example embodiment may include a portable, automated door operator comprising a chassis configured to mount to the bottom of an interior door; a pair of motor-driven wheels coupled to the chassis; a clamp assembly for attaching the chassis to the door; a rechargeable battery for supplying power; a control unit comprising a microcontroller unit (MCU), a wireless communication module, and a motor controller; and computer-readable instructions stored in memory and executable by the MCU to receive wireless signals and activate the motor-driven wheels to open or close the door based on predefined speed and time settings.

[0008] Another example embodiment may further include that the clamp assembly includes a spring-loaded clamp adaptable to fit doors of different sizes. Another example embodiment may further include that the wheels are selected from plastic wheels, rubber-tired wheels, all-terrainwheels, or track-based drive systems. Another example embodiment may further include that the control unit includes a wireless module supporting at least one of Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Zigbee, Thread, Matter, or RF protocols. Another example embodiment may further include a mobile application configured to send control signals including open time, close time, motor speed, and auto-close delay. Another example embodiment may further include that the rechargeable battery is a lithium-ion or lithium-polymer battery and is chargeable via a USB-C port. Another example embodiment may further include that the MCU is configured to store control parameters in onboard flash memory and execute door operations upon receiving an open or close command. Another example embodiment may further include that the MCU is further configured to detect motor current increases indicative of an obstruction and disable the motors in response.

[0009] Another example embodiment may further include sensors selected from the group consisting of motion sensors, fire or smoke sensors, position sensors, and obstacle detection sensors. Another example embodiment may further include a latch-disengaging mechanism or bracket to prevent engagement of a standard door latch. Another example embodiment may further include that the chassis includes molded cutouts for the wheels, mounts for the motors, and a shelf for the rechargeable battery. Another example embodiment may further include that the clamp assembly comprises torsion and tension springs to ensure downward traction and secure attachment.

[0010] An example embodiment may include a method of operating a portable, automated door opening and closing device mounted to the bottom of an interior residential door, the method comprising attaching the device to the door using a spring-loaded clamp assembly having a tension spring for lateral clamping and torsion springs for downward pressure to enhance traction; providing a pair of motor-driven wheels, each wheel being plastic with a rubber tire, press-fit onto a 90-degree motor shaft extending from a gearbox integrated with a small DC motor mounted to a molded plastic chassis; powering the device with a rechargeable lithium-ion or lithium-polymer battery seated on a battery shelf within the chassis and supplying 5V and 3.3V DC via a power circuit to the motors and control electronics; receiving wireless signals via a wireless antenna connected to a microcontroller unit (MCU), the signals comprising door operation commands and configuration parameters transmitted via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Zigbee, Thread, or Matter protocols; storing in onboard flash memory, via the MCU, operational parameters including motor speed, open duration, close duration, and auto-close delay; executing software instructions via the MCUto activate the motors to rotate in a first direction for a duration defined by the open-time parameter upon receiving an open command and activate the motors to rotate in a reverse direction for a duration defined by the close-time parameter upon receiving a close command or after expiration of the auto-close delay period; monitoring motor current during operation and automatically stopping the motors upon detection of a current spike indicative of an obstruction; allowing manual movement of the door when motors are not energized, without damaging the device or restricting motion; and charging the battery through a USB-C charging port located on the device.

[0011] An example embodiment may include a method for operating a portable, automated door operator mounted to the bottom of an interior residential door, the method comprising attaching the door operator to the door using a clamp assembly; receiving a wireless command to open or close the door via a wireless communication module; storing one or more operation parameters including motor speed, open time, and close time; driving a pair of wheels in a forward or reverse direction using one or more motors, based on the received command and stored parameters; and automatically stopping motor operation in response to detection of an obstruction during movement.

[0012] Another example embodiment may further include that the wireless command is received via one or more of Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Zigbee, Thread, or Matter protocols. Another example embodiment may further include that attaching the door operator comprises clamping the device to the door using a spring-loaded clamp assembly comprising a tension spring for lateral grip and torsion springs for downward traction. Another example embodiment may further include that the driving step comprises rotating motor-driven wheels mounted to a plastic chassis with integrated motor mounts, wheel cutouts, and a battery shelf. Another example embodiment may further include that the operation parameters are stored in onboard flash memory of a microcontroller unit. Another example embodiment may further include initiating a closing action after an auto-close delay period if an auto-close flag is included in the open command. Another example embodiment may further include that the obstruction is detected based on a current spike sensed by the microcontroller during motor operation.

[0013] Another example embodiment may further include enabling free manual movement of the door when the motors are not energized. Another example embodiment may further include charging a rechargeable battery via a USB-C port electrically connected to the power circuit of the device. Another example embodiment may further include disabling engagement between astandard door latch and door frame by installing a removable latch bracket to cover the door latch. Another example embodiment may further include configuring the operation parameters using a mobile application installed on a smartphone or tablet. Another example embodiment may further include that the motors are small DC gear motors with 90-degree output shafts, and the wheels are press-fit onto the shafts. Another example embodiment may further include that the wheels are selected from standard wheels, all-terrain wheels, smooth-surface wheels, or rubber tracks, based on floor surface requirements. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0014] For a thorough understanding of the example embodiments, reference is made to the following detailed description of example embodiments, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings in which reference numbers designate like or similar elements throughout the several figures of the drawing. Briefly: FIG.1: shows an example perspective view of the device with outer cover attached; FIG. 2: shows an example perspective view with cover removed showing internal components; FIG.3: shows an example bottom view of the device showing wheel placement; FIG.4: shows an example view of the device attached to the bottom of a door; FIG.5: shows an example side view with cover removed showing internal components; FIG.6: shows an example rear view showing motor and chassis configuration with cover removed; FIG.7: shows an example top view showing clamp mechanism placement with outer cover attached; FIG.8: shows an example side view with outer cover attached; FIG.9: shows an example rear view with outer cover attached; FIG.10: shows an example side view highlighting USB-C port and power button; FIG.11: shows an example detailed view of the spring-loaded door clamp; FIG.12: shows an example perspective view of the door latch bracket; FIG.13: shows an example front view of the latch bracket in use; FIG.14: shows an example schematic view of the control unit; FIG.15: shows an example isometric view of the chassis;FIG.16: shows an example rear view of the chassis, motors, and wheels; FIG.17: shows an example perspective view of a DC motor; FIG.18: shows an example cutaway of a gearbox in a DC motor; FIG.19: shows an example perspective view of alternative gear motors; FIG.20: shows an example perspective view of alternative stepper motors; FIG.21: shows an example side view of wheel; FIG.22: shows an example perspective view of alternate wheels and tracks; FIG.23: shows an example rear view of an example device attached to a closed door; FIG.24: shows an example rear view of an example device attached to an open door; FIG.25: shows an example rear view of an example device attached to a closed door. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXAMPLE EMBODIMENTS

[0015] In the following description, certain terms have been used for brevity, clarity, and examples. No unnecessary limitations are to be implied therefrom and such terms are used for descriptive purposes only and are intended to be broadly construed. The different apparatus, systems and method steps described herein may be used alone or in combination with other apparatus, systems, and method steps. It is to be expected that various equivalents, alternatives, and modifications are possible within the scope of the appended claims.

[0016] This invention seeks to provide a solution to the problem of difficulty opening and closing doors for elderly, disabled, and handicapped individuals by delivering a low-cost, portable, wireless door opening and closing device. It can be easily attached to the bottom of any interior door and will be powered by a rechargeable battery. The device will be small, lightweight, and portable so it can be easily moved from one door to another or one location to another as needed.

[0017] The mechanism used to open and close the door is a chassis with two wheels that push the door forward to close and pull the door backward to open. The chassis is attached to the door using a spring-loaded clamp that will automatically adjust to doors of different sizes and materials.

[0018] Various embodiments would include various connectivity options including Wi-Fi, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), Zigbee, Z-Wave, Thread, Matter, and Radio Frequency (RF). This will allow the device to connect the to all current home automation systems (i.e. SmartThings, Home Assistant, Apple HomeKit) as well as smart speakers such as Google Home and AmazonAlexa. The RF option will allow the device to be activated from a wireless transmitter in the form of a wall mounted button or handheld dongle.

[0019] One embodiment will include an app that supports all major mobile platforms to control the device using a smartphone or tablet. The app will connect to the device using one or more of the connectivity options listed above. The app will provide the ability to open and close the door at will, open the door and have it automatically close after a specified period or time, and schedule the door to open and close at designated days and times. The app will also include settings options for open and close duration, motor speed, and auto-closing time. The app will display the current position of the door (open or closed) and the current battery charge level. It will also provide low battery notifications. Real-time cloud connection will enable remote monitoring, event notifications, and over-the-air software updates.

[0020] One embodiment may include a USB-C charging port that will allow the device’s battery to be charged using a standard USB cable connected to a power bank or charging block plugged into an electrical outlet. For more permanent installations, a USB cable can be attached to the bottom of the door using plastic hooks and routed to a wall outlet close to the door.

[0021] Normally, when a door is closed, the door latch engages with the door frame to keep the door securely closed. This presents a problem for any device attempting to open the door automatically. In order to allow the door to open when fully closed, the door latch must be addressed. Here are two possible solutions. The simple solution for interior doors is a plastic bracket with the same dimensions and screw holes as the door latch, which can be easily attached to the door. This bracket, pictured in Figures 12 and 13, blocks the door latch from engaging with the door frame, thus allowing the door to open and close. This embodiment will hold the door closed but allow the door to be opened and closed manually when needed. The second, more complex solution, is to integrate wirelessly with commercially available electronic door latches using manufacturer provided APIs. In this scenario, the device would disengage the latch when opening the door and reengage it after closing the door using a mechanical or electrical linkage.

[0022] One embodiment includes a clamp to secure the device to a door. This clamp, pictured in the figures below, is spring loaded in two dimensions. One dimension uses a tension spring to hold the clamp to the door allowing it to attach to various door sizes. The other dimension uses two torsion springs to push the device down toward the floor, giving it better traction on various floor surfaces.

[0023] Some example implementations can be compact in size in order to fit behind a typical interior door with only the front of the door clamp visible when the door is in the fully opened position. In this position, the bulk of the enclosure will rest against the wall behind the door. This design is intended not to obstruct persons, wheelchairs, scooters, etc. from moving through the doorway.

[0024] The extent to which the device will push the door during closing and pull the door during opening is controlled by the open-time and close-time settings. These settings will determine the number of seconds the motors will run while opening and closing the door. These settings along with motor speed and auto-close delay will be set by the accompanying smartphone app and saved in flash memory on the device. Whenever the device is triggered either by the app, a home automation system, or button, those stored settings will be used to control the speed and duration of the operation.

[0025] The DC motors selected for some examples provide enough torque to open and close a typical interior door but will not move the door with such force that it would injure a person or pet that obstructed its movement. If the movement of the door is obstructed, the device’s firmware will detect an increase in motor current and shut down the motors immediately. The motors were also selected to allow free movement when not running so as to allow easy manual opening and closing of the door without restricting movement of the door or damaging the device.

[0026] FIG.1 illustrates an isometric view of an example embodiment. The embodiment includes a plastic outer cover 1, which houses the internal components of the device and a spring-loaded door clamp 2 is affixed to the device and configured to secure the device to a standard interior door. Alternatively, the device could be attached to the door by other methods such as a screw on bracket, a magnetic plate, or adhesive. The clamp 2 may be attached to the chassis 3or to the outer cover 1.

[0027] In FIG.2, the outer cover 1 is removed to expose the internal structure of the device. The chassis 3 supports two wheels 4, which may be standard plastic wheels with rubber tires, wider wheels, all-terrain wheels, or tracks and sprockets to enhance traction on various surfaces. The wheels 4 are operably connected to and driven by DC gear motors 5, which may be composed of plastic or metal. These motors may alternatively be servo motors or DC motors with plastic gears and may be secured to the chassis using metal or plastic motor mounts or integrated mounting features.

[0028] A circuit board 6 is mounted to the outer enclosure 1 using metal or plastic standoffs and screws, or alternatively may be mounted directly to the chassis 3. The circuit board includes a microcontroller unit (MCU) 6c enabled with wireless communications systems such as Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and / or Zigbee communication, as well as a power management circuit 6b and motor controller circuit 6d. Various sensors may be integrated, including motion sensors 6h, smoke or fire detectors 6h, position sensors 6i, or wheel-locking mechanisms depending on the embodiment. The device could use motion sensors to allow automatic opening or closing of the door when a person is present smoke, chemical, or fire sensors to automatically open or close the door in case of an emergency, position sensors to detect open and closed doors, and / or a wheel-locking mechanism to prevent manual opening or closing of the door if needed.

[0029] The MCU 6c is configured to receive wireless control signals, interpret command settings such as motor speed and timing, and control motor direction for opening and closing the door. The system may be operated via smartphone app, wall-mounted button, or integration with home automation systems such as Apple HomeKit, Google Home, or Amazon Alexa. In some examples, power is provided by a rechargeable lithium-ion or lithium-polymer battery 7, which could supply regulated 5V and 3.3V DC to the motors 5 and circuit board 6 respectively. Alternatively, the device could be powered by separate batteries and power supplies for the MCU 6c and motors 5, or plug-in wall outlet-based power supply.

[0030] FIG.3 presents a bottom isometric view of the embodiment, showing the outer enclosure 1 coupled to the chassis 3, which includes molded cutouts accommodating the wheels 4 and mechanical connection to the door clamp 2.

[0031] FIG.4 shows the device as attached to the bottom edge of a standard interior door in. The door clamp 2 affixes securely to the bottom edge of the door, enabling stable and reliable automated operation of a hinged door.

[0032] FIG.5 illustrates a side view of the device with the outer cover removed for clarity. Internal components, including the door clamp 2, chassis 3, wheels 4, motors 5, circuit board 6, and battery 7 are visible in this view.

[0033] FIG.6 shows a back view of the device with the outer cover removed. This view further reveals an example spatial configuration of the wheels 4, motors 5, circuit board 6, and battery 7.

[0034] FIG.7 provides a top view of the device with the outer cover in place showing an example relative positioning of the door clamp 2 and the outer cover 1.

[0035] FIG.8 presents a side view of an example device showing relative positioning of the door clamp 2, outer cover 1, and wheels 4.

[0036] FIG. 9 is a back view of the device with the outer cover in place showing relative positioning of the outer cover 1, and wheels 4.

[0037] FIG. 10 illustrates the side view of an example device, highlighting the placement of a USB-C charging port 8 and power button 9, which enable convenient recharging and manual control.

[0038] FIG.11 depicts an exploded view of the door clamp 2, showing its front 2a, bottom 2b, and back 2c components. These parts cooperate to apply both lateral and downward force, ensuring secure attachment to a range of door thicknesses.

[0039] FIG.12 shows a door latch bracket 10, which is designed to cover a standard door latch on a residential door. The bracket 10 is attachable using the existing latch screws. This plate can either be put in place to restrain the door latch, or cover an opening left be removing the door latch.

[0040] FIG. 13 illustrates the bracket 10 installed on a standard residential door, thereby preventing latch engagement and enabling free movement of the door during automated operation.

[0041] FIG. 14 details example control unit architecture. The control unit includes a microcontroller unit (MCU) 6c with a wireless antenna 6a, a power circuit 6b, a motor controller circuit 6d, and two motors (6e, 6f).

[0042] An example MCU 6c is configured to receive wireless signals via antenna 6a, which may support Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Zigbee, Thread, and Matter protocols. These signals may originate from a smartphone app, a physical wall-mounted control, or third-party smart home platforms such as Apple HomeKit, Google Home, Amazon Alexa, SmartThings, and others. The MCU stores command parameters such as motor speed, open and close durations, and auto-close behavior in onboard memory. The MCU can then use those parameters in responding to command / control signals.

[0043] Upon receipt of an 'Open' command, the MCU 6c activates the motors (6e, 6f) through the motor controller 6d, causing them to rotate clockwise at the specified speed and duration (open time setting). A 'Close' command causes the motors to rotate counter-clockwise at the specified speed and duration (close time setting). If an auto-close delay is configured, the MCU waits the specified time before issuing a close command.

[0044] In alternative embodiments, the system may include various sensors, including motion sensors 6g, fire or chemical detectors 6h, door position sensors 6i, and other optional sensors 6j to enable responsive or emergency functionality and / or to detect open and / or closed doors.

[0045] FIG. 15 provides an isometric view of the chassis 3, including wheel cutouts 3a, motor mounts 3b, shaft slots 3c, motor mounting holes 3d, and a battery ledge 3e.

[0046] FIG.16 illustrates motors 5 secured to the chassis 3 using screws 5e inserted through holes 3d, with the wheels 4 press-fitted onto the motor shafts as shown in FIGs.17 and 18.

[0047] In one embodiment, the chassis 3 is a single molded plastic structure that supports the wheels 4 and motors 5, and contains a recessed ledge for the battery 7. Molded snap-fit tabs connect the chassis 3 to the outer enclosure 1 without the need for additional hardware.

[0048] In some examples, each motor is secured with two screws 5e and aligned into shaft slots 3c. The wheels 4 are installed onto the motor shafts prior to motor mounting, ensuring correct alignment within the chassis cutouts. Electrical connection can be made using screw terminals on the control board 6, with a dedicated 2-wire terminal for each motor.

[0049] FIG. 17 shows an example motor 5a featuring an integrated gearbox 5b. The gearbox reduces rotational speed while increasing torque. The wheels 4 are press-fit onto a 90-degree output shaft 5c.

[0050] FIG.18 shows a cutaway view of the gearbox 5b, illustrating internal gears 5d. The gears may be composed of either plastic or metal.

[0051] Commercially available motors may be used in some examples. These motors provide sufficient torque and speed for a variety of door weights and applications. Although direct motor mounting is preferred, alternative configurations may require distinct mounts or higher- performance motors. Alternative gear motors and stepper motors could provide more power, speed, or torque for a given implementation.

[0052] FIG. 19 shows alternate gear motor configurations. FIG. 20 illustrates stepper motor alternatives which may be used to enhance precision, torque, or speed.

[0053] FIG.21 presents an example wheel configuration, consisting of a plastic hub 4a and rubber tire 4b. The wheel 4 is affixed to the motor shaft 5c via a press-fit of the motor shaft 5c into shaft hole 4c.

[0054] Standard wheels and tires may be used depending on surface requirements. Direct mounting is preferred for simplicity, but hubs or locking mechanisms may be used in alternativeembodiments. FIG. 22 shows examples of alternate wheels and tracks including rugged terrain wheels 4d, all-terrain wheels 4e, smooth terrain wheels 4f, and rubber tracks 4g suitable for different floor surfaces.

[0055] FIG. 23 provides a back view of the system installed on a standard interior door in the closed position. FIG.24 shows the same view with the door open. FIG.25 illustrates a closed-door configuration with the USB power cable routed to the hinge side of the door frame.

[0056] Although the invention has been described in terms of embodiments which are set forth in detail, it should be understood that this is by illustration only and that the invention is not necessarily limited thereto. For example, terms such as upper and lower or top and bottom can be substituted, respectively. Top and bottom could be left and right, respectively. Up and down could be shown in figures as left and right, respectively, or top and bottom, respectively. The alternative embodiments and operating techniques will become apparent to those of ordinary skill in the art in view of the present disclosure. Accordingly, modifications of the invention are contemplated which may be made without departing from the spirit of the claimed invention.

Claims

What is claimed is:

1. A portable, automated door operating device for interior residential doors, comprising: a plastic chassis configured to mount at the bottom of a standard interior door using a two-axis spring-loaded clamp assembly comprising a tension spring for lateral grip and torsion springs for downward traction; two motor-driven wheels mounted to the chassis, wherein the wheels are plastic with rubber tires and are press-fit onto 90-degree motor shafts extending from gearboxes integrated with small DC motors; molded cutouts in the chassis for wheel clearance, motor shaft slots, and a battery shelf, wherein the motors are attached to the chassis using screws inserted through designated mounting holes; a rechargeable lithium-ion or lithium-polymer battery supported on said battery shelf and electrically connected to a power circuit that provides 5V and 3.3V DC outputs to system components; a control unit comprising a microcontroller unit (MCU) with onboard flash memory, a wireless antenna, and a motor control circuit, wherein the MCU is configured to receive open and close commands over Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Zigbee, Thread, or Matter protocols and to control motor speed and run duration accordingly; software instructions executable by the MCU to store user-defined parameters including motor speed, open time, close time, and auto-close delay, detect obstructions based on current spikes and immediately stop motor operation, allow manual movement of the door without mechanical resistance when the motors are not engaged; a USB-C charging port mounted on the device, electrically connected to the rechargeable battery, and accessible through the outer cover; anda removable latch bracket attachable to the door to cover the door latch, said bracket being configured to prevent latch engagement with the door frame and enable uninhibited automated operation.

2. A portable, automated door operator comprising: a chassis configured to mount to the bottom of an interior door; a pair of motor-driven wheels coupled to the chassis; a clamp assembly for attaching the chassis to the door; a rechargeable battery for supplying power; a control unit comprising a microcontroller unit (MCU), a wireless communication module, and a motor controller; and computer-readable instructions stored in memory and executable by the MCU to receive wireless signals and activate the motor-driven wheels to open or close the door based on predefined speed and time settings.

3. The portable door operator of claim 2, wherein the clamp assembly includes a spring- loaded clamp adaptable to fit doors of different sizes.

4. The portable door operator of claim 2, wherein the wheels are selected from plastic wheels, rubber-tired wheels, all-terrain wheels, or track-based drive systems.

5. The portable door operator of claim 2, wherein the control unit includes a wireless module supporting at least one of Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Zigbee, Thread, Matter, or RF protocols.

6. The portable door operator of claim 2, further comprising a mobile application configured to send control signals including open time, close time, motor speed, and auto-close delay.

7. The portable door operator of claim 2, wherein the rechargeable battery is a lithium-ion or lithium-polymer battery and is chargeable via a USB-C port.

8. The portable door operator of claim 2, wherein the MCU is configured to store control parameters in onboard flash memory and execute door operations upon receiving an open or close command.

9. The portable door operator of claim 2, wherein the MCU is further configured to detect motor current increases indicative of an obstruction and disable the motors in response.

10. The portable door operator of claim 2, further comprising sensors selected from the group consisting of motion sensors, fire or smoke sensors, position sensors, and obstacle detection sensors.

11. The portable door operator of claim 2, wherein the operator includes a latch-disengaging mechanism or bracket to prevent engagement of a standard door latch.

12. The portable door operator of claim 2, wherein the chassis includes molded cutouts for the wheels, mounts for the motors, and a shelf for the rechargeable battery.

13. The portable door operator of claim 2, wherein the clamp assembly comprises torsion and tension springs to ensure downward traction and secure attachment.

14. A method of operating a portable, automated door opening and closing device mounted to the bottom of an interior residential door, the method comprising: attaching the device to the door using a spring-loaded clamp assembly having a tension spring for lateral clamping and torsion springs for downward pressure to enhance traction; providing a pair of motor-driven wheels, each wheel being plastic with a rubber tire, press-fit onto a 90-degree motor shaft extending from a gearbox integrated with a small DC motor mounted to a molded plastic chassis; powering the device with a rechargeable lithium-ion or lithium-polymer battery seated on a battery shelf within the chassis and supplying 5V and 3.3V DC via a power circuit to the motors and control electronics;receiving wireless signals via a wireless antenna connected to a microcontroller unit (MCU), the signals comprising door operation commands and configuration parameters transmitted via Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Zigbee, Thread, or Matter protocols; storing in onboard flash memory, via the MCU, operational parameters including motor speed, open duration, close duration, and auto-close delay; executing software instructions via the MCU to activate the motors to rotate in a first direction for a duration defined by the open-time parameter upon receiving an open command and activate the motors to rotate in a reverse direction for a duration defined by the close-time parameter upon receiving a close command or after expiration of the auto-close delay period; monitoring motor current during operation and automatically stopping the motors upon detection of a current spike indicative of an obstruction; allowing manual movement of the door when motors are not energized, without damaging the device or restricting motion; and charging the battery through a USB-C charging port located on the device.

15. A method for operating a portable, automated door operator mounted to the bottom of an interior residential door, the method comprising: attaching the door operator to the door using a clamp assembly; receiving a wireless command to open or close the door via a wireless communication module; storing one or more operation parameters including motor speed, open time, and close time; driving a pair of wheels in a forward or reverse direction using one or more motors, based on the received command and stored parameters; andautomatically stopping motor operation in response to detection of an obstruction during movement.

16. The method of claim 15, wherein the wireless command is received via one or more of Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, Zigbee, Thread, or Matter protocols.

17. The method of claim 15, wherein attaching the door operator comprises clamping the device to the door using a spring-loaded clamp assembly comprising a tension spring for lateral grip and torsion springs for downward traction.

18. The method of claim 15, wherein the driving step comprises rotating motor-driven wheels mounted to a plastic chassis with integrated motor mounts, wheel cutouts, and a battery shelf.

19. The method of claim 15, wherein the operation parameters are stored in onboard flash memory of a microcontroller unit.

20. The method of claim 15, further comprising the step of initiating a closing action after an auto-close delay period if an auto-close flag is included in the open command.

21. The method of claim 15, wherein the obstruction is detected based on a current spike sensed by the microcontroller during motor operation.

22. The method of claim 15, further comprising the step of enabling free manual movement of the door when the motors are not energized.

23. The method of claim 15, further comprising the step of charging a rechargeable battery via a USB-C port electrically connected to the power circuit of the device.

24. The method of claim 15, further comprising the step of disabling engagement between a standard door latch and door frame by installing a removable latch bracket to cover the door latch.

25. The method of claim 15, further comprising the step of configuring the operation parameters using a mobile application installed on a smartphone or tablet.

26. The method of claim 15, wherein the motors are small DC gear motors with 90-degree output shafts, and the wheels are press-fit onto the shafts.

27. The method of claim 15, wherein the wheels are selected from standard wheels, all- terrain wheels, smooth-surface wheels, or rubber tracks, based on floor surface requirements.

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