Adjustable Coupling for Door Torque Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door operating systems with finely serrated teeth interfaces struggle to transfer increasing torque levels, leading to wear, slippage, and costly repairs when adjusting the open position of doors that swing about a vertical axis, especially when adjacent walls are nearby.
Innovation Solution
A door operating system with an adjustable and selectively operable coupling featuring coaxially spaced interfaces with interlocking radial teeth, allowing for high-resolution angular adjustment and improved torque transfer, including a locking mechanism for secure force transfer and easy adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If finely serrated teeth are used at the interface between the output shaft and crank arm, then the door system can be adjusted to different open positions, but the torque transfer capability deteriorates leading to wear and slippage
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device is divided into multiple independently adjustable components: a first coupling member with first teeth engaged with the output shaft, and a second coupling member with second teeth engaged with the crank arm. Each interface can be independently adjusted and locked, allowing the door open position to be changed without affecting the torque transfer capability of either interface. The segmentation of the coupling into multiple members resolves the contradiction by providing adjustability through modular components while maintaining reliable torque transfer through robust toothed engagements at each segment.
2Productivity
If the door opens rapidly to meet increasing speed requirements, then productivity improves, but the forces on the linkage increase causing wear and failure
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities that allow the operator to optimize the engagement between the toothed interfaces based on operating conditions. The adjustable nature of the coupling members enables the system to accommodate varying force levels during rapid door operation, distributing loads more effectively across the linkage components. This dynamic adjustability allows the system to achieve high opening speeds while managing the forces on the linkage to prevent wear and failure.
3Device complexity
If a simple linkage is used between the output shaft and door, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to withstand high torque levels deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device acts as an intermediary component between the output shaft and the crank arm linkage. It introduces a controlled level of complexity through the adjustable toothed interfaces that enhance torque transfer capability. The first and second coupling members serve as mediators that provide robust torque withstand capability through their interlocking teeth, while still maintaining relative simplicity in the overall linkage design. This intermediary coupling resolves the contradiction by adding just enough complexity at the critical interface to handle high torque levels without overcomplicating the entire linkage system.
Data Source
AI summary
A door operating system for moving a door about a vertical pivot axis between a closed position and an open position. The door operating system includes a driver including a free-ended output shaft and linkage for operably connecting the output shaft of the driver with door. An adjustable and selectively operable coupling is disposed between the free-end of the output shaft of the driver and the linkage. The adjustable coupling has a pair of coaxially spaced and adjustable interfaces. A first adjustable interface is defined between the free-end of the output shaft and the coupling while a second adjustable interface is defined between the coupling and the linkage whereby allowing for a high resolution, angular adjustment of the position of the door.