Obstacle Detection Apron Force Limiting Goods Handling Door
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing obstacle detection systems for automatic handling doors are inefficient due to detection means being positioned too far from the contact zone, leading to delayed reaction times when the apron or flexible curtain encounters an obstacle.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of safety cells positioned close to the guidance devices to emit beams that are interrupted by the deformation of the apron or flexible curtain when it encounters an obstacle, with flexible elements attached to the curtain to quickly interrupt the beam and trigger the detection mechanism, allowing for rapid activation and force limitation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If detection means are positioned close to the contact zone of the threshold bar with the obstacle, then the reaction time is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional components near the winding shaft
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a strap as an intermediary element connecting the detection means to the threshold bar. This strap allows the detection means to be positioned closer to the contact zone while maintaining a manageable structural arrangement, thereby improving reaction time without proportionally increasing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system is segmented into separate functional components: the detection means, the strap, and the threshold bar. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and positioned optimally, enabling close positioning near the contact zone while keeping the overall device structure manageable
2Device complexity
If detection means are positioned far from the contact zone near the winding shaft, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reaction time deteriorates due to delayed beam interruption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent repositions the detection means from a horizontal arrangement near the winding shaft to a vertical arrangement close to the threshold bar. This dimensional change allows the detection beam to be interrupted much closer to the contact zone, significantly improving reaction time while the overall system remains relatively simple
3Measurement precision
If the beam is directed vertically outside the slideway, then the detection accuracy is improved by detecting apron deformation, but the area covered by the detection beam is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The detection beam is directed vertically outside the slideway to specifically detect local deformations of the apron or flexible curtain. This localized detection approach prioritizes measurement precision for detecting obstacle contact over comprehensive area coverage, as the vertical beam path is specifically optimized for detecting the critical deformation zone
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
This solution enables quicker detection and force limitation by positioning safety cells and flexible elements near the potential contact zone, ensuring timely interruption of the beam and immediate stopping of the door's rotation, effectively preventing damage and ensuring safe operation.
Implementation Method 1
safety cells positioned and fixed close to each guidance device so as to emit at least one beam F directed in a vertical direction which is provided outside the slideway so that said beam is interrupted either by the deformation of the apron or flexible curtain or by the deformation of elements attached to the flexible curtain
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for detecting an obstacle and limiting the force from the primary edge or sill nosing (10) of a flexible apron or curtain (5) in a goods-handling door (1) when the latter comes into contact with an obstacle (14) as it is being closed. The inventive device comprises safety cells (21, 22) which are positioned and fixed close to each guiding device (8) such as to emit a beam F that is directed along a vertical axis outside of the guide (15) so that the beam is interrupted upon deformation of the flexible curtain or apron (5).