Automatic Boat Door With Variable Torque and Inclination Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automatic doors for boats face issues with inadequate drive torque due to oscillations, unintentional operation, and safety concerns, particularly in naval environments where rolling and pitching motions affect door leaf movement and control.
Innovation Solution
An automatic door system with independent motors, encoders, and inclinometers to dynamically adjust torque and control door movement based on boat inclination, ensuring smooth and safe operation by inhibiting movement outside safety parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a fixed driving torque motor is used to operate the sliding door, then the device complexity is reduced, but the door cannot be properly moved when the boat oscillates and the weight force of the inclined leaf becomes excessive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a fixed driving torque motor to a variable driving torque motor that dynamically adjusts its output based on real-time feedback from accelerometers and encoders. The control unit modifies the motor's torque output in response to detected boat oscillations and door position, ensuring reliable door movement across varying operational conditions without requiring an overly complex mechanical system.
2Ease of operation
If the door operates automatically based on simple detection, then the ease of operation is improved, but the door may open or close unintentionally creating inconvenience and safety issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by incorporating accelerometers that continuously monitor boat oscillations and encoders that track door position. The control unit processes this feedback information to make intelligent decisions about door operation, distinguishing between intentional user requests and conditions that would cause unintentional operation. This multi-sensor feedback system prevents harmful unintentional openings/closings while maintaining ease of legitimate operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit acts as an intermediary between the simple detection sensors and the door motor. It processes information from accelerometers and encoders, applies logical decision-making algorithms, and controls motor activation accordingly. This intermediary layer filters out false triggers caused by boat oscillations while responding appropriately to genuine user needs, eliminating unintentional operation.
3Ease of manufacture
If the door system uses basic motor and guide components, then the manufacturing cost is reduced, but the door leaves cannot be moved adequately during boat oscillations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by utilizing a variable driving torque motor whose torque output can be dynamically adjusted based on operational conditions. During boat oscillations, the control unit increases the motor's driving torque parameter to overcome the additional forces on the door leaves. This allows the use of a standard motor size that can handle both normal and oscillation conditions, maintaining ease of manufacture while ensuring adequate force availability when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
Automatic door for boats comprising a support frame having a lateral guide, and at least one leaf sliding on said lateral guide, movement means for moving said at least one sliding leaf along said lateral guide; and a control unit to control said movement means.