Auxiliary Drive Device for Building Closure Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing drive systems for building closure elements, such as sectional doors and garage doors, lack a simple, space-saving, and reliable auxiliary drive mechanism that can easily and reliably operate during power failures or malfunctions.
Innovation Solution
A drive system comprising a main drive unit and an auxiliary drive device with a two-stage transmission system, including a chain drive and a pair of gears, powered by a 24 V DC motor, which can be temporarily supplied by a battery or accumulator, allowing independent operation during faults.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an auxiliary drive device is added to enable operation during power failures, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The auxiliary drive device is integrated with the main drive unit by mounting it on the B-side of the main drive unit and coupling its output rotary member to the main drive shaft. This merging approach allows the auxiliary drive to share the same space and structural elements as the main drive, enabling reliable operation during power failures without proportionally increasing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary drive device is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate independently during power failures, can be manually activated via the traction means, and integrates with the existing main drive system. This multi-functionality ensures reliability across different operational scenarios while avoiding the need for separate dedicated emergency systems
2Area of stationary object
If a compact transmission system is used to save space, then the area occupied is reduced, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The transmission system is divided into two distinct stages: a first stage using a chain drive with a drive rotary member and output rotary member, and a second stage using gear teeth on the output rotary member that engage with gear teeth on the main drive shaft. This segmentation allows each transmission stage to be optimized independently, achieving compact overall dimensions while maintaining manageable manufacturing precision requirements for each component
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary drive device utilizes the B-side of the main drive unit, which is a previously underutilized spatial dimension. By mounting the compact transmission system on this side and arranging the chain and gear components in a space-efficient configuration, the design achieves minimal space occupation while accommodating the necessary transmission precision through careful component layout
3Ease of operation
If a simple manual operation mechanism is used, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability may worsen due to lack of power assistance
Solution Approach 1:
The traction means acts as an intermediary mechanism that bridges manual operation and powered operation. It can be manually activated to engage the chain drive and rotate the output rotary member, yet when power is available, the electric motor can drive the same traction means through the chain. This intermediary approach maintains simple manual operation while ensuring reliable operation in both powered and unpowered conditions
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
Enables easy and reliable operation of building closure elements during power failures by providing a space-saving and cost-effective auxiliary drive solution that can transmit torque effectively, ensuring continuous functionality of building closure elements.
Implementation Method 1
The auxiliary drive device is supplied with power at least temporarily by a battery or an accumulator
Implementation Method 2
The first transmission device comprises a drive rotary member and an output rotary member which are coupled to one another by means of a chain
Implementation Method 3
The output rotary member has gear teeth which are configured to engage with gear teeth of the main drive shaft
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
Auxiliary drive device (10) for the auxiliary driving of a building closure element that can be driven by a main drive unit (12). The auxiliary drive device (10) comprises a motorized drive unit (14), a first gear unit (16), and a second gear unit (42). The first gear unit (16) comprises a drive rotary element (18), a driven rotary element (20), and a traction element (26) that couples the drive rotary element (18) and the driven rotary element (20). The drive unit (14) is configured to drive the drive rotary element (18) of the first gear unit (16). The traction element (26) is configured to transmit motion from the drive rotary element (18) to the driven rotary element (20). The driven rotary element (20) is also pivotable, in particular for coupling with a rotary element of the second gear unit (42) for the auxiliary driving of the building closure element.