Ball Screw Swing Door Operator for Low-Backlash Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional swing door operators have issues with backlash due to design tolerances, require specific installation orientations, and often have complex components that limit their versatility.
Innovation Solution
A swing door operator using a motor-driven ball screw to open doors and springs to close them, featuring a yoke and cam assembly that minimizes backlash and allows easy conversion between left-hand and right-hand installations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional door operators use multiple moving parts including gears and spindles, then the door can be opened and closed, but backlash occurs leading to positioning errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes traditional gears, spindles, and levers from the door operator mechanism. Instead, it uses a direct-drive motor connected to a ball screw that converts rotational motion directly to linear motion of the door, eliminating the intermediate moving parts that cause backlash and positioning errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical gear and spindle system with a ball screw mechanism driven by a motor. The ball screw provides precise linear motion with minimal backlash, and the use of a belt drive or direct connection further reduces mechanical complexity while maintaining reliability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If door operators are configured for specific installation orientations, then the mechanism can be optimized for that orientation, but the operator cannot be used in other orientations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the door operator with a universal mounting structure that can accommodate various installation orientations (left-hand, right-hand, top, bottom). The motor and ball screw assembly is configured to work in any orientation, and the door arm can be adjusted to match different door configurations, eliminating the need for separate left-hand and right-hand models.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable components that allow the door operator to adapt dynamically to different installation requirements. The mounting brackets and door arm connections can be repositioned or reoriented as needed, providing flexibility without requiring multiple specialized designs.
3Measurement precision
If door operators use many moving parts, then the door can be actuated, but the components are subject to backlash and positioning errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates gears, spindles, and multiple levers that are prone to backlash. The simplified mechanism uses a motor directly connected to a ball screw, which provides precise linear motion with minimal play between components, significantly improving positioning precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a ball screw as an intermediary mechanism between the motor and the door arm. The ball screw converts rotational motor motion to linear motion with high precision and minimal backlash, acting as a mediator that maintains positioning accuracy while simplifying the overall mechanism.
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
The operator provides precise door positioning with minimal backlash and flexibility in installation orientation, reducing component complexity and enhancing operational consistency.
Implementation Method 1
a ball screw driven by a motor moves a yoke which causes rotation of an output shaft to open the door
Implementation Method 2
springs configured to return the door to a closed position
Data Source
AI summary
A door operator including an output shaft, a ball screw, a powered driver, and a yoke. The output shaft is configured to be coupled to a door. The powered driver is operatively coupled to the ball screw and configured to rotate the ball screw in a first rotational direction. The yoke is coupled to the ball screw and configured to translate in response to rotation of the ball screw. The yoke is configured to rotate the output shaft.