Breakaway Door Panel System with Impact-Releasable Locking
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door locking systems for industrial doors, particularly multi-panel articulated overhead doors, are not easily retrofittable, lack bidirectional impact compensation, and have complex, expensive, and difficult-to-repair releasable mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A breakaway door panel system with impact releasable panel locking devices mounted between connecting members and a door, using resilient holding elements and a connecting bar that pivots under predetermined impact forces, allowing the panel to break away and relock easily, and can be retrofitted onto standard door tracks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a complex releasable mechanism is used to prevent door damage, then the door protection capability is improved, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The door panel system is divided into separate modular components: the panel itself, the connecting members with rollers, and the locking devices. Each component can be independently manufactured, installed, and replaced. The locking device is segmented into resilient holding elements and a connecting bar, allowing for simplified impact release functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device is designed as a sacrificial component that can be easily replaced after impact. The resilient holding elements and connecting bar form a simple mechanism that may be damaged during impact but can be quickly replaced without requiring complex repair procedures, reducing overall system cost and downtime.
2Reliability
If a traditional door locking system is used, then the door security is improved, but the ease of retrofitting to existing doors deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting members with rollers are designed to interface with standard door tracks, making the system adaptable to various existing door types. The locking device can be applied to different panel configurations without requiring custom manufacturing, achieving both security and ease of installation through universal compatibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking devices are pre-installed on the connecting members during manufacturing, so that during retrofitting, only the panel and locking devices need to be installed on the existing door structure. This preliminary preparation simplifies the on-site installation process and reduces retrofitting complexity.
3Strength
If a robust locking mechanism is used to prevent impact damage, then the door strength is improved, but the ease of repair and resumption of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism transitions from a static locked state to a dynamic released state during impact. The resilient holding elements can elastically deform to release the connecting bar when impact forces exceed a threshold, allowing the panel to pivot and absorb impact energy. After impact, the mechanism can be easily returned to its locked state by simply re-engaging the connecting bar with the holding elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device is designed to be easily discarded or replaced after impact rather than requiring complex repair. The simple construction of the resilient holding elements and connecting bar allows for quick replacement, minimizing downtime and restoring door operation without requiring significant physical effort or specialized repair procedures.
4Stability of the object's composition
If a fixed door panel system is used, then the structural stability is improved, but the impact energy absorption capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The door panel system incorporates dynamic elements that allow the panels to pivot relative to each other during impact. The locking devices can release under impact forces, enabling the panels to move and absorb impact energy through controlled pivoting, while maintaining structural stability during normal operation when the locking devices are engaged.
Solution Approach 2:
The resilient holding elements are designed with predetermined elasticity to absorb impact energy. The connecting bar and holding elements form a spring-loaded mechanism that can elastically deform during impact, cushioning the effect of the impact force and protecting the door structure from damage before the full impact force can cause harm.
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 system effectively absorbs impact energy by allowing the panel to pivot in the direction of the force, preventing damage to the door and its structure, is simple, cost-effective, and easy to reposition, and can be adapted to various door types.
Implementation Method 1
at least one impact releasable panel locking device comprising: a first holding element mounted to the panel in the proximity of a connecting member; a second holding element mounted to the connecting member in the proximity of the first holding element; and a connecting bar so configured and sized as to be releasably connectable to the first and second holding elements
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is generally concerned with a breakaway door panel system comprising an impact resistant panel pivotally assembled to a pair of connecting members mountable to a door adjacent a first end and a second end of the panel respectively, and at least one impact releasable panel locking device comprising a first compliant holding element mounted at an end of the panel, a second complementary compliant holding element mounted to one of the connecting member adjacent the panel end, and a connecting bar releasably connecting the first holding element to the second holding element, whereby, when an impact force of at least a predetermined strength in applied to the panel, the bars are extracted from at least one of their respective holding elements, leaving the panel break away from the door, pivoting in the direction of the impact force.