Central Control Unit for Spaced Door Systems

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing door systems struggle to provide seamless and secure control of spaced-apart sliding door systems, particularly in ensuring uninterrupted tracking of individuals and optimal adaptation of wing element movement to prevent unauthorized access.

Innovation Solution

A central control unit is introduced to collect and analyze sensor data from multiple door systems, enabling dynamic and continuous control of wing elements based on object movement and contour, with additional sensors in intermediate areas for comprehensive monitoring, ensuring secure and efficient operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If separate control units are used for each door system, then device complexity is reduced, but tracking continuity and security control deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol system structureVSAvoidtracking continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges separate control units into a single central control unit that manages multiple door systems. This central control unit receives sensor data from all door systems and coordinates their operation, ensuring continuous tracking of objects across door boundaries while maintaining security protocols. The merging resolves the contradiction by prioritizing tracking continuity and security over distributed control simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Device complexity

If simple sensor control is used, then device complexity is reduced, but functional capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol functionVSAvoidtracking capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where sensor units continuously monitor objects in detection areas, and the central control unit processes this data to dynamically adjust door system operation. The feedback loop enables continuous tracking and adaptive control, allowing the system to respond to object movement, maintain security protocols, and coordinate multiple door systems based on real-time sensor information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If door systems operate independently, then ease of operation is improved, but security control deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedoor operationVSAvoidsecurity function
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a central control unit as an intermediary between independent door systems and sensor units. This mediator coordinates door operations across multiple systems, ensuring that security protocols are maintained while allowing automated operation. The central control unit processes sensor data and issues coordinated control commands, resolving the contradiction by enabling secure multi-door operation without requiring independent complex control at each door.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentEP4265874A1Method for controlling two spaced door systems
Publication Date: 2023.10.25 DORMAKABA DEUT GMBH
  • EP4265874A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4265874A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4265874A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for controlling an access system with at least two spaced-apart door systems (100, 200), in particular sliding door systems, wherein the door systems (100, 200) each have at least one leaf element (10) which is moved between an open position and a closed position by door drives (11) provided on the respective door systems (100, 200), wherein several sensor units (12a, 12b) are provided with which objects (14) are detected in a respective sensor detection area (13a, 13b) of the sensor units (12a, 12b), and sensor data (15) are provided by the sensor units (12a, 12b) on the basis of which the door drives (11) are controlled. According to the invention, a central control unit (16) is provided which acquires the sensor data (15) of the sensor units (12a, 12b) of at least the two door systems (100, 200) and with which the door drives (11) of both door systems (100, 200) are controlled.The invention further relates to a system comprising a first door assembly (100) and a second door assembly (200) arranged at a distance from it, with a central control unit (16). The invention further relates to a control unit (16) for controlling such a system.