Overhead Coiling Fire Door Emergency Egress Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing overhead coiling fire doors require improved methods for emergency egress during fire and smoke alarm conditions, particularly in scenarios where power failures occur, and current designs face challenges in reducing construction costs and maintaining aesthetic integrity.
Innovation Solution
The method involves a preset time delay for door closure upon alarm notification, backup power monitoring with audible/visual notifications, and a mechanism for manual operation when power is critically low, ensuring emergency egress sequences can be completed even during primary power interruptions, with a focus on maintaining door functionality through a backup power supply and manual operation capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If overhead coiling fire door with powered operator is used, then construction costs and aesthetic problems are reduced, but operational reliability during power failure deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The backup battery system is pre-installed and pre-charged to ensure immediate operational capability during power failure. The system performs preliminary actions by maintaining charged readiness before the actual emergency occurs, allowing the door to operate reliably without external power.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the power source parameter from primary mains power to backup battery power when power failure is detected. This parameter change enables the door to maintain operational reliability by switching energy sources, allowing the powered operator to function during emergencies despite the initial power loss.
2Reliability
If battery backup is added to maintain operational capability, then reliability during power failure is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The backup battery system serves multiple functions: it provides power during failures, triggers alarm notifications, and enables timed door operations. By making the power system universal and multi-functional, the patent reduces overall system complexity rather than increasing it, as one component handles multiple critical tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors battery charge levels and provides feedback through audible and visual notifications when power is low. This feedback mechanism enables proactive maintenance and ensures the system remains reliable without requiring complex control logic, simplifying the overall device architecture.
3Ease of operation
If door is held open for predetermined time for egress, then emergency egress capability is improved, but fire protection capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The door operates in periodic cycles: held open for egress, then automatically reclosed after a predetermined time. This periodic action alternates between providing egress access and restoring fire protection, resolving the contradiction by applying both functions at different time intervals rather than simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary reclosure action after the egress time expires, automatically returning the door to its protective closed position. This preliminary action ensures fire protection is restored promptly after egress is completed, maintaining safety without requiring manual intervention.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention presents a method to permit emergency egress through an access opening covered by an overhead coiling fire door. Upon receiving an alarm notification from a first detector located on one side of the access opening the door is power closed to a predetermined height and held there for the predetermined time, then power closed to a fully closed position. Upon receiving a second alarm notification from a second detector located on the opposite side of the access opening the door enters into a secondary alarm condition. The door is power closed and awaits notification to initiate a secondary emergency egress sequence. The secondary emergency egress sequence comprises receiving a door opening notification, opening the door, holding the door open for a predetermined time, and reclosing the door. Upon primary power restoration or a return to a non-alarm condition the door returns to its preset open position.