Compact Motorized Door Closer with Remote Fire Response
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a door closing device that can be remotely operated in response to signals from alarms or home protection systems to facilitate fire safety and convenience, as physically closing doors can be burdensome and is often overlooked.
Innovation Solution
A door closing apparatus with a baseplate, rotatable closing arm, and motor system that responds to remote signals to pivot a door into a closed position, using proximity sensors to determine the door's position and engage/disengage the motor.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a door closing device is manually operated, then the door can be closed, but it requires physical effort and user attention which may be burdensome and overlooked
Solution Approach 1:
The door closing device operates autonomously by detecting smoke or fire conditions and automatically closing the door without requiring manual user intervention. The system serves itself by monitoring environmental conditions and executing the door closure action independently, eliminating the need for continuous human attention and physical effort.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical door closing with an automated motorized closing mechanism. The motor-driven closing arm substitutes for manual pushing, converting the operation from a purely mechanical manual action to an automated electromechanical system that responds to sensor inputs.
2Reliability
If a remote door closing system is implemented, then fire safety is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The door closing system is divided into distinct functional modules: a baseplate mounted on the door, a separate motor assembly, a closing arm mechanism, and integrated sensor components. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies installation and maintenance while achieving reliable automated door closure for fire safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The door closing device integrates multiple functions into a single apparatus: it serves as both a fire detection response system and a motorized door closing mechanism. The baseplate and closing arm structure can accommodate different sensor types and motor configurations, making the system adaptable to various fire safety requirements without requiring entirely separate systems.
3Extent of automation
If a motorized closing arm is used, then automatic door closure is achieved, but the device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The motor assembly is integrated within or adjacent to the baseplate structure, and the closing arm is positioned to rotate from a retracted position near the door surface to an extended closing position. This nesting arrangement minimizes the overall device footprint by having components occupy overlapping or adjacent spatial zones rather than requiring separate mounting areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The closing arm transitions from a static retracted position to a dynamic extended position during door closure operation. The motorized system provides controlled motion, allowing the arm to rotate outward to apply closing force and then retract, creating a dynamic mechanism that achieves automation without requiring a permanently extended structure.
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 automatic door closure in response to alarms, enhancing fire safety and convenience by ensuring doors are closed without manual effort, utilizing proximity sensors for precise control and safety features.
Implementation Method 1
a motor, the motor configured to be engaged in response to receipt of a signal from a remote electronic device
Implementation Method 2
a proximity sensor configured to determine a position of the closing arm
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus comprising a baseplate configured to be coupled to an interior side of an inswing door adjacent a pivot edge of the door; a rotatable closing arm with a first end and a second end, the second end coupled to a motor, the motor configured to be engaged in response to receipt of a signal from a remote electronic device; and circuitry electrically coupled between a power supply and the motor, the circuitry configured to wirelessly send and receive information to and from the remote electronic device.