Crown Wheel Operator Assembly for Variable Roller Door Drum Wheels

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing moveable barrier operator assemblies face challenges in accommodating different engagement requirements presented by various roller door types and configurations, leading to installation inconveniences.

Innovation Solution

An operator assembly with a rotating crown wheel featuring multiple shaped attachment portions and output drive extension elements of different sizes and shapes, allowing selection based on the specific physical characteristics of the drum wheel, ensuring balanced drive in both clockwise and counterclockwise directions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a fixed single-type output drive extension element is used, then the device structure is simple, but it cannot accommodate different roller door types and configurations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of different roller door typesVSAvoidoperator assembly structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The crown wheel is designed with multiple shaped attachment portions that can accommodate different types of output drive extension elements (first type with single elongated extension portion, second type with two elongated extension portions). This universal design allows the same crown wheel to work with various roller door configurations and aperture arrangements, providing adaptability without requiring multiple specialized crown wheels

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The output drive extension elements are segmented into different types based on their engagement requirements. The first type has a single elongated extension portion for certain aperture configurations, while the second type has two elongated extension portions for other configurations. This segmentation allows installers to select the appropriate element type for each specific application

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple types of output drive extension elements are provided, then adaptability to different drum wheel configurations is improved, but installation complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveengagement with different drum wheel aperturesVSAvoidinstallation process

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Different shaped attachment portions are provided on the crown wheel, each with specific geometric characteristics suited for different extension element types. The first shaped attachment portion accommodates extension elements with single elongated portions, while the second shaped attachment portion accommodates elements with two elongated portions. This local differentiation in geometry enables precise matching to specific drum wheel aperture configurations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The crown wheel is pre-configured with multiple shaped attachment portions during manufacturing, allowing the installer to simply select the appropriate extension element type based on the drum wheel aperture configuration without requiring complex adjustments or modifications during installation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Power

If extension elements bear on one side of the aperture periphery, then the drive mechanism is simple, but it cannot provide balanced power transfer in both rotation directions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower transfer to drum wheelVSAvoidextension element configuration

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The second type of output drive extension element features two asymmetrically positioned elongated extension portions that engage with different sides of the drum wheel aperture periphery. This asymmetric configuration allows one portion to bear on the aperture during clockwise rotation while the other portion bears during counterclockwise rotation, providing balanced power transfer in both directions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The extension elements are designed to dynamically engage different portions of the aperture periphery depending on the direction of rotation. During clockwise rotation, one extension portion contacts the aperture, while during counterclockwise rotation, the other extension portion contacts the aperture, enabling bidirectional power transfer

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12372120B2Operator assembly for movable barrier

Publication Date: 2025.07.29 AUTOMATIC TECH AUSTRALIA

AI summary

An operator for a movable barrier includes an output drive to transfer drive to the movable barrier. The output drive comprises a rotating crown wheel with an outer face carrying a plurality of shaped attachment portions, each attachment portion configured to receive an output drive extension element to engage with a drum wheel of the movable barrier. The operator further includes first and second output drive extension elements of a different size and shape, each first and second output drive extension element comprising a base portion and an elongated extension portion. The base portion is sized and shaped to be received by one or more of the outer face shaped attachment portions. Selection of the at least one first or second output drive extension element for attachment to the rotating crown wheel is made in accordance with one or more physical characteristics of the particular drum wheel.