Flexible Curtain Door Wireless Emitter Obstacle Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Automatic doors with flexible curtains face issues with wired connections being prone to deterioration from environmental exposure, wear, and maintenance challenges, especially in large doors and cleanroom applications, where reliability and ease of cleaning are critical.

Innovation Solution

A door with a wireless connection system where emitters integrated within the curtain emit radio signals to receivers for obstacle detection, reducing exposure to environmental risks and wear, and featuring a support system to secure emitters in a less exposed area, with bidirectional communication and battery life optimization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a wired connection is used to connect detection means to control electronics, then the detection reliability is improved, but the connection is exposed to environmental deterioration and wear

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection reliabilityVSAvoidenvironmental exposure and wear

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the wired mechanical connection system with a wireless communication system. The detection means (infrared emitter and receiver) transmit signals wirelessly to the control electronics, eliminating the physical cable that is exposed to environmental deterioration, wear, and potential damage from vehicles or persons.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a wireless signal as an intermediary between the detection means and control electronics. Instead of a direct physical connection, the infrared signal acts as a mediator that transfers information without requiring a vulnerable wired connection, thus protecting against environmental factors and wear.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If a wired connection is used for obstacle detection, then detection functionality is achieved, but maintenance becomes tedious and wear increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaintenance easeVSAvoidconnection lifespan

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the mechanical wired connection by implementing wireless communication. This substitution removes the source of maintenance issues such as cable wear, corrosion, and potential disconnections, thereby extending the operational lifespan of the detection system without requiring regular maintenance of the connection infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If the curtain moves at high speed, then door operation efficiency is improved, but the wired connection is subject to premature wear and breakage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedoor operation efficiencyVSAvoidconnection reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the wired connection with wireless communication, which is not affected by the mechanical stress, vibration, and movement associated with high-speed curtain operation. This eliminates the risk of cable wear and breakage while maintaining the ability to detect obstacles and control door operation efficiently.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Ease of manufacture

If a wired connection is used in cleanroom applications, then detection is possible, but cleaning becomes tedious and connection deterioration occurs

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecleaning easeVSAvoidconnection deterioration from cleaning

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent eliminates the wired connection by using wireless communication for obstacle detection. This removes the spiral wire that requires manual cleaning and is susceptible to deterioration from cleaning products, thereby simplifying cleaning operations in cleanroom applications while maintaining detection functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 wireless connection enhances reliability and ease of maintenance, reduces the risk of emitter deterioration, and allows for efficient operation in various environments, including large doors and cleanroom applications.

Implementation Method 1

the door comprises at least one emitter, each emitter cooperating with the means for detecting encounter with an obstacle in order to emit a radio signal following the triggering of the means for detecting encounter with an obstacle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectRadio signal emission: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS9767670B2Door having a flexible curtain and a wireless emitter inside the curtain

Publication Date: 2017.09.19 ASSA ABLOY ENTRANCE SYST AB

AI summary

A flexible curtain has a ballasting and sealing element and a reinforcing element, and is able to move between an open position and a closed position. The door comprises a detection unit configured to detect an encounter of the ballasting and sealing element with an obstacle. The door also comprises a wireless emitter arranged inside the curtain, close to an upright, in a lateral region of the curtain. The emitter cooperates with the detection unit and emits a radio signal when the obstacle is detected by the detection unit. The radio signal is received by a receiver which cooperates with a driving unit so as to stop or reversely move the curtain.