Door Actuating Device Integrated Spring Adjustment and Pressure Compensation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing door operating devices face challenges in compact design due to space-consuming spring adjustments and pressure compensation units, which also lead to potential locking issues and increased manufacturing complexity, especially when integrating electrohydraulic units in limited spaces.

Innovation Solution

A door operating device with a support sleeve that integrates both spring adjustment and pressure compensation, featuring a fixed threaded spindle and a spring adjustment nut, allowing for axial adjustment of the spring preload while utilizing the support sleeve as a pressure compensation chamber, reducing overall space requirements and preventing locking.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If separate spring adjustment and pressure compensation units are used, then each function can be independently adjusted, but the overall device size increases and space requirements are not met

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveIndependent adjustment capabilityVSAvoidDevice size
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the spring adjustment unit and pressure compensation unit into a single integrated housing. The spring adjustment mechanism (with threaded spindle and adjustment nut) and the pressure compensation chamber (with piston and fluid) share the same housing space, eliminating the need for separate adjustment mechanisms and reducing overall device volume while maintaining independent adjustability of both functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The housing serves multiple functions simultaneously: it contains the spring adjustment mechanism, provides the pressure compensation chamber, and houses the electrohydraulic unit. This multi-functionality allows the device to perform spring adjustment, pressure compensation, and door actuation within a compact form factor, meeting space requirements while preserving independent adjustment capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If a stop is provided in the compression direction of the compression spring, then the spring is protected from overload, but the adjustment element may lock and cannot be released

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveSpring protectionVSAvoidAdjustment reversibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a resilient element (such as a spring or elastomeric component) between the adjustment nut and the stop. This intermediary allows the adjustment element to temporarily deform under overload conditions, preventing permanent locking while still protecting the compression spring. The resilient element absorbs the excessive force and enables the adjustment mechanism to be released and re-adjusted without permanent damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If the spring adjustment is operated from the end of the housing, then adjustment is simple, but the electrohydraulic unit cannot be arranged at the same location

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAdjustment accessibilityVSAvoidSpatial arrangement
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent relocates the spring adjustment mechanism from the end of the housing to the side of the housing, perpendicular to the electrohydraulic unit's position. This spatial rearrangement in a different dimension allows both the electrohydraulic unit and the spring adjustment mechanism to coexist without interference, maintaining ease of adjustment while accommodating the electrohydraulic components in the limited space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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

This integrated solution enables a compact, space-efficient door operating device with adjustable spring preload and pressure compensation, preventing locking and simplifying manufacturing, suitable for installation in narrow spaces, including door leaves and frames.

Implementation Method 1

a spring energy store, in which at least the energy required to carry out the closing movement of the door can be stored and which at least has a compression spring arranged under spring preload

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

the compression spring can be adjusted by means of a spring adjustment executed with a threaded spindle

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScrew: Screw

Implementation Method 3

fluid systems are provided in the door operating devices, which usually include hydraulic oil that acts on pistons arranged in the device

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHydraulic pressure: Hydraulic Press

Implementation Method 4

a fluid system is also provided which comprises a pressure equalization unit

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure equalization: Pascal's Law

Data Source

PatentEP1835111B1Door actuating device, in particular for a revolving door
Publication Date: 2011.08.31 DORMA GMBH & CO KG
  • EP1835111B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1835111B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1835111B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The device has a drive unit (10) which is coupled with a door and is arranged in housing (11). A pressure compensating unit forms a support casing (16), which comprises a cylinder and a closure element, which is formed for the admission of the spring adjustment (15). The threaded spindle (17) is axially and rotationally fixed at the support casing. An elastic force accumulator (12) and the pressure compensating unit are carried out as an individual pre-assembled unit.