Goods-Handling Door Apron Obstacle Detection Near the Sill
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing obstacle detection systems for automatic goods-handling doors are not effective in quickly reacting to obstacles due to the placement of detection means being too far from the contact zone between the sill bar and the obstacle, leading to delayed activation.
Innovation Solution
The placement of safety cells and flexible elements close to the potential contact zone between the primary edge or sill bar and the obstacle, with beams directed vertically or inclined to intersect the center of the door, allowing for immediate detection of obstacle deformation and activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If detection means are positioned close to the winding shaft of the apron, then the device structure is simplified and easier to implement, but the reaction time to obstacles is delayed because the detection means are too far from the contact zone between the sill bar and the obstacle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent positions detection means in a different spatial dimension - specifically in the upper and lower parts of the door assembly rather than near the winding shaft. This dimensional repositioning allows the detection means to be closer to the potential contact zone between the sill bar and obstacles, thereby reducing reaction time while maintaining system feasibility
Solution Approach 2:
The detection means are positioned in advance in the upper and lower parts of the door assembly, ready to detect obstacles before the sill bar contacts them. This preliminary positioning enables the system to detect obstacles earlier in the closing sequence, improving reaction time without requiring complex real-time adjustments
2Reliability
If detection means are positioned close to the potential contact zone between the sill bar and obstacle, then the reaction time is improved, but the detection means must be positioned far from the winding shaft which increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the detection function into multiple segments by positioning detection means in both the upper and lower parts of the door assembly. This segmentation allows each detection means to cover specific zones, improving overall detection reliability while distributing the system complexity across multiple simpler components rather than requiring a single complex positioning system
3Productivity
If safety cells emit beams in vertical direction outside the guide, then the beam can be interrupted during deformation of the flexible curtain or apron, but the beam may be interrupted by normal operation of the curtain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by directing the beam in a specific inclined direction that intersects the center of the goods-handling door at a carefully selected angle. This localized beam direction ensures the beam passes through a zone that is only traversed by the curtain during actual obstacle contact, not during normal operation, thereby distinguishing true obstacles from normal movement while maintaining fast response
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 rapid detection and response to obstacles, ensuring timely stopping and reversal of the door's operation to prevent damage, by positioning safety cells and flexible elements to interrupt beams upon deformation, thus enhancing the door's operational safety and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
safety cells positioned and fixed in the proximity of each guiding device in such a way as to emit at least one beam F directed in a vertical direction, which is provided outside of the guide, in order that said beam is interrupted during the deformation of the flexible curtain or apron
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a device for detecting an obstacle and limiting the force from the primary edge or sill nosing (10) of a flexible apron or curtain (5) in a goods-handling door (1) when the latter comes into contact with an obstacle (14) as it is being closed. The inventive device comprises safety cells (21, 22) which are positioned and fixed close to each guiding device (8) such as to emit a beam F that is directed along a vertical axis outside of the guide (15) so that the beam is interrupted upon deformation of the flexible curtain or apron (5).