Automated Door Closer Adjustment Device for Remote Maintenance

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Solution Overview

Problem

Maintenance of security and safety doors with malfunctioning door closers is time-consuming and costly, leading to false alarms and reduced reliability, especially in facilities with numerous doors where manual adjustment is required under strict security protocols.

Innovation Solution

A mechanical adjustment device for non-motorized door closers with a kinematics sensor and electromotor-driven coupling means that allows for remote and predictive maintenance by modifying closing kinematics and monitoring parameters, reducing the need for manual intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual adjustment of door closers is performed, then the door closer can be adjusted to proper operating parameters, but maintenance is time-consuming and costly requiring physical access under security protocols

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of adjustmentVSAvoidmaintenance time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated electromotor-driven system. The electromotor receives control signals to automatically adjust the door closer parameters through the existing adjustment interface, eliminating the need for physical manual intervention and reducing maintenance time while maintaining adjustment capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The door closer system performs self-adjustment through the integrated electromotor that can autonomously modify operating parameters based on control signals. The system monitors its own performance and can self-correct deviations without requiring external manual intervention, enabling predictive and remote maintenance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If manual maintenance is performed regularly, then door closer functionality can be maintained, but operational disruptions occur under strict security protocols

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedoor closer reliabilityVSAvoidoperational continuity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual maintenance operations with automated electromotor-driven adjustment. The electromotor can be controlled remotely or autonomously to maintain door closer functionality without requiring physical access to the facility, thereby maintaining reliability while eliminating operational disruptions caused by manual maintenance under security protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system incorporates sensors that monitor door closer performance parameters and provide feedback to the control unit. Based on this feedback, the system can autonomously determine when adjustment is needed and execute corrections, maintaining continuous reliability without scheduled manual interruptions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Device complexity

If door closers are not adequately tuned, then the door system becomes simpler, but security door malfunctioning increases leading to false alarms

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedoor system complexityVSAvoiddoor closing reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The electromotor integrates multiple functions into a single device: it can adjust door closer parameters, monitor performance through integrated sensors, and communicate system status. This multi-functionality maintains simplicity by consolidating components while significantly improving reliability through automated tuning and monitoring capabilities.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses sensors to continuously monitor door closing performance and provides feedback to the control unit. This feedback mechanism enables the system to detect and correct tuning deviations automatically, ensuring reliable door closing operation without requiring complex manual adjustment procedures or increasing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

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

Enhances the reliability of door closers, reduces false alarms, and extends maintenance intervals by enabling remote adjustment and monitoring of door kinematics, thereby lowering operational costs and improving door functionality.

Implementation Method 1

an electromotor (13) with coupling means (11) for engaging the adjustment interface (31)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentEP4198235A1Adjustment device for a mechanical door closer, door closer, security door or safety door, facility, and method for operating a door closer
Publication Date: 2023.06.21 EUROBOND DOORS LTD
  • EP4198235A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4198235A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4198235A1 patent drawing

AI summary

An adjustment device (1) for a mechanical, non-motorized door closer (3) with at least one mechanical adjustment interface (31) configured to modify the closing kinematics of the door closer such as closing velocity and/or closing force, comprises at least one kinematics sensor (15) configured for monitoring at least one kinematic parameter of the door and/or door closer; at least one electromotor (13) with a coupling means (11) configured for engaging the adjustment interface (31); control electronics (17) operatively coupled with the at least one kinematics sensor (15) and configured to emit at least one status signal and/or control signal dependent on the monitored at least one kinematic parameter; and at least one cover (19) configured to at least partially surround the electromotor (13), control electronics (17) and the door closer (3), in particular the adjustment interface (31).