Automatic Door Closer Arm Assembly Cushioned Stop Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing automatic door closer systems, particularly parallel arm arrangements, suffer from noise due to abrupt contact between the connecting arm and stops, and experience stress issues from shear and tensile forces, which are not adequately addressed by current bumper and hold open devices.

Innovation Solution

The closer arm assembly incorporates a main arm and connecting arm with a cushioned stop, utilizing UHMW nylon buttons or urethane sleeves to reduce noise, and a hold open device with a coil spring and manually operable bolt for easy release, which alleviates stress on components and allows for controlled door closure.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a hard stop is used to limit arm travel, then the stop provides reliable positioning, but noise is generated when the connecting arm contacts the stop

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestop positioning reliabilityVSAvoidcontact noise
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies beforehand cushioning by installing a cushioning element (such as a rubber bumper or foam pad) on the stop before the connecting arm contacts it. This cushioning element absorbs the impact energy when the connecting arm reaches the limit position, preventing direct hard contact between metal parts. The cushioning element maintains reliable positioning while eliminating the banging noise generated by rigid contact, thus resolving the contradiction between reliability and noise reduction.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

2Reliability

If a spring-loaded detent hold open device is used, then the door can be held open reliably, but the device requires complex screw adjustment and tool usage for release

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedoor hold open reliabilityVSAvoidrelease operation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies self-service by designing a manual release mechanism where the user can directly manipulate the detent or plunger component with their hand to release the held door. Instead of requiring external tools like screwdrivers to adjust compression springs, the release mechanism allows the user to self-release the hold open function by simply pushing or pulling a release lever or button that directly actuates the detent. This eliminates the need for complex screw adjustments and tool usage while maintaining reliable door holding when engaged.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of manufacture

If a single-bolt secured housing is used for the bumper, then the installation is simple, but the housing pivots and provides limited resistance to shear stress

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebumper installation simplicityVSAvoidhousing shear resistance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the mounting function into multiple independent attachment points (multiple bolts or screws distributed around the housing). Instead of relying on a single bolt that must handle all loads, the housing is secured at multiple locations, allowing each fastener to share the shear stress load. This segmentation of the mounting system maintains relatively simple installation procedures while significantly increasing the overall shear resistance and preventing housing pivoting, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and structural strength.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 solution effectively suppresses noise and reduces stress on components by using cushioned stops and a user-friendly hold open mechanism, enhancing the operational reliability and user experience of automatic door closers.

Implementation Method 1

The stop is provided with a cushion that suppresses noise as the connecting arm contacts the cushion

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCushioning: Damping

Implementation Method 2

a hold open device with a coil spring and manually operable bolt for easy release

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS7444713B2Closer arm assembly for an automatic door closer
Publication Date: 2008.11.04 DORMAKABA DEUT GMBH
  • US7444713B2 patent drawing
  • US7444713B2 patent drawing
  • US7444713B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Closer arm assembly includes a main arm having a first end fixed to the output shaft of a closer fixed to one of a door and a door jamb so that the main arm pivots when the output shaft rotates, and a connecting arm having a first end pivotably connected to the main arm and a second end connected to the other of the door and the door jamb. The connecting arm contacts a stop to limit relative pivoting of the arms, the stop including a cushion with a contact surface which suppresses noise as the connecting arm contacts the cushion. The stop can be in the form of a spring loaded bumper fixed to a soffit plate, or a pin fixed to the second end of the main arm. A hold open device can be fixed to the connecting arm for engaging a feature on either the soffit plate or the main arm, the hold open device having a spring loaded detent which is released by manually turning a knob.