Door Closer Diagnostics Using Motion and Load Data Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of hydraulic door closers often results in sub-optimal setups due to the complexity of adjustment processes, particularly for untrained installers, who may rely on trial and error or subjective methods to ensure compliance with requirements like ADA standards, leading to potential inefficiencies and non-compliance.
Innovation Solution
A system that uses sensors and data acquisition devices to generate motion and load data, which is analyzed to determine necessary adjustments to the door closer, providing objective installation instructions through a graphical user interface to ensure proper installation and compliance with regulatory requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual adjustment of door closer is performed by untrained installers, then installation can be completed, but the adjustment accuracy and compliance with requirements deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated electronic system. Sensors detect door movement and position, a processor analyzes the data against predetermined criteria, and the system automatically determines required adjustments. This substitutes the installer's manual tuning process with an automated measurement and analysis system, eliminating the dependency on installer expertise while maintaining high adjustment accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The door closer system performs self-diagnosis and self-adjustment guidance. The sensors automatically monitor door operation, the processor compares measured parameters against required specifications, and the system generates specific adjustment instructions. This self-service capability eliminates the need for skilled manual adjustment while ensuring precise compliance with requirements.
2Reliability
If trial and error adjustment method is used, then adjustment can be made, but the time required for installation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary measurement and analysis before making adjustments. Sensors capture door movement data, the processor analyzes this data against predetermined criteria, and specific adjustment instructions are generated in advance. This preliminary action eliminates the need for repeated trial and error adjustments, significantly reducing installation time while ensuring reliable compliance with requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates continuous feedback through sensors that monitor door movement and position. The processor uses this feedback data to automatically determine required adjustments and generate specific instructions. This feedback mechanism ensures reliable adjustment outcomes while eliminating the time-consuming trial and error process, as the system learns from actual door operation data to prescribe precise adjustments.
3Ease of operation
If subjective determination by maintenance person is used, then adjustment can be verified, but the verification accuracy and compliance with standards deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces subjective human verification with an automated electronic measurement system. Sensors objectively measure door movement, position, and operation parameters, while the processor automatically compares these measurements against predetermined compliance criteria. This substitution eliminates subjective determination, providing precise, objective verification accuracy while maintaining ease of operation through automated data collection and analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-verification by automatically monitoring door operation and comparing measured parameters against required specifications. The sensors and processor work together to objectively determine compliance without requiring human judgment. This self-service verification mechanism provides high measurement precision while remaining easy to operate, as the system autonomously performs both measurement and compliance determination.
Data Source
AI summary
A method and apparatus relating to generating, by at least one motion sensor of a data acquisition device that is mounted to a door having a door closer, motion data indicative of motion as the door is moved from an open position to a closed position, generating, by at least one load cell of the data acquisition device, load data as the door is being opened, analyzing the motion data and load data by a central processing device, determining at least one adjustment to the door closer based on at least one of a duration the door was in each of a plurality of door movement zones, as determined using the motion data, and a force applied to open the door, as determined using the load data, and displaying at least one installation instruction corresponding with the at least one adjustment on a graphical user interface of the central processing device.