Door Closer Display Device with Linear Force Indication

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing display devices for door closers with adjustable closing forces are difficult to read, especially in worn or high-mounted installations, due to poor visibility and potential misalignment of setting scales, leading to unreliable display of set closing forces.

Innovation Solution

A display device with a separate coupling section mechanically connected to the adjusting shaft and a linearly movable display element, utilizing a pinion element with an external thread and a display element with an internal thread to convert rotational movements into linear displays, allowing for clear and reliable visualization of the set closing force, and a cap element for compact integration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a rotating disc display device is used to indicate closing force, then the display is mechanically linked to the adjusting shaft, but the display becomes difficult to read when the door closer is worn or mounted at height

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereliability of closing force indicationVSAvoidreadability of closing force display
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The display device is divided into two separate sections: a coupling section that connects to the adjusting shaft and a display section that shows the closing force. This segmentation allows the display section to be positioned independently for optimal readability while maintaining mechanical linkage through the coupling section.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The display element is moved from a rotational display (on the disc) to a linear dimension, where it can move axially relative to the coupling section. This linear movement provides a clearer, more readable indication of closing force that is not constrained by the rotational position of the adjusting shaft.

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

2Reliability

If the indicator device is located directly on or very close to the adjusting shaft, then the mechanical linkage is direct, but the display becomes difficult to read when the door closer is located at great height

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of closing force readingVSAvoidvisibility of closing force indicator
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By separating the coupling section from the display section, the display can be positioned at a more accessible location while maintaining accurate mechanical linkage to the adjusting shaft through the coupling mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Device complexity

If a rotating disc with adjustment scale is used, then the display is integrated with the adjusting mechanism, but the scale becomes missing or illegible when the door closer is worn

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintegration of display with adjusting mechanismVSAvoidlegibility of adjustment scale
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The display element transitions from rotational movement (on the disc) to linear movement (axial movement relative to the coupling section). This linear display is less susceptible to wear and illegibility issues that affect rotational scales on worn door closers.

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

The solution provides a clear, reliable, and easy-to-read display of the set closing force, enhancing readability and allowing for flexible positioning of the display section, while maintaining a compact design suitable for retrofitting existing door closers.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing a pinion element with an external thread and a display element with an internal thread to convert rotational movements into linear displays

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectScrew mechanism: Screw

Data Source

PatentEP3339546B1Display device for a door closer with adjustable closing force and door closer
Publication Date: 2020.09.02 DORMAKABA DEUT GMBH
  • EP3339546B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3339546B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3339546B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a display device (1) for a door closer (50) with adjustable closing force, the door closer (50) comprising a rotatably actuated adjusting shaft (51) for adjusting the closing force of the door closer (50). The invention further relates to a door closer (50) with adjustable closing force, comprising a rotatably actuated adjusting shaft (51) for adjusting the closing force of the door closer (50), and further comprising a display device (1).