Door Closer Motor Control for Locking and Emergency Opening
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door closer systems cannot simultaneously lock a door against the force of a mechanical accumulator and open it against the same force for smoke and heat exhaust functions, requiring external electrical energy for operation.
Innovation Solution
A system with a generator-damped door closer that includes an electric motor connected to the door leaf, control electronics, and an external energy source, allowing the motor to be controlled for both regenerative damping and electromotive emergency opening, enabling the door to be locked or opened against the mechanical storage's force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a generator-damped door closer is used, then the door can be closed with controlled damping without external power, but the door cannot be held open or opened against the spring force
Solution Approach 1:
The electric motor is designed to perform multiple functions: regenerative damping during normal operation, holding the door open against spring force when powered, and emergency opening when activated by external control signals. This single component replaces what would traditionally require separate mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the existing spring force that naturally closes the door and converts it into electrical energy through the motor acting as a generator during the closing motion. This self-generated power serves the control electronics and enables the motor to perform additional functions without requiring external power sources.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a separate fresh air opener is installed, then emergency opening function is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the emergency opening motor drive with the existing generator-damped door closer mechanism. The same motor, control electronics, and mechanical linkage serve both the regenerative damping function and the emergency opening function, eliminating the need for a separate fresh air opener device.
Solution Approach 2:
The electric motor serves as a universal component that can operate in different modes: as a generator during normal closing operations to provide damping and power, and as a motor during emergency situations to open the door against spring force, all through a single integrated system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If external electrical energy is continuously supplied, then the door can be held open against spring force, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system operates in periodic cycles: the door closes under spring force while the motor generates electrical energy, storing it in the control electronics' power supply. This stored energy is then used periodically to hold the door open or perform emergency opening, rather than requiring continuous external power supply.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is self-sufficient by converting the mechanical energy of the spring-driven closing motion into electrical energy through the motor-generator action. This self-generated power is stored and reused to maintain the door in the desired position, eliminating the need for continuous external electrical energy supply.
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 simple and cost-effective implementation of both locking and emergency opening functions, using external electrical energy to maintain the door in a locked or open position as needed, without requiring continuous external power.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one electric motor is usually a brushed or brushless magnetically excited DC motor. On the one hand, this generates electrical energy for the control or regulating electronics from the movement of the leaf.
Implementation Method 2
When the door leaf is opened manually, the mechanical energy storage device is charged with potential energy, which closes the released door leaf. The mechanical energy storage device can, for example, comprise a spring that is tensioned by the manual opening of the door leaf and released again when the door leaf is closed.
Implementation Method 3
The movement of the door leaf can be dampened by short-circuiting the motor windings via the control or regulating electronics. In particular, the closing movement of the door leaf caused by the relaxing spring can be dampened in a controlled or regulated manner via the control or regulating electronics after the door leaf is released.
Data Source
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AI summary
A system for holding and/or providing emergency opening of a door, window, or similar sash comprises a drive unit with at least one mechanical energy storage device that is charged by an opening movement of the sash and discharged by a closing movement of the sash, at least one electric motor whose motor shaft is operatively connected to the sash, and control and/or regulating electronics for controlling the electric motor. The electric motor can be controlled via the control and/or regulating electronics both for regenerative damping of the sash movements and against the force of the mechanical storage device to hold the sash in place and/or for the emergency opening of the sash by means of an additional supply of external electrical energy from an external device such as, in particular, a smoke control panel, a smoke and heat exhaust ventilation system, or the like.