Door closer with encoder for angle detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door closers lack simplicity in production and maintenance, and there is a need for a solution that ensures safe operation without complex mechanisms or external power sources.
Innovation Solution
A door closer design featuring a metal housing with a rotatable output shaft, a mechanical energy storage system (preferably a spiral spring), and a sensor unit with an encoder for precise angle detection, allowing for safe operation and detection of proper functioning without external power or motor operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a door closer includes monitoring functions to detect damage or tampering, then safety and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex electronic monitoring systems with a simple mechanical sensor unit that detects the rotation angle of the output shaft. This mechanical approach uses a sensor and encoder to monitor door position and movement, providing safety functions without requiring complex electronics or external power sources, thus improving reliability while minimizing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor unit is designed to be integrated into the existing door closer mechanism, using the output shaft's own rotation to provide monitoring data. The system leverages the existing mechanical movement of the door closer to generate monitoring information, eliminating the need for separate monitoring mechanisms and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining safety
2Measurement precision
If a sensor unit is added to detect actual rotation angle, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sensor unit with the existing output shaft assembly, integrating the sensor and encoder directly into the mechanical structure. This merging allows the sensor unit to detect the actual rotation angle of the output shaft without requiring separate mounting structures or additional components, thereby improving measurement precision while minimizing the increase in device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor unit serves multiple functions: it detects the actual rotation angle of the output shaft, monitors door position, and provides data for evaluating proper functioning. By making the sensor unit multi-functional, the patent achieves high measurement precision without needing multiple separate devices, thus reducing overall device complexity
3Measurement precision
If the sensor is arranged directly on the output shaft, then measurement precision is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sensor unit into a separate, modular component that can be independently manufactured and then integrated with the output shaft. This segmentation allows the sensor to be precision-manufactured using standard sensor manufacturing processes, while the output shaft can be manufactured using conventional methods, thereby achieving high measurement precision without significantly increasing overall manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a sensor mounting structure as an intermediary component that facilitates the connection between the sensor and the output shaft. This intermediary element simplifies the manufacturing process by providing a standardized interface, allowing the sensor to be precisely positioned on the output shaft without requiring complex integration procedures
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 enables safe and reliable door operation with simple, low-maintenance design, allowing for precise monitoring of the door's position and movement, detecting potential damage or manipulation, and integrating seamlessly with existing door closers without altering their mechanical function.
Implementation Method 1
The door closer includes a mechanical energy storage device. This mechanical energy storage device is preferably designed as a spring, and preferably as a coil spring. The mechanical energy storage device is located within the housing and applies force to the output shaft, causing it to rotate in the closing direction.
Implementation Method 2
The sensor unit comprises a sensor and an encoder. The sensor is arranged on or integrated into the output shaft. The sensor and the output shaft are designed such that the sensor rotates with the output shaft. The sensor of the sensor unit is designed and arranged for the detection of the encoder, particularly without contact.
Implementation Method 3
It may be designed that the door closer includes hydraulic oil to dampen the closing movement.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 1a
Figure 2~3
AI summary
The invention relates to a door closer (1) for closing a door (200), comprising a housing (2) and an output shaft (3) mounted therein, designed for attaching a lever arrangement (103), with a mechanical energy storage device (4) in the housing (2) which causes the output shaft (3) to rotate, wherein the energy storage device (4) is preferably designed as a spring, with a sensor unit (20) comprising a sensor (23) and an encoder (21), wherein the encoder (21) is arranged or designed on the output shaft (3), wherein the sensor (23) is designed and arranged for detecting the encoder (21), in particular without contact.