Door Closer Motion Diagnostics for Guided Installation Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The installation of hydraulic door closers is often sub-optimal due to the complexity of adjustment processes, which can be daunting for untrained installers, leading to inefficient adjustments and reliance on trial and error or years of experience.
Innovation Solution
A method using sensors to generate motion data as a door with a door closer moves from open to closed positions, analyzing this data to determine necessary adjustments, and providing installation instructions through a mobile device's graphical user interface to ensure proper installation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If manual adjustment process is used by untrained installers, then installation cost is reduced, but installation quality and precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
A mobile device application serves as an intermediary between the door closer hardware and the installer, providing real-time guidance through visual feedback, animated overlays, and step-by-step instructions. This mediator enables untrained installers to achieve professional-quality adjustments without requiring extensive training or experience
Solution Approach 2:
The system captures video of the actual door closer operation and provides real-time feedback by overlaying ideal motion patterns on the captured footage. This immediate visual feedback allows installers to compare actual performance against target performance and make precise adjustments to achieve the desired door closing behavior
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple adjustment points are provided in door closer, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides targeted guidance for each specific adjustment point based on the actual door closer performance characteristics. Rather than requiring the installer to understand all adjustment points simultaneously, the application delivers localized, context-specific instructions for each valve and adjustment mechanism as it becomes relevant to achieving the desired performance
Solution Approach 2:
The adjustment process is segmented into discrete, manageable steps with each step focusing on a specific adjustment point or performance characteristic. The video feedback is also segmented into temporal zones showing different phases of door movement, allowing the installer to systematically address each aspect of the adjustment process
3Ease of manufacture
If trial and error method is used for adjustment, then no specialized equipment is needed, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the mechanical trial-and-error adjustment process with a digital guidance system that uses video capture, image processing, and visual feedback to guide the installer. This substitution eliminates the need for repeated manual adjustments while maintaining the simplicity of using only standard tools and a mobile device
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary analysis of the door closer operation by capturing video and comparing it against ideal performance patterns before the installer makes any adjustments. This preliminary assessment provides advance guidance on what adjustments are needed, eliminating the need for time-consuming trial and error iterations
Data Source
AI summary
A door closer diagnostics system including a door closer, a server, and a mobile device having a display and at least one sensor. The mobile device is configured to (i) generate, by the at least one sensor, motion data indicative of motion of the door as the door is moved from an open position to a closed position, and (ii) transmit the motion data to the server. The server is configured to analyze the motion data to (i) determine a duration the door was in each of a plurality of door movement zones between the open and closed positions, (ii) determine at least one adjustment to the door closer for a successful installation of the door closer based on the duration the door was in each of the door movement zones, and (iii) transmit at least one installation instruction corresponding with the at least one adjustment to the mobile device.