Door Closer Sensor Power Management via Linkage Switch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door closers consume significant power when the door is open, reducing battery life and increasing energy costs, especially in applications like hotels where doors are often held open during the day.
Innovation Solution
A door closer mechanism with a sensor that reduces power consumption by suspending power to the sensor when the door is closed, using a switch actuation mechanism to enable or disable power to the sensor based on the door's position, and incorporating a linkage mechanism to pivotally connect the switch actuation member with the switch, reducing power draw when the door is closed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the sensor continuously monitors for alarms while the door is open, then the security function is maintained, but power consumption increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor operates in periodic cycles rather than continuously. During door-open periods, the sensor activates to monitor for alarms. During door-closed periods, the sensor remains inactive. This periodic operation maintains security functionality while dramatically reducing average power consumption.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts sensor operation based on door position. The switch actuation member responds to linkage mechanism movement to enable or disable power to the sensor in real-time, optimizing the balance between security monitoring and power consumption.
2Reliability
If the sensor remains powered on at all times, then alarm response is immediate, but battery life is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is powered in periodic intervals corresponding to door-open periods rather than continuously. This allows immediate alarm response when the door is open (when monitoring is most critical) while extending battery life through reduced overall power consumption during door-closed periods.
3Device complexity
If the switch actuation member directly contacts the switch, then the mechanism is simple, but wear and failure risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The linkage mechanism acts as an intermediary between the door position and the switch actuation member. It translates door movement into controlled engagement of the cam formation with the switch, reducing direct wear while maintaining reliable actuation.
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
Significantly reduces power consumption and extends battery life by minimizing power usage when the door is closed, allowing the sensor to conserve energy and respond to alarms only when the door is open.
Implementation Method 1
the switch actuation member includes a cam formation which engages with the switch to move the switch between its 'enabled' and 'disabled' states
Implementation Method 2
a linkage mechanism connecting the housing to the other of the door or a frame / wall supporting the door, said linkage mechanism including first and second linkage members which are rotatably connected to each other
Data Source
Figure 1a
Figure 1b
Figure 2a
AI summary
A device for holding a door in an open position and for controlling movement of the door to a closed position, the device having a first operative condition which corresponds to a door open position and a second operative condition which corresponds to a door closed position, the device including: a holding mechanism for holding the device in its first operative condition; and a sensor for sensing whether an external alarm is activated, wherein the sensor is powered by a power source, wherein, when the device is in its second operative condition, the sensor either does not sense for an external alarm or the device does not to act on such an alarm if one is sensed by the sensor, and wherein, when the device is in its first operative condition, if the sensor senses an external alarm the holding mechanism releases or permits the device to adopt its second condition or moves the door to its closed position.