Door Closer Arrangement With Slide Rail And Auxiliary Drive

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing door closer arrangements require substantial opening force at small angles and may not provide sufficient closing power in all situations due to the spring tension mechanism.

Innovation Solution

A door closer arrangement featuring a slide rail, an arm connecting the door closer to the slide rail, a second rail with a sliding carriage, low-friction bearings, and an auxiliary motion arrangement, such as an electric motor or spring, to facilitate easier opening and improved closing by adjusting the movement of the door closer along the second rail.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If a spring-based door closer mechanism is used, then the closing power is improved, but the opening force becomes too substantial at small opening angles

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclosing powerVSAvoidopening force
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The door closer mechanism is divided into two independent parts: a spring-based door closer for providing closing power, and a separate electric motor-based auxiliary drive assembly for assisting opening. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its function without interfering with the other, resolving the contradiction between strong closing power and easy opening operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

An auxiliary drive assembly with a small additional rail and angle arm acts as an intermediary mechanism between the user and the door closer. This intermediary provides mechanical assistance during opening by engaging with the slide rail system, reducing the substantial opening force required while not interfering with the spring-based closing mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If the door closer is mounted on the door with slide rail on door frame, then the installation is simplified, but the opening force remains too big and closing power insufficient in all situations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation simplicityVSAvoidopening force and closing power
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The door closer system is segmented into a main door closer unit for basic closing function and a separate auxiliary drive assembly for enhanced opening and closing performance. This allows the main unit to remain simple for easy installation, while the auxiliary add-on provides the necessary force assistance without complicating the core installation process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The auxiliary drive assembly performs preliminary action during the opening operation by providing assisted movement before the main door closer takes over. The small additional rail engages with the slide rail system to provide mechanical advantage at the beginning of opening, reducing the substantial force required before the door reaches a position where the main spring mechanism can take over.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

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 reduces the opening force and enhances the closing power, ensuring smooth operation and effective door closure across various angles.

Implementation Method 1

a first low-friction arrangement (18) between the second rail (9) and the carriage (17)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

a second low-friction arrangement (16) between the arm (8) and the slide rail (7)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3848545B1A door closer arrangement
Publication Date: 2023.12.20 ABLOY OY
  • EP3848545B1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP3848545B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5
  • EP3848545B1 patent drawingFigure 6~7

AI summary

The aim of the invention is to achieve a door closer arrangement (1) where the force needed for opening the door (2) is not so substantial. The invention comprises a door closer (6), a slide rail (7), and an arm (8) that connects the door closer with the slide rail. The arrangement comprises also a second rail (9), which is arranged to form a slide slope for the door closer (6).