Self-Powered Door Closer with Automatic Valve Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional door closers require manual adjustment of valve settings to achieve desired closing profiles, which can be cumbersome and often result in undesirable closing characteristics due to interactions between valves, leading to installation challenges and suboptimal performance.
Innovation Solution
A self-powered door closer assembly that includes a spring, gear, and generator to automatically adjust the valve position based on the door's angular position, using a control unit with a printed circuit board and sensors to optimize the hydraulic fluid flow and ensure proper door motion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual adjustment of valve settings is used to achieve desired closing profiles, then the door closer can be controlled to provide specific opening and closing characteristics, but the adjustment process becomes cumbersome and installation becomes challenging due to interactions between valves
Solution Approach 1:
The door closer assembly automatically adjusts valve settings based on sensor input regarding door characteristics (weight, size, opening angle) without requiring manual intervention. The control system self-regulates the hydraulic valves to optimize closing profiles, eliminating the need for installers to manually adjust multiple interacting valves while maintaining reliable closing characteristics
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment of valve settings with an automated electronic control system. Sensors detect door parameters and the control system electronically adjusts valve positions, substituting the mechanical adjustment process with an automated electromechanical system that simplifies installation while achieving precise closing profiles
2Reliability
If conventional door closers with multiple valves are used to control opening and closing characteristics, then desired closing profiles can be achieved, but valve interactions cause suboptimal performance and make adjustment difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The door closer assembly incorporates sensors that continuously monitor door position, speed, and characteristics, providing feedback to the control system. The control system uses this feedback to dynamically adjust valve settings, optimizing closing profiles in real-time and eliminating the performance degradation caused by fixed valve interactions in conventional systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from static valve settings in conventional door closers to dynamic valve adjustment based on real-time door conditions. The control system continuously modifies valve positions during door operation to maintain optimal closing characteristics, transforming the rigid mechanical system into a dynamic adaptive system that performs superiorly
3Reliability
If installers manually adjust valve settings to optimize door closing, then desired performance can be achieved, but installers may be unwilling or unable to perform adjustments correctly
Solution Approach 1:
The automated control system performs the complex task of valve adjustment autonomously based on sensor data about door characteristics. Installers simply install the door closer without needing to understand or manually adjust the valve settings, as the system self-optimizes during initial operation or through automated calibration routines
Solution Approach 2:
The control system acts as an intermediary between the door characteristics and the valve settings. Rather than requiring installers to directly manipulate valve adjustments based on complex interactions, the control system mediates this relationship by automatically interpreting door parameters and translating them into appropriate valve configurations
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 automatic adjustment of the door closer to achieve desirable opening and closing cycles with reduced energy consumption and simplified installation, ensuring consistent and safe door operation.
Implementation Method 1
a generator configured to generate electrical power responsive to the rotation of the at least one gear
Implementation Method 2
a spring; a movable element configured to move in response to movement of a door, the movement of the movable element loading the spring
Data Source
AI summary
A door closer assembly is provided, including a valve regulating an amount of hydraulic fluid that flows through the valve. The amount of hydraulic fluid flowing through the valve controls a force generated by the door closer assembly on a door. A first sensor measures an angular position of the door, and a second sensor measures an angular position of the valve. The angular position of the valve determines the amount of hydraulic fluid flowing through the valve. A controller controls the adjustment of the valve based on the angular position of the door and the angular position of the valve.