Door Closer Zone Diagnostics for Guided Installation Tuning
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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 that may require 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 on a mobile device's graphical user interface for proper setup.
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 graphical user interface that displays adjustment instructions, current settings, and target values. This mediator enables untrained installers to achieve professional-quality adjustments without requiring extensive training or experience.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by having the mobile device read current door closer settings via connected hardware, compare them against target values, and guide the installer through iterative adjustments. The process continues until the actual settings match the desired specifications, ensuring high installation quality regardless of installer expertise.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple adjustment points with similar behaviors are provided, then door closer functionality is improved, but adjustment complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The adjustment process is segmented into distinct phases corresponding to different door movement zones (main zone, latch zone, hold-open zone). Each zone has specific adjustment parameters and target values, breaking down the complex multi-parameter adjustment task into manageable segments that can be addressed sequentially rather than simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
Different adjustment parameters are optimized for different local zones of door movement. The system provides zone-specific guidance that tells the installer which adjustment point to modify based on the current door position and desired behavior, rather than requiring understanding of all adjustment points at once.
3Ease of operation
If trial and error adjustment method is used, then installer experience requirements are reduced, but installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The target adjustment values are predetermined based on door specifications, usage requirements, and performance criteria. Rather than requiring the installer to discover optimal settings through trial and error, the system provides the correct target values in advance, allowing the installer to directly adjust to the known optimal configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device continuously monitors current adjustment values and provides feedback on how close the current settings are to the target values. This feedback mechanism guides the installer efficiently toward the correct settings, replacing the slow trial-and-error process with a directed adjustment path that significantly reduces installation time.
4Manufacturing precision
If professional training is provided to installers, then installation quality improves, but training cost and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The door closer system performs its own adjustment guidance function through the mobile device application, eliminating the need for external expert knowledge during installation. The system self-diagnoses current settings, compares them to targets, and provides step-by-step instructions, allowing any installer to achieve professional results without extensive training.
Solution Approach 2:
The mobile device application acts as an intermediary that encapsulates expert knowledge and adjustment logic, making it accessible to all installers regardless of training level. This digital mediator transfers the expertise that would otherwise require years of apprenticeship into an easily accessible software guide.
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
This approach simplifies the adjustment process by providing objective, step-by-step instructions, reducing the number of iterations required for a proper installation and ensuring optimal door closer operation.
Implementation Method 1
generating, by at least one sensor, motion data indicative of motion of a door having a door closer as the door is moved from an open position to a closed position
Data Source
AI summary
A method according to one embodiment includes generating, by at least one sensor, motion data indicative of motion of a door having a door closer as the door is moved from an open position to a closed position, analyzing the motion data to determine a duration the door was in each of a plurality of door movement zones between the open position and the closed position, determining 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 plurality of door movement zones, and displaying at least one installation instruction corresponding with the at least one adjustment on a graphical user interface of a mobile device.