Door Closing Mechanism with Hands-Free Hold-Open Driver
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door closing mechanisms require multiple actions to maintain a door in an open position, which can be cumbersome for individuals carrying items or those with physical impairments, as they need to prop the door open manually or adjust mechanical components.
Innovation Solution
A door closing device with a hold-open mechanism featuring a retainer and driver system, where the driver is captured by elastic arms to maintain the door at a predetermined angle, producing an audible sound when held or released, allowing hands-free operation and easy adjustment of the door's open position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a stop element is used on the closer rod to prevent closing, then the door can be held open, but the user must manually adjust the mechanism at the top of the door while holding the door open with the other hand
Solution Approach 1:
The door closing mechanism automatically detects when the door is held open and autonomously positions the stop element to prevent closing, eliminating the need for manual adjustment. The system serves itself by using sensors to detect door position and automatically actuating the stop mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated system using sensors, actuators, and control logic. The mechanical stop element is positioned automatically through an actuator driven by sensor input, substituting the need for hands-on mechanical manipulation.
2Reliability
If a door stop is provided at the bottom of the door, then the door can be propped open, but multiple actions are required to manipulate it
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the door position detection, automatic stop actuation, and hold-open functionality into a single integrated mechanism. The stop element on the closer rod performs both the closing prevention and the hold-open function in one unified system, eliminating separate door stops and manual operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically detects when the door needs to be held open and autonomously positions the stop element without requiring any manual manipulation. The mechanism serves itself by using sensors to detect door position and automatically actuating the stop.
3Ease of operation
If the closer rod is made adjustable to allow hand-free operation, then ease of use is improved, but the mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated system using sensors, actuators, and control logic. The mechanical stop element is positioned automatically through an actuator driven by sensor input, substituting the need for hands-on mechanical manipulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The closer rod mechanism serves multiple functions: it provides the closing force, enables hold-open capability, and allows automatic position adjustment. The single integrated system performs what would traditionally require separate mechanisms for each function.
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
Enables the door to be held open at a predetermined angle without manual propping, providing convenience for individuals and allowing easy return to a closed position with minimal force, while offering audible feedback for user confirmation.
Implementation Method 1
a retainer comprising one or more elastic arms and a bore through which the closer rod extends to the door jamb. The driver can be captured by the one or more elastic arms in the hold position
Implementation Method 2
The door closing device may also include a spring surrounding the driver and the one or more elastic arms, biasing the driver away from the one or more elastic arms.
Implementation Method 3
A tapered surface can be formed between an outer cylindrical surface of the driver and the front end of the driver to deflect the one or more elastic arms radially outwardly.
Data Source
AI summary
A door closing device for installation between a door and a door jamb includes a closer rod having an end configured to be fixed to the door jamb, the closer rod being movable between a withdrawn position in which the door is closed and an extended position in which the door is opened. The device also has a hold-open mechanism that includes a driver fixed to the closer rod and movable between a release position that permits movement of the closer rod, and a hold position that holds the closer rod in the extended position, and a resilient retainer configured to capture the driver in the hold position. The driver is separated from the retainer by a disengagement force applied to the retainer.