Double-Leaf Revolving Door Closing Sequence Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing closing sequence controls for double-leaf doors installed on the opposite side of the hinge are either too complex to adjust, lack adjustability, or require significant installation height, leading to reliability issues and friction-related problems.

Innovation Solution

A compact closing sequence control with a roller-based actuating element that interacts with a release lever to release the blocking of the active leaf, minimizing frictional forces and allowing for easy installation and high reliability, while being adaptable to various door configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a sliding block-controlled closing sequence control is used, then the device can release the blocking of the active leaf, but the overall height of the slide rail becomes too large

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverelease functionVSAvoidslide rail height
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLength of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using a vertically displaceable release element actuated by the sliding block (conventional approach), the patent inverts the approach by using a horizontally displaceable actuating element that interacts with a release lever. The actuating element is connected to the sliding arm and moves horizontally to actuate the release lever, thereby releasing the blocking of the active leaf. This inversion of the actuation direction allows for a compact slide rail height while maintaining the release function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Length of stationary object

If a cranked hook is used to release the blocking, then the slide rail height can be reduced, but the device becomes complicated to adjust and requires a minimum overall height

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveslide rail heightVSAvoidadjustment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the release mechanism into distinct functional components: an actuating element connected to the sliding arm, a release lever that can pivot, and a release element that blocks or releases the active leaf. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the adjustment process compared to a monolithic cranked hook design. The actuating element can be adjusted independently on the sliding arm, and the release lever can be adjusted independently, making the overall device easier to install and adjust.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The release lever is designed to be pivotable about an axis, allowing it to dynamically change its position between a blocking position and a released position. This dynamic capability enables the release lever to interact effectively with the actuating element during the closing sequence, providing a compact solution that does not require a minimum overall height while maintaining adjustability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If sliding elements are used to control the closing sequence, then the device can function, but frictional forces and fitting inaccuracies reduce reliability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclosing sequence control functionVSAvoidoperational reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a roller as an intermediary element between the actuating element and the release lever. The roller runs on a rolling surface of the release lever, converting sliding friction into rolling friction. This intermediary roller significantly reduces the frictional forces and the influence of fitting inaccuracies, thereby improving the operational reliability of the closing sequence control. The roller acts as a mediator that smooths out the interaction between the actuating element and the release lever.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Ease of operation

If the sliding arm is used to actuate the release element, then the device can release the blocking, but the design lacks compactness

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverelease functionVSAvoiddevice compactness
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the actuating element with the sliding arm by connecting the actuating element to the sliding arm in a rotationally fixed manner. This merging allows the actuating element to be directly driven by the movement of the sliding arm, eliminating the need for separate actuation mechanisms. The combined structure maintains the release function while achieving a compact design, as the actuating element is integrated into the existing sliding arm assembly rather than being a separate bulky component.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

Ensures reliable and correct closing sequences of double-leaf doors with a compact design that reduces frictional influences and accommodates geometric and dimensional variations, ensuring consistent operation across different installations.

Implementation Method 1

the roller rolls on a rolling surface which is arranged on the actuating element. This solution minimizes disruptive frictional forces

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRolling: Roller

Data Source

PatentEP2896773B1Control of closure sequence
Publication Date: 2020.08.26 ASSA ABLOY SICHERHEITSTECHNIK GMBH
  • EP2896773B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2896773B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP2896773B1 patent drawingFigure 2c~2d

AI summary

The invention relates to a closing sequence control (1), in particular for mounting on the opposite side of the hinges of double-leaf revolving doors. A control device (5) interacts with a blocking device (6) to control the correct closing sequence. To achieve the most compact and space-saving design possible, the sliding arm (31s) of the inactive door closer (3s) is provided to detachably hold an actuating element (7) at its free end, which interacts with the control device (5) to release the blockage of the closing movement of the active leaf (11g).