Decentralized Door Control via Dynamic Master Radio Network

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing monitoring and control systems for door elements, such as roller or sectional doors, require significant effort and resources for safety regulation compliance and maintenance due to centralized control structures, which are complex and costly.

Innovation Solution

A decentralized control system where the master function can be determined or changed during operation, utilizing a Bluetooth or WLAN radio network with a master component that initiates communication, allowing distributed control functions and enabling internet connectivity through external devices like smartphones for monitoring and control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a centralized control structure is used for monitoring and control systems, then control functions can be集中 managed, but the system complexity and cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol function managementVSAvoidsystem structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control system is segmented into multiple electronic components (drive control unit, monitoring sensor, safety sensor, display device) that can independently function. Each component has specific control functions distributed across them, eliminating the need for a single centralized control unit while maintaining reliable control management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The master function in the radio network can be dynamically assigned to different electronic components based on operational needs. This dynamic allocation allows the system to adapt to different operational states while maintaining simplified control structure, resolving the contradiction between reliable control management and system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If a dedicated control unit is implemented, then control functions can be centralized, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol function centralizationVSAvoidcontrol unit structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The functions of a dedicated control unit are merged into the existing electronic components already present in the door element system. The drive control unit, monitoring sensor, safety sensor, and display device all participate in control functions, eliminating the need for an additional dedicated control unit while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

Existing electronic components are given multiple functions. For example, the drive control unit not only controls the drive mechanism but also participates in the radio network as a slave organ and can potentially serve as a master organ. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for dedicated control units while maintaining centralized control capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Adaptability or versatility

If internet connectivity is added through external devices, then remote access and troubleshooting are enabled, but system complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremote access capabilityVSAvoidcommunication infrastructure
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A smartphone or other mobile device serves as an intermediary between the door element control system and the internet. The communication element in the electronic components establishes a local radio network (Bluetooth/WLAN) with the smartphone, which then provides internet connectivity. This intermediary approach enables remote access without directly integrating complex internet infrastructure into the door element system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The smartphone serves multiple functions: it acts as a communication element establishing the radio network, provides internet connectivity, enables remote monitoring and control, and allows troubleshooting. This multi-functional use of a common device (smartphone) enables versatile remote access capabilities without adding dedicated infrastructure complexity to the door element system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP3117628B1Monitoring and actuating device for a door unit
Publication Date: 2020.05.06 FRABA
  • EP3117628B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

The invention relates to a monitoring and actuating device for a door member, such as for example, a roll-down door or a sectional door, which can be moved by a drive device. Electronic components which comprise a drive control unit, at least one sensor arrangement, which is arranged in the region of the door unit, and at least one control element, are provided. A radio network is provided according to the master/slave functional principle for wireless communication with the electronic components. One of the electronic components is embodied in the radio network as a master member.