Configurable Building Door Control Unit for Compact Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional control devices for building doors require numerous connections for different signal transmitters, leading to increased installation space and complexity, making integration into building doors or door frames difficult.

Innovation Solution

A control device with configurable signal inputs that can be adapted to connect various signal transmitters of different types, reducing the number of necessary inputs and optimizing installation space by allowing flexible configuration via switches or software.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple dedicated input connections are provided for different signal transmitter types, then the control unit can accommodate various transmitter types, but the installation space and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with different signal transmitter typesVSAvoidinstallation space of control unit
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit employs a universal input connection that can be configured to accept different signal transmitter types through software configuration or switch settings. Instead of providing separate dedicated inputs for each transmitter type, a single multi-functional input is designed that can be adapted to various transmitter types (e.g., push buttons, presence sensors, authorization devices) through configuration parameters, thereby reducing the number of physical connections and minimizing installation space.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit utilizes configurable switches or software parameters that can be dynamically adjusted to change the function of the input connection. This dynamic configuration allows the same physical input to serve different purposes depending on the installed transmitter type, enabling the system to adapt to different configurations without requiring additional hardware connections or increasing the control unit's physical footprint.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple dedicated input connections are provided for different signal transmitter types, then various transmitters can be connected, but the number of connecting cables and routing complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with different signal transmitter typesVSAvoidcable routing complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

By designing a universal input connection that can be configured for different transmitter types, the patent reduces the number of separate cable connections required. Instead of needing distinct cables for push buttons, presence sensors, and authorization devices, a single cable connected to the universal input suffices, as the input's function is determined by configuration rather than physical connection type, thereby simplifying cable routing and reducing overall system complexity.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the configurability aspect from the physical connection structure. Rather than having the connection type fixed by hardware design, the functional characteristics of the input are separated and made configurable through software or switches. This extraction allows the same physical connection to serve multiple functions, reducing the number of cables needed and simplifying the routing infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Adaptability or versatility

If conventional control units with numerous connections are used, then different signal transmitters can be accommodated, but integration into door or door frame becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompatibility with different signal transmitter typesVSAvoidintegration into door or door frame
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit is designed with a universal input connection that can be configured for different transmitter types, reducing the overall size and connection requirements of the unit. This compact, multi-functional design makes it easier to integrate the control unit into door or door frame structures, as less space is required for connections and cable management, and the unit can be installed in tighter spaces within the door assembly.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines multiple input functions into a single configurable connection, effectively merging what would traditionally require separate hardware inputs into one unified interface. This consolidation reduces the physical footprint of the control unit and simplifies its integration into door structures, as fewer separate connection points and cable pathways are needed within the confined space of the door or frame.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP2543809B1Control device of a building door
Publication Date: 2020.09.02 EDS ELECTRIC DRIVE SOLUTION GMBH & CO KG
  • EP2543809B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2543809B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2543809B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The device (4) has an electromotive drive device (2) which adjusts the building door (1), with signal input for connection of signal generator of preset type to control unit. The control unit is formed in dependence on the signal encoder type of signal transmitter on signal transmitter signal to control the drive device for direct opening of the building door and to authorize opening of door to building. The drive device after authorization opens the building door to control. The control unit for determining the transducer type of signal transmitter is connected to signal input.