Door Curtain Breakaway Detection Using Sensor Systems
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional breakaway doors lack effective detection and monitoring mechanisms for door curtain breakaway events, leading to potential damage and increased warranty claims due to improper use or configuration, as well as wear and tear on components.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of sensor systems, including RFID tags, conductive features, and refeed roller assemblies, to detect door curtain breakaway events, analyze data, and trigger alerts or adjustments to prevent future occurrences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensor systems and detection mechanisms are implemented to detect door curtain breakaway events, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical detection systems with electronic sensors and RFID technology. The detection system uses electronic sensors mounted on guides to detect the presence or absence of door curtain edges, and RFID tags on the door curtain that communicate with readers on the vehicle frame, substituting mechanical monitoring with electronic field-based detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces RFID tags as intermediary elements between the door curtain and the detection system. These passive tags are attached to the door curtain and communicate presence information to readers mounted on the vehicle frame, serving as a mediator that simplifies the direct detection requirement while maintaining measurement precision.
2Ease of manufacture
If manual refeed operations are required to restore door curtain position after breakaway, then ease of manufacture is improved, but loss of time and productivity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automated refeed mechanisms that restore the door curtain to its proper position within the guides without requiring manual intervention. The system uses sensors to detect when the door curtain has broken away and automatically activates refeed mechanisms to return it to operational position, enabling the system to service itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback control where sensors continuously monitor the door curtain position and breakaway events, and this information feeds back to the control system which then activates appropriate corrective actions. The feedback loop enables automatic detection and response to breakaway events, eliminating the need for manual monitoring and intervention.
3Productivity
If automated refeed mechanisms are implemented to restore door curtain position, then productivity is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical refeed mechanisms with electronically-controlled systems. Instead of purely mechanical spring-loaded or cam-based refeed devices, the system uses electronic sensors to detect breakaway events and electronically-controlled actuators to restore the door curtain, reducing mechanical complexity while improving reliability and speed.
Data Source
AI summary
An example apparatus includes switches to be distributed along an interior of a guide for a door, the switches to switch between a first state and a second state, the switches in the first state to extend into a path of a door curtain of the door, the switches to be urged to the second state by the door curtain as the door curtain moves along the path. The example apparatus also includes a controller to identify when the door curtain transitions from an operational state to a breakaway state based on a signal from a first switch of the switches.