Door Drive Energy Management via Controller and Capacitor

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional door drives with electrically operated components experience significant energy wastage during inactive operating phases due to constant mains connection, leading to high energy consumption and inefficiency.

Innovation Solution

A door drive system that incorporates a controller and an electrical energy store, allowing disconnection from the mains during inactive phases and reconnecting during active motor operation, with a charging controller that optimizes energy storage based on state of charge and time, reducing overall energy consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the door drive is permanently connected to the mains power supply, then the controller and electric motor can always receive electrical energy, but energy is wasted during inactive operating phases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontinuous power supply availabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption during inactive phases
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical energy store (capacitor) is charged during active operating phases when the motor runs, storing electrical energy in advance. This preliminary energy storage allows the controller to operate during inactive phases without mains connection, eliminating continuous energy waste while ensuring power availability when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Loss of energy

If two transformers are used (one for inactive mode, one for active mode), then energy consumption during inactive phases is reduced, but the structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenergy consumption during inactive phasesVSAvoidtransformer configuration complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the functions of two separate transformers into a single transformer that serves both active and inactive operating modes. The electrical energy store (capacitor) is integrated with this single transformer, allowing it to supply power during inactive phases and be recharged during active phases, thereby reducing component count and structural complexity while maintaining energy efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If a battery power source is added to maintain operation during power failure, then reliability during power outages is improved, but the structural complexity and energy consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation continuity during power failureVSAvoidparallel power source configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical energy store (capacitor) serves multiple functions: it acts as a backup power source during mains power failures, stores energy during active phases for use during inactive phases, and can be charged during both active and inactive modes. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate battery systems while maintaining reliability and reducing overall system complexity.

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

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

This solution significantly reduces energy consumption to about one-tenth of conventional levels, achieving substantial energy savings and improved efficiency by using the energy store during inactive phases and mains power during active operation.

Implementation Method 1

an electrical energy store, wherein in a first operating mode the controller disconnects the door drive from the network and the electrical energy store provides the electrical energy

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical Accumulator: Electrical Accumulator

Data Source

PatentEP2050910B1Door drive
Publication Date: 2018.12.05 MARANTEC ANTRIEBS UND STEUERUNQSTECHNIK GMBH & CO PRODUKTIONS KG(DE)
  • EP2050910B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2050910B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2050910B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The drive has a controller (2) and a drive motor (10) supplied with electrical energy by an electrical supply (1). The controller separates the door drive from the electrical supply in an operating mode, and an electrical energy storage (3) supplies the electrical energy. The controller connects the door drive with the electrical supply in another operating mode, and is switched into the latter operating mode when the drive motor is moved. The energy storage is supercharged in the latter operating mode.