Door Drive Control with Dynamic Dwell Time Adjustment

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing door drives for building structures, particularly swing doors, face issues with mechanical play and back pressure causing doors not to seal properly when in the 'CLOSED' position, leading to drafts and increased manual effort for closure.

Innovation Solution

A door drive system that includes a position sensor to detect manual movement and adjust the closing speed, allowing for parallel operation of automatic and door closer modes with customizable hold-open times, ensuring accurate positioning and automatic closure even when doors are slightly ajar due to mechanical play or external influences.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the door drive operates in automatic mode with a single dwell time setting, then the system is simple to operate, but it cannot accommodate different usage scenarios requiring different hold-open durations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different usage scenariosVSAvoidcontrol system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The door drive system dynamically adjusts the dwell time based on the detected operating mode. The control unit automatically selects between a first dwell time for door closer mode and a second dwell time for automatic mode, eliminating the need for manual configuration while adapting to different usage scenarios

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically detects the operating mode through position sensor feedback and self-configures the appropriate dwell time without user intervention. The control unit monitors door position and movement characteristics to determine whether door closer mode or automatic mode is active, then autonomously applies the correct timing parameter

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Manufacturing precision

If the door drive uses a fixed closing speed, then the motor performance is simplified, but it cannot properly handle both manual operation correction and automatic positioning requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedoor positioning accuracyVSAvoidmotor control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The motor control system dynamically adjusts closing speed based on the operating mode. In door closer mode, a first closing speed is applied to handle manual operation corrections, while in automatic mode, a second closing speed optimizes positioning accuracy. The control unit switches between these speeds based on real-time mode detection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the motor control parameters (closing speed) according to the detected operating mode. The control unit modifies velocity commands to the motor based on whether the system is in door closer mode or automatic mode, optimizing performance for each scenario without requiring complex mechanical adjustments

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If the door drive operates only in door closer mode, then manual operation is fully supported, but automatic opening and closing functionality is lost

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanual operation capabilityVSAvoidautomatic opening and closing capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The door drive system is designed to perform multiple functions through parallel operation of door closer mode and automatic mode. The control unit can detect and respond to both manual operation inputs and automatic triggering signals, enabling the single system to serve both manual and automated applications without requiring separate mechanisms

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically switches between door closer mode and automatic mode based on the type of input received. When manual operation is detected, door closer mode activates to support full manual control. When automatic triggering is detected, automatic mode activates to enable automated opening and closing cycles

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP3245372B1Method for operating a door drive, door drive control, door drive and hinged door
Publication Date: 2023.07.12 HORMANN ANTRIEBSTECHN
  • EP3245372B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3245372B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3245372B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for actuating a building door having a door drive. In order to make manual actuation more comfortable, the invention provides for a method for operating a door drive (14) connected to a door leaf (18) of a building door (10), comprising the step of assigning and/or carrying out different control times for different operating modes and/or different control signals.