Door Frame Power Management for Integrated Electric Door Devices

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing exterior and interior doors for residential or commercial buildings face challenges in integrating electric devices due to separate battery-powered operation, which affects structural integrity, insulation, acoustic performance, and aesthetics, with limited integration of power systems and controllers in residential doors.

Innovation Solution

A door system with an AC/DC converter and power management controller that integrates DC electric devices into the door frame, using a central power supply and power distribution system, minimizing battery reliance and ensuring aesthetic and functional integration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate battery-powered electric devices are mounted to the door, then the door can provide electronic access control and other functions, but the structural integrity, insulation, and acoustic performance of the door are adversely impacted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctionality of electric devicesVSAvoidstructural integrity of door
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate battery-powered electric devices into a single integrated power system mounted within the door frame. The housing contains both AC and DC power sources along with conversion circuitry, merging what were previously separate components into one unified structure that maintains door integrity while providing all necessary electronic functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated power system performs multiple functions: it provides AC power for high-power devices, DC power for low-power devices, houses battery backups, contains conversion circuitry, and provides mounting for various electric devices. This multi-functional housing replaces what were previously separate battery packs and power supplies for each individual device.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If separate battery-powered electric devices are mounted to the door, then the door can provide electronic access control and other functions, but the aesthetics of the door are adversely impacted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctionality of electric devicesVSAvoidaesthetics of door
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate battery-powered electric devices into a single integrated power system mounted within the door frame. The housing contains both AC and DC power sources along with conversion circuitry, merging what were previously separate components into one unified structure that maintains door integrity while providing all necessary electronic functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated power system performs multiple functions: it provides AC power for high-power devices, DC power for low-power devices, houses battery backups, contains conversion circuitry, and provides mounting for various electric devices. This multi-functional housing replaces what were previously separate battery packs and power supplies for each individual device.

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

3Adaptability or versatility

If separate battery-powered electric devices are mounted to the door, then the door can provide electronic access control and other functions, but battery replacement maintenance is required periodically

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctionality of electric devicesVSAvoidbattery maintenance
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separate battery-powered electric devices into a single integrated power system mounted within the door frame. The housing contains both AC and DC power sources along with conversion circuitry, merging what were previously separate components into one unified structure that maintains door integrity while providing all necessary electronic functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically manages power between AC and DC sources without user intervention. The controller monitors power availability and automatically switches between AC power, DC battery power, and rechargeable battery power, eliminating the need for users to manually replace or recharge batteries.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Ease of operation

If power systems are integrated into the door, then electric devices can be powered from a central supply, but the complexity of the door system increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower distribution to devicesVSAvoidpower management system
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The controller acts as an intermediary that automatically manages the complex power conversion and distribution tasks. It monitors the AC power input, manages the DC-to-AC converter, controls the rechargeable battery charging/discharging, and switches power sources as needed, shielding users from the underlying complexity while providing simplified operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

The system provides reliable operation of electric devices with reduced battery maintenance, maintaining structural integrity, insulation, and aesthetics while accommodating diverse power needs through high and low-voltage power options.

Implementation Method 1

an AC/DC converter mounted to or adjacent the door frame and configured to convert AC electrical power to DC electrical power

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAC/DC conversion:

Data Source

PatentUS12352094B2Power management for door system with high and low voltage electrical power supplies for integrated electric devices and methods of operation
Publication Date: 2025.07.08 MASONITE CORP
  • US12352094B2 patent drawing
  • US12352094B2 patent drawing
  • US12352094B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A door system comprises a door frame adapted to be mounted within an opening, a door pivotally attached to the door frame, an AC/DC converter operably associated with the door frame, a DC electric device mounted to the door, at least one sensor mounted to the door frame or the door, and a power management controller configured to receive an input from the at least one sensor and send a command to the DC electric device. The AC/DC converter is configured to be electrically connected to an AC power unit disposed outside the door system. The DC electric device is electrically connected to the AC/DC converter.