Door Opener Preload Detection and Shaking Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door systems with openers lack effective mechanisms for safely and conveniently operating doors under varying preloads, such as those caused by wind or manual forces, which can lead to sticking or improper operation.
Innovation Solution
A method and system that detect the preload acting on the door opener when the door is closed, using sensors to record and manage this preload, activating the door opener or generating signals for control devices to adjust the door drive or generate alarms, and employing a 'shaking' mechanism to alleviate preloads and differentiate between natural and manipulative forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the door system uses a standard latch mechanism without preload detection, then the device complexity is low, but the reliability of door operation under varying preloads deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The preload sensor detects the preload force acting on the door opener before the door opening operation is initiated. Based on this preliminary detection, the control device can pre-adjust the door drive parameters or activate the shaking mechanism in advance, ensuring reliable operation under varying preload conditions without adding excessive complexity to the system.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs a feedback loop where the preload sensor continuously monitors the force on the door opener and communicates this information to the control device. The control device adjusts the door drive output or shaking mechanism activation based on this real-time feedback, maintaining reliable door operation while managing system complexity through intelligent control rather than mechanical complexity.
2Productivity
If the door opener applies high force to overcome preload, then the productivity of door opening is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates due to increased mechanical stress
Solution Approach 1:
The shaking mechanism generates controlled vibrations in the latch and door opener assembly to reduce static friction and facilitate smoother door opening. This vibration-based approach allows the door to open with lower peak forces, improving ease of operation while maintaining acceptable opening speed through the oscillating motion that prevents sticking.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the door drive output based on real-time preload detection and shaking mechanism activation. Instead of applying constant high force, the door drive modulates its output to match the actual operational needs, reducing mechanical stress during normal operation while maintaining productivity when needed through coordinated shaking and force application.
3Reliability
If the system activates the shaking mechanism frequently to alleviate preload, then the reliability of door opening is improved, but the use of energy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The shaking mechanism is activated selectively based on preload detection rather than continuously. The control device determines the appropriate duration and intensity of shaking based on the detected preload level, applying just enough vibration to overcome the sticking condition without excessive energy consumption. This partial action approach maintains reliability while optimizing energy use.
Solution Approach 2:
The shaking mechanism operates in periodic bursts rather than continuously, synchronized with the door opening attempt. The control device activates shaking at critical moments when preload detection indicates potential sticking, then pauses to allow normal operation to proceed. This periodic activation pattern ensures reliable door opening while minimizing overall energy consumption compared to continuous shaking.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the door system lacks preload detection capability, then the device complexity is low, but the ability to detect manipulation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The preload sensor and control system serve multiple functions: detecting actual preload for operational adjustment, identifying manipulation attempts through abnormal force patterns, and triggering appropriate responses such as shaking or alarms. This multi-functionality approach enables manipulation detection without proportionally increasing system complexity, as the same sensor and control logic handle both operational optimization and security monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The preload sensor provides continuous feedback to the control device, which analyzes the force patterns over time to distinguish between normal operational preload and abnormal manipulation forces. This feedback-based detection approach enables the system to adaptively respond to different conditions using the same hardware infrastructure, maintaining versatility while managing complexity through intelligent signal processing rather than additional sensors.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method (50) for operating a door system (100) with a door (104) including a door-side latch (107) and a door opener (1), comprising the following steps: detecting a preload that acts on the door opener (1) from the door-side latch (107) when the door (104) is closed, and controlling the door opener (1) based on the detected preload and/or generating a signal to send the detected preload to a control device (101).