Motorized Door Operator Electrical Back Check Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional automatic door operators with clutch mechanisms lack a reliable method to simulate the back check function typically provided by hydraulic door closers, which is essential for preventing door damage by applying varying forces as a function of door angle without using pistons, springs, or hydraulic fluid.
Innovation Solution
A motorized door operator that uses electrical control to simulate the back check function by determining the door's position with sensors and exerting a closing force through controlled motor voltage, allowing for adjustable operating parameters and manual operation integration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hydraulic door closers with pistons, springs, or hydraulic fluid are used to create back check force, then the door can be protected from damage by applying varying forces as a function of door angle, but the device complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical hydraulic door closer system with an electric motor system. The motor is controlled by a controller that receives signals from a position sensor to determine when the door is in the back check region, and applies electrical torque to create the closing force. This substitution eliminates pistons, springs, and hydraulic fluid while maintaining the door protection function.
Solution Approach 2:
The door operator system uses its own motor and control system to provide the back check function that would otherwise require a separate hydraulic door closer. The controller monitors door position through the position sensor and autonomously applies the necessary closing force when the door enters the back check region, making the system self-regulating.
2Force
If a mechanical door closer with varying force regions is used, then the door can be closed with appropriate force at different angles, but the ease of operation and adjustability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic control system where the closing force is not fixed but can be adjusted based on operational requirements. The controller can modify the motor torque output in real-time, and the system includes adjustable parameters that allow the closing force characteristics to be customized for different door weights, sizes, and operational needs, replacing the fixed mechanical force regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows for parameter changes in the closing force through electrical control. The controller can adjust the voltage, current, or pulse width modulation duty cycle to the motor to vary the closing force magnitude. This electrical parameter adjustment provides flexibility without requiring physical reconfiguration of mechanical components.
3Reliability
If clutch mechanisms are added to door operators to enable manual operation, then safety during power interruption or obstacle detection is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical clutch mechanism with an electrical control solution. The controller monitors operational conditions and can electrically disengage or reduce motor torque to allow manual door operation when safety conditions are met, eliminating the need for a separate mechanical clutch assembly while achieving the same safety function.
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 motorized door operator effectively creates a back check force electronically, preventing door damage by applying controlled resistance as the door approaches a specific angle, enhancing safety and functionality without mechanical components like pistons or springs.
Implementation Method 1
The back check force in embodiments of the invention is created by electrical control of the motor
Implementation Method 2
In some embodiments, the processor determines the position of a door by sensing the proximity of a magnet. In some embodiments, this position sensing is accomplished by a position sensor such as a Hall effect device or Hall effect sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A door operator with an electrical back check feature is disclosed. Embodiments of the present invention are realized by a motorized door operator that electrically creates a back check force for an opening door. The door operator simulates the back check normally created by hydraulic means in convention door closers, but without the use of pistons, springs or hydraulic fluid. The door operator includes a motor disposed to operatively connect to a door so that the door will open when the motor moves, and a position sensor to determine a position of the door. A processor is programmed to exert a closing force on the door in the back check region. In some embodiments, the closing force is exerted by injecting a voltage into the electric motor of the door operator.