Door Operator Assembly with Regenerative Drive and Shock-Absorbing Linkage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door operators are expensive to install and prone to failure due to high stresses caused by wind and custom mounting requirements, necessitating custom finishes and licensed electrician involvement.
Innovation Solution
A door operator assembly with a self-contained power pack, adjustable shock-absorbing arm linkage, and regenerative drive circuit, allowing for easy installation and reduced stress on components, featuring a compact design with interchangeable finishes and no need for external wiring or electrician assistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a standard door operator mounting above the door is used, then the door operator can be installed, but very high stresses on the door arm linkages occur when the door is fully open and forced by wind or a user, causing significant problems and often causing failure of the operator
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies beforehand cushioning by incorporating a shock-absorbing mechanism at the door stop position. The door stop is designed to absorb and dissipate impact forces before they can be transmitted to the door operator and arm linkages. This cushioning effect prevents the high stresses that would otherwise occur when the door is forced open by wind or users, thereby protecting the operator from failure while maintaining reliable operation.
2Reliability
If custom mounting work and licensed electrician involvement are required, then the door operator can be installed, but the installation cost becomes very expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by designing the door operator as a self-contained unit with an integrated power pack that includes rechargeable batteries and a regenerative drive circuit. The system can be installed without requiring licensed electricians to provide external power, as the operator generates and stores its own power. This self-sufficient design enables DIY installation while maintaining reliable operation, significantly reducing installation costs without compromising installation quality.
3Reliability
If a large box header containing all electrical and mechanical components is used, then the door operator can be mounted, but it requires custom finishes and increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies merging by integrating the power pack, control circuitry, and mechanical components into a single self-contained operator unit. Rather than requiring a separate large box header to house all components, the design combines electrical and mechanical elements within the operator assembly itself. This consolidation reduces the overall device complexity, eliminates the need for custom header finishes, while maintaining reliable component integration.
4Reliability
If the door operator requires external wiring and licensed electrician assistance, then proper power supply is ensured, but the ease of installation is reduced and installation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service through the regenerative drive circuit that captures energy during door operation and recharges the integrated battery pack. This self-powering mechanism eliminates the need for external wiring and licensed electrician assistance, making installation simple and accessible to DIY users. The system maintains reliable power supply through its self-contained energy generation and storage capability, while dramatically improving ease of installation.
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 solution reduces installation complexity, mitigates wind-induced stress, and allows for cost-effective, customizable door operation with reduced maintenance needs, as the system can recharge its power pack manually and absorb impact forces effectively.
Implementation Method 1
The door operator assembly includes a regenerative drive circuit and a power pack, wherein the regenerative drive circuit recharges the power pack manually
Implementation Method 2
adjustable shock-absorbing arm linkage, allowing for easy installation and reduced stress on components
Data Source
AI summary
A combination door operator assembly and door, wherein the door operator assembly includes an operator unit mounted to the door on the pulling side or the pushing side thereof, an arm linkage having a driving arm and a driven arm, a mounting bracket preferably mounted on the frame to which the door is hinged, a rechargeable power storage pack having at least one of a rechargeable battery and one or more capacitors, and a controller, for monitoring a speed and a position of the door, wherein when the door moves faster than a predetermined speed, the motor is used as a generator to charge the rechargeable power storage pack and the speed of the door is reduced.