Power-Assisted Door Operator Control for Excess Opening Speed
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door operators provide unnecessary or excessive assistance during rapid door opening, leading to unwanted speed and increased wear and tear on the door and frame, especially due to wind forces.
Innovation Solution
A motor-driven door operator system that adjusts assistance based on door angle and speed thresholds, dynamically reducing motor support when these thresholds are exceeded, and can include braking to control door speed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the motor provides continuous full assistance in predefined power assist mode, then ease of operation is improved for users needing help, but door opening speed becomes excessive and wear increases
Solution Approach 1:
The door operator dynamically adjusts motor assistance based on real-time door angle and speed feedback. The controller reduces or terminates motor assistance when the door exceeds a threshold angle during opening, adapting the level of support to the actual operational conditions rather than providing constant assistance.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor door angle and opening speed, using this information to adjust motor assistance levels. The controller receives feedback about door position and velocity, then modulates motor output accordingly to maintain optimal performance across different operating conditions.
2Ease of operation
If the motor continues to assist after user stops pushing, then ease of operation is maintained, but door travels too fast into mechanical stops causing wear and tear
Solution Approach 1:
The controller applies preliminary anti-action by reducing motor assistance before the door reaches the fully open position or mechanical stops. When the door exceeds a threshold angle, the controller proactively reduces or terminates motor assistance, preventing the door from accelerating into the stops and causing damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts motor output based on real-time monitoring of door position and user interaction. When the door exceeds a threshold angle during opening, the controller adapts by reducing assistance, thereby preventing excessive speed and reducing mechanical wear on the door operator and frame components.
Data Source
AI summary
A door is coupled to a door operator that includes a motor operable in a predefined power assist mode to open the door from the closed position toward the open position. The assistance provided by the motor is reduced relative to the assistance in the power assist mode in response to the door opening angle being more than a threshold amount, and further in response to a speed of the door exceeding a threshold amount as the door is being opened.