Integrated Door Power Management for Wired DC Electric Devices
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exterior and interior doors for residential and commercial buildings lack integrated power systems for electric devices, leading to unattractive appearances, frequent battery replacements, and impact on structural integrity, insulation, and acoustic performance.
Innovation Solution
A door system with an AC/DC converter and DC power distribution system integrated into the door frame, connected to a central power supply, and controlled by a power management controller, providing power to DC electric devices and sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If electric devices are mounted to doors with separate battery power sources, then the devices can operate independently, but the appearance becomes unattractive and battery replacement is frequent
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple electric devices (doorbell, camera, intercom, lighting) into a single integrated housing unit that is mounted on the door. This merging eliminates the need for separate battery-powered devices, improving appearance while maintaining operational independence through internal power distribution from a centralized power source.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated housing contains multiple functional devices that serve different purposes (doorbell ringing, video monitoring, intercom communication, lighting). This multi-functionality allows the system to replace multiple separate devices with one unified unit, improving aesthetics while maintaining all necessary operations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate electric devices are mounted on the door, then each device can function independently, but structural integrity and insulation are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
By combining multiple devices into a single housing unit, the patent reduces the number of separate mounting points and penetrations required in the door. This single integrated structure maintains door integrity better than multiple separate devices would, while still providing all necessary functions through internal integration.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing unit is designed to be nested within or mounted on the door surface, with devices arranged in a compact configuration. This nesting approach minimizes the footprint and structural impact on the door while accommodating multiple functional components within a single space.
3Ease of manufacture
If battery-powered devices are used, then installation is simple, but energy efficiency decreases and maintenance is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the battery power source from the door-mounted devices and relocates it to a centralized power supply system integrated into the door structure. This extraction eliminates the need for periodic battery replacement while maintaining installation simplicity, and significantly improves energy efficiency through continuous power supply and energy management.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated power system provides self-sustaining operation by incorporating energy harvesting capabilities (such as solar panels on the housing) and energy management circuits that optimize power distribution. This self-service approach reduces external maintenance requirements while improving overall energy efficiency.
4Reliability
If weatherable housings are added to protect electric devices, then devices are protected from elements, but aesthetics are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The housing that provides weather protection is seamlessly integrated with the aesthetic design of the door system. The housing materials and finishes are matched to the door's appearance, and the overall design is coordinated with the architectural style, eliminating the visual discrepancy between protective housing and door aesthetics.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing is designed with different surface treatments and material properties in different areas - weather-resistant materials on the exterior surfaces exposed to elements, while interior and visible surfaces use aesthetically pleasing finishes that match the door's appearance. This local differentiation provides both protection and aesthetics.
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
Enables seamless integration of electric devices with centralized power management, reducing battery reliance, maintaining structural and aesthetic integrity, and enhancing energy efficiency and acoustic performance.
Implementation Method 1
an AC/DC converter electrically connected to the power unit and configured to convert AC electrical energy from the power unit into DC electrical energy
Data Source
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.