Door Sash Drive With Sensor-Guided Regenerative Damping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door closers with hydraulic damping systems lack effective mechanisms to secure danger zones, particularly preventing finger injuries at secondary closing edges, and existing sensor systems are complex and not adaptable to specific situations.
Innovation Solution
A drive device with a mechanical energy storage system, an electric motor operable as a generator for damping, and control electronics, combined with sensors to monitor and secure danger zones, reducing movement speed or locking the door if a sensor detects a potential hazard.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a mechanical energy storage device is used to automatically close the door leaf, then the door closing function is improved, but danger zones are created where injuries can occur
Solution Approach 1:
A sensor system is introduced as an intermediary between the mechanical energy storage device and the door leaf movement. The sensors detect objects in danger zones and transmit signals to the control electronics, which then modulate the motor-driven damping mechanism to prevent or reduce harmful movements, thereby mediating between the automatic closing function and injury prevention
Solution Approach 2:
The control electronics continuously monitor sensor signals regarding the presence of objects in danger zones and adjust the motor's damping action accordingly. This feedback loop allows the system to automatically reduce or stop door leaf movement when objects are detected, preventing injuries while maintaining the automatic closing function when safe
2Reliability
If sensor systems are added to secure danger zones, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electric motor serves multiple functions: it provides regenerative damping during normal operation, acts as a brake when objects are detected in danger zones, and can be controlled through pulse-width modulation to achieve variable damping effects. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate safety mechanisms, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while improving safety
3Loss of energy
If the motor is used for regenerative damping, then energy efficiency is improved, but control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control electronics dynamically adjust the motor's damping characteristics through pulse-width modulation based on real-time sensor feedback. The system transitions between different operational states (normal damping, reduced damping, stopped movement) depending on safety requirements, achieving adaptive energy efficiency without requiring overly complex control algorithms
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
Provides reliable protection of danger zones by reducing door movement speed or locking the door to prevent injuries, using sensors and regenerative damping, adaptable to both left and right doors, and conserving energy when not needed.
Implementation Method 1
at least one electric motor which is operatively connected to the leaf via at least one motor shaft and can be operated as a generator to dampen the leaf movements
Implementation Method 2
The mechanical energy storage device can, for example, comprise a spring that is tensioned when the door leaf is opened manually and relaxes again when the door leaf is closed
Data Source
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AI summary
A drive unit for a sash of a door, window, or the like comprises a drive with a mechanical energy storage device that is charged by an opening movement of the sash and discharged by a closing movement of the sash, at least one electric motor that is operatively connected to the sash via at least one motor shaft and can be operated as a generator to dampen the sash movements, and control and/or regulating electronics for controlling the electric motor. The drive unit also includes sensors for monitoring at least one danger zone in the area of the sash. The electric motor can be controlled via the control and/or regulating electronics to safeguard the danger zone, depending on the output signals from the sensors.