Swinging Door Sequence Control via Radial Driver Finger

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current opening sequence control devices for double-leaf swing doors, particularly in fire protection doors, are visually intrusive and face space constraints due to the need for pivot shafts and locking mechanisms that protrude, compromising their aesthetic and functional integration.

Innovation Solution

A driver finger mechanism that moves linearly and radially relative to the fixed leaf's axis of rotation, allowing for a more compact and invisible design when the door is closed, with a driver part that translates the closing movement of the fixed leaf relative to the door frame, ensuring proper opening sequence without visual disturbance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a pivot shaft is inserted into the frame of the active leaf close to the vertical edge, then the opening sequence control can function properly, but space problems arise and the design becomes difficult to implement

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveopening sequence control functionVSAvoidinstallation complexity and space requirements
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the pivot shaft from the active leaf frame and relocates it to the door frame structure. This removes the problematic element from its harmful position while preserving its rotational function, thereby resolving the space and installation complexity issues without compromising the opening sequence control reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a carrier flap as an intermediary element that mediates between the fixed leaf and the active leaf. The carrier flap transfers the opening motion from the fixed leaf to the active leaf, enabling the opening sequence control to function without requiring a pivot shaft in the active leaf frame, thus resolving the technical contradiction

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a locking bar extends from the active leaf or passive leaf near the edge to the other leaf in the door frame, then the door can be locked securely, but additional significant space problems arise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedoor locking securityVSAvoidspace occupation in door frame
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent relocates the locking bar from a horizontal extension near the door edge to a vertical arrangement within the door frame structure. By changing the spatial dimension of the locking mechanism, the design achieves secure door locking without occupying additional horizontal space in the door frame, thereby resolving the contradiction between locking security and space requirements

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of operation

If the driver finger protrudes relatively far beyond the fixed leaf, then it can effectively engage the active leaf during opening, but it becomes visually disturbing and problematic for closing sequence control

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveopening engagement effectivenessVSAvoidvisual disturbance and closing sequence interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the driver finger from a static, permanently protruding element to a dynamic component that moves relative to the fixed leaf. The driver finger is mounted on the carrier flap, which rotates during door operation, causing the driver finger to naturally retract when not needed and extend only when required for engagement, thus eliminating visual disturbance and closing sequence interference while maintaining opening engagement effectiveness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The carrier flap is pre-positioned and pre-oriented during the opening sequence to ensure the driver finger is correctly aligned and extended at the precise moment needed for engaging the active leaf. This preliminary positioning eliminates the need for the driver finger to permanently protrude, thereby resolving the visual and functional problems while maintaining effective engagement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP1911920B1Device for regulating the opening sequence of swinging doors
Publication Date: 2009.08.19 DEGELSEGGER WALTER
  • EP1911920B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1911920B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP1911920B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The device has a stationary leaf (1) and an moving leaf (2), which is coupled by controlling a closing sequence. Components are connected with the stationary leaf, an adjacent stationary door frame outside the axis of rotation of the stationary leaf, and also with a catching finger (3.5). Rotary motion of the stationary leaf is translated into a linear movement of the catching finger compared to the stationary door frame and radial to the axis of rotation compared to the stationary leaf.