Door Swing Control Device for Horizontal Compartments
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional horizontal compartments with downward swinging doors often require a chain or cable to prevent uncontrolled opening, but this limits access and can lead to safety hazards if not properly reattached.
Innovation Solution
A door swing control device that allows a door to swing between a closed position and two defined open positions (about 90 degrees and 180 degrees) using a bracket, pivoting element, and swinging catch mechanism, with a strut to control the door's movement and a release mechanism for changing positions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a chain or cable is used to support the door in the open position, then the door is prevented from swinging uncontrolled, but the door cannot be opened fully downward and access is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The door swing range is segmented into distinct positions (first open position at approximately 90 degrees and second open position at approximately 180 degrees) controlled by separate catching mechanisms. The first catching mechanism engages at the first open position to provide stable support, while the second catching mechanism allows full downward opening when engaged, resolving the contradiction between safety control and access freedom.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static chain/cable support to a dynamic multi-position control system with movable catching mechanisms. The catching mechanisms can engage or disengage based on door position, allowing the door to dynamically switch between controlled support (first position) and full opening capability (second position), improving both safety and accessibility.
2Ease of operation
If the chain or cable is disconnected to allow full downward opening, then access is improved, but the door may swing uncontrolled which may injure the worker
Solution Approach 1:
The second catching mechanism is positioned to engage automatically when the door reaches the second open position (approximately 180 degrees), preventing uncontrolled swinging before it can occur. This preliminary engagement ensures that even when the door is opened fully downward for maximum access, the catching mechanism is ready to stop any uncontrolled movement, eliminating the injury risk associated with disconnected chains or cables.
Solution Approach 2:
The second catching mechanism acts as an intermediary safety device between the door and uncontrolled swinging. It provides a mechanical intervention point that engages at the appropriate moment to prevent harmful uncontrolled movement, allowing full opening access while maintaining safety without requiring continuous chain or cable support.
3Reliability
If the door is held at about 90 degrees from closed position, then the door is stable and controlled, but it makes it difficult for workers to reach far into the cabinet
Solution Approach 1:
The door opening operation is segmented into two distinct phases: first, opening to the first open position (approximately 90 degrees) where the first catching mechanism provides stable support for normal access; second, opening to the second open position (approximately 180 degrees) where the second catching mechanism engages to allow full downward opening for deep cabinet access. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by providing stable controlled positions for routine access while enabling full opening when deep access is required.
Data Source
AI summary
A door swing control device comprises a bracket affixed to a door, a pivoting element pivotably affixed to the bracket, and a swinging catch mechanism mounted directly or indirectly to the structure. The pivoting element comprises a finger extending therefrom and is engaged with the bracket to limit a range of movement of the pivoting element relative to the bracket. The finger is engageable with the swinging catch mechanism to limit a range of movement of the pivoting element relative to the swinging catch mechanism and thereby selectively limiting a range of movement of the bracket relative to the swinging catch mechanism. When the finger of the pivoting element is engaged with the swinging catch mechanism, the door is held in the first open position. When the finger of the pivoting element is disengaged from the swinging catch mechanism, the door can swing between the first and second open positions.