Integrated Door Wire Harness for Smart Device Power and Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exterior and interior doors for residential or commercial buildings lack integration of electric and smart devices, which are often unsightly, require frequent battery replacement, and are not efficiently powered or data managed, impacting structural integrity, insulation, and aesthetics.
Innovation Solution
A door system with an integrated wire harness and power/data management system within the door and outer door frame, featuring a main controller, DC power supply unit, and wire harness to connect electric devices, ensuring centralized power and data management without compromising structural integrity, insulation, and aesthetics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If electric devices are mounted on existing doors as add-ons, then the door can provide desired functions (access control, lighting, etc.), but the aesthetic appearance deteriorates and structural integrity is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electric devices with the door structure itself by integrating wiring channels, power supply units, and control systems directly into the door assembly. This combines the previously separate add-on devices with the door, creating a unified structure that maintains aesthetic appearance while providing full functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The door assembly is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple different electric devices (lights, cameras, access control, speakers) through standardized wiring channels and mounting interfaces. This multi-functional design allows the door to serve both structural and electronic functions without requiring separate add-on components.
2Ease of manufacture
If battery-powered electric devices are used on doors, then installation is simple, but maintenance frequency increases due to periodic battery replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power source from the individual battery-powered devices and creates a separate, centralized power supply unit that is hardwired to the door's electrical system. This removes the need for batteries from the door-mounted devices, eliminating periodic battery replacement while maintaining easy installation through standardized connectors.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple discrete electric devices are installed on doors, then desired functions are achieved, but device complexity and wiring requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a centralized control unit and power distribution system as an intermediary between the power source and multiple electric devices. This mediator consolidates the wiring requirements by providing a single control point and centralized power distribution, reducing the overall wiring complexity while supporting multiple functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit is designed with universal interfaces and standardized connectors that can accommodate various electric devices through a single wiring harness. This multi-functional interface reduces wiring complexity by eliminating the need for separate wiring for each device.
4Ease of manufacture
If wire harness is routed outside the door, then installation is easier, but structural integrity and insulation performance deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the wire harness within channels and conduits that are integrated into the door's internal structure. The wiring is nested within the door assembly rather than being external, maintaining structural integrity and insulation performance while allowing for relatively easy installation through pre-formed pathways.
Data Source
AI summary
An exterior, residential door system comprises an outer door frame adapted to be mounted within an exterior opening of a residence, an exterior residential door pivotally attached to the outer door frame, at least one electric device installed on the door, a main controller mounted to the door, an electric power supply unit operably associated with the door, and a wire harness integrated into the door for transmitting electric power and electrical signals between the electric device, the controller and the source of electric power. The main controller is configured to cooperate with the wire harness to supply power to the at least one electric device and to supply operating signals to the at least one electric device for operating the at least one electric device and to receive operational signals from the at least one electric device responsive to the operating signals.