Adjustable Doorjamb Closure Control Using Shear-Thickening Fluid
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door closure systems fail to effectively control door slamming, which can result in injuries, unwanted locking, and noise, and require a discreet installation that does not hinder normal door closure.
Innovation Solution
A device utilizing shear thickening fluid and adjustable valving, installed in the doorjamb, reacts to the speed and pressure of door closure by providing resistance to aggressive closures while allowing normal closure, featuring a smart, non-Newtonian fluid that stiffens under high pressure and flowable at low pressure, with adjustable shim slots to control door closure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a device is installed to stop and control forceful door closure, then door slamming is prevented and safety is improved, but the device may hinder normal gentle door closure
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs a shear thickening fluid that dynamically changes its viscosity based on the applied force. During normal gentle closure, the fluid remains in a low-viscosity state allowing smooth operation. When subjected to slamming forces, the fluid transitions to a high-viscosity state to provide resistance and control
Solution Approach 2:
The invention utilizes the parameter change of the shear thickening fluid's viscosity in response to stress. The fluid's viscosity parameter changes from low to high based on the closure speed and force, enabling the device to adapt its resistance level automatically without mechanical adjustment
2Adaptability or versatility
If a device reacts to varying closure speeds and pressures, then intelligent response to slamming is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The shear thickening fluid provides self-service by automatically responding to different closure conditions without external control systems. The fluid inherently detects the closure speed and pressure through its rheological properties and adjusts its resistance accordingly, eliminating the need for sensors, actuators, or control electronics
Solution Approach 2:
The shear thickening fluid acts as an intermediary between the door closure force and the door movement. It mediates the interaction by translating mechanical force into variable resistance through its non-Newtonian properties, simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining adaptive response
3Shape
If a discreet device is installed in the jamb, then aesthetic appearance is improved, but the device size and installation space are constrained
Solution Approach 1:
The device utilizes a compact cylindrical housing that can be discreetly installed in the door jamb. The shear thickening fluid is contained within a small volume, allowing the device to maintain an unobtrusive appearance while still providing effective slamming control
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts the essential control function from a large mechanical system and implements it through a small amount of shear thickening fluid. This eliminates the need for bulky mechanical components while maintaining the door closure control function
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
The device effectively prevents door slamming, protects against accidental closures, and ensures quiet operation by intelligently responding to varying closure speeds and pressures, providing a safe and controlled door closure experience.
Implementation Method 1
The device is small, easily installed and, through the use of engineered materials (e.g., a smart, shear thickening fluid that reacts to forces applied to it, such as engineered polymeric compositions), reacts accordingly to the speed and pressure of a door closure.
Implementation Method 2
a smart, non-Newtonian fluid that stiffens under high pressure and flowable at low pressure
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed are systems and devices for controlling the closing of a door. A head unit is to be installed in a doorjamb, comprising a chamber filled at least in part with a shear thickening fluid. A piston is connected to a cap and configured to exert pressure against the shear thickening fluid in response to a force applied to the cap. The systems and devices provide an adjustable design that resists door slamming and aggressive closure, serving as a safety device as well as noise, damage and pet control around doors (preventing closure if desired). An install kit provides exact location, depth control and guide to place over the head unit to tap it into place with a hammer.