Deployable Doorway Bumper for Header Impact Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing safety equipment for doorways fails to effectively prevent head injuries from collisions with the door frame header during entry and exit, necessitating an improved solution.
Innovation Solution
A deployable bumper system integrated into the door frame that automatically deploys and retracts with the door movement, providing a cushioned barrier to protect against head impacts and ensuring a sealed interface when closed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a fixed bumper is installed on the door frame, then head injury protection is provided, but the door cannot achieve proper sealing when closed
Solution Approach 1:
The bumper is designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing it to transition between a retracted position (when the door is closed) and a deployed position (when the door is open). This dynamic configuration enables the bumper to adapt its position based on door state, resolving the conflict between providing head protection and maintaining door sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The bumper automatically deploys in advance before the door is fully opened, and retracts in advance before the door is fully closed. This preliminary action ensures that the bumper is in the correct position at the right time, providing protection when needed while maintaining sealing when the door is closed.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If a movable bumper is added to the door frame, then head injury protection is provided during door operation, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bumper mechanism is designed to automatically deploy and retract using the door's own motion as the driving force. The linkage system converts the door's opening/closing movement into corresponding bumper deployment/retraction without requiring external power sources, controls, or complex actuation mechanisms. This self-service approach provides head protection while minimizing added device complexity.
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 bumper system effectively reduces head injuries by cushioning collisions with the door frame while maintaining a sealed door closure, enhancing safety and functionality.
Implementation Method 1
The foam cushion is attached to the web, the first flange and the second flange. The foam cushion covers at least a first side of the frame.
Implementation Method 2
The mounting bracket is pivotally attached to the frame by one or more hinges.
Data Source
AI summary
A doorway is provided that includes a door frame, a door and a bumper. The door frame includes a passage, a header, a first jamb and a second jamb. The passage extends laterally between the first jamb and the second jamb. The passage extends vertically along the first jamb and the second jamb to the header. The door is configured to move between a closed position and an open position. The door closes the passage in the closed position. The door opens the passage in the open position. The bumper is configured to move between a deployed position and a stowed position. The bumper is disposed in the passage and covers a portion of the door frame in the deployed position.