Double Door Coordinator Buffering Spring Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing double door coordinators face issues with the active door potentially closing before the inactive door, leading to damage due to wind or other external forces, as the actuation mechanism cannot retract when the inactive door is not closed, causing impingement and potential damage.

Innovation Solution

A double door coordinator with a lever, stopper, actuation rod, and buffering spring system that ensures the active door can only close when the inactive door is fully closed, using a cable and spring mechanism to control the actuation rod's movement and prevent damage by absorbing external forces with a buffering spring.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the actuation mechanism is prevented from retracting when the inactive door is not closed, then the active door cannot close accidentally, but the active door may still impinge on the actuation mechanism due to external forces like wind

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedoor closing control reliabilityVSAvoiddamage from wind impingement
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A buffering spring is provided in the actuation mechanism to absorb external forces (such as wind) that may cause the active door to impinge on the mechanism. This cushioning element is pre-installed to prevent damage before it occurs, allowing the actuation mechanism to withstand unexpected forces while maintaining the control logic that prevents accidental closing

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The buffering spring acts as an intermediary between the active door and the actuation mechanism. When external forces push the active door toward the closed position while the inactive door is open, the spring absorbs the impact force, preventing direct transmission of harmful forces to the actuation mechanism while maintaining system safety

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If the stopper plate abuts against the inactive door to prevent wind entry, then sealing is improved, but the active door cannot be closed if the inactive door is not fully closed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedoor sealing effectivenessVSAvoiddoor closing operation
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system requires the inactive door to be closed first as a preliminary action before the active door can be closed. The actuation mechanism is designed to detect the closed position of the inactive door and only then permits the actuation rod to retract, allowing the active door to close. This preliminary action ensures proper sequencing while maintaining sealing effectiveness

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If the lever is designed to retract when the inactive door is closed, then the active door can close properly, but the mechanism becomes complex with multiple moving parts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedoor closing sequence controlVSAvoidcoordinator mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The lever is pivotally connected to the inactive door and automatically changes position based on the door's state. When the inactive door is closed, the lever retracts the actuation rod; when the door is open, the lever prevents retraction. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for additional sensors or complex control systems, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining proper door sequencing control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Prevents damage to the door coordinator and active door by ensuring the active door only closes when the inactive door is fully closed, effectively managing external forces and maintaining proper door alignment, thus enhancing operational safety and longevity.

Implementation Method 1

A buffering spring is received in the groove of the actuation rod. The buffering spring biases the actuation rod to abut against the first stop face of the stopper.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

A return spring includes a first end mounted to the stopper and a second end mounted to the body. The return spring biases the stopper to the front position.

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Data Source

PatentUS9476240B1Double door coordinator
Publication Date: 2016.10.25 I TEK METAL MFG
  • US9476240B1 patent drawing
  • US9476240B1 patent drawing
  • US9476240B1 patent drawing

AI summary

A double door coordinator includes a release mechanism mounted in a body fixed in a door frame. A restraining mechanism is operably connected to the release mechanism. An actuation mechanism is pivotably connected to the body, is restrained by the restraining mechanism, and includes a buffering spring. When the inactive door is in a non-closed position, the restraining mechanism restrains the actuation mechanism to prevent the active door from pivoting to the closed position. When the inactive door is in the closed position, the release mechanism actuates the restraining mechanism to a position not hindering movement of the actuation mechanism, permitting the active door to pivot to the closed position. When the active door pivots towards the closed position under action of a large force, the buffering spring absorbs a portion of the large force to reduce damage to the double door coordinator and the active door.