Double-Door Linkage Control for Sequenced Closing and Low Profile
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mechanisms for controlling double doors are bulky, complex, and require many moving parts, leading to rapid wear and obstruction when fully open, and lack sequencing closure or opening capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A device with a plate connected to a linear motion facilitator and adjustable links that allows both doors to be opened or closed with one hand, featuring proper geometry to reduce stress on doors and hinges, and a low profile design that does not obstruct access when fully open.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional mechanisms are used for controlling double doors, then the doors can be operated, but the mechanism becomes bulky, complex, and obstructs access when fully open
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism is divided into separate functional components: a control arm attached to one door, and linkages connecting to the second door. This segmentation allows each component to be simpler and more manageable, reducing overall complexity while maintaining operational capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control arm is positioned in a different spatial dimension (attached to one door rather than spanning between both doors). This dimensional repositioning eliminates the need for a bulky central mechanism and allows the system to operate with reduced complexity and clearance.
2Ease of operation
If conventional mechanisms with many moving parts are used, then door control is achieved, but wear occurs rapidly requiring frequent replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The complex spring-based mechanisms and multiple moving parts are extracted and replaced with a simpler linkage system. By removing unnecessary components, the remaining parts experience less wear and require fewer replacements.
Solution Approach 2:
The linkage system automatically coordinates the movement of both doors through mechanical advantage and geometric relationships, eliminating the need for additional control mechanisms. This self-coordinating system reduces the number of parts that can wear out.
3Ease of operation
If conventional mechanisms are used, then door operation is possible, but sequencing closure or opening of the double doors is not achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The linkage system dynamically adjusts the movement of the second door based on the position and movement of the first door. This dynamic relationship enables automatic sequencing where one door opens or closes before the other, providing adaptability without complex controls.
4Volume of moving object
If a low profile design is used, then storage space is maximized and obstruction is reduced, but the mechanism must still provide coordinated door control
Solution Approach 1:
The linkage components are arranged to nest within the door structure and available space. The control arm and linkages are positioned to utilize the depth and width of the door assembly, achieving a low profile while maintaining full coordinated control functionality.
Data Source
AI summary
A device for coordinated control and operation of double doors having a plate with a rectilinear motion that is associated with links with adjustable lengths that connect the plate to the double doors, with both the first and the second doors opened when one of the doors is opened and sequentially closed when one of the doors is closed.