Dual-Leaf Door Actuator Synchronization via Unidirectional Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for double-leaf opening installations face mechanical interference and high complexity and cost due to the lack of distinction between covered and covering leaves, especially in adverse weather conditions, and require complex synchronization protocols.
Innovation Solution
A unidirectional radio communication protocol is used to synchronize the actuators, distinguishing between covered and covering leaves, allowing for simultaneous movement sequences without time lag, and featuring independent power supplies and speed management to prevent interference by stopping the covering leaf at a predefined intermediate position until the covered leaf is closed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electronic timing synchronization is used to close offset leaves, then mechanical interference between leaves is avoided, but the system becomes complex and costly in bad weather conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the double-leaf installation into two distinct functional parts: a master actuator controlling the covered leaf and a slave actuator controlling the covering leaf. This segmentation allows independent control strategies for each leaf, simplifying the overall synchronization problem while preventing mechanical interference through coordinated but distinct movement patterns.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by having the slave actuator (covering leaf) stop at a predefined intermediate position before the closed position, anticipating potential mechanical interference. This preliminary positioning prevents interference without requiring complex real-time synchronization, especially under adverse weather conditions where wind may affect leaf movement.
2Measurement precision
If bidirectional communication protocol is used between actuators, then synchronization precision is improved, but programming and operational complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a complex bidirectional communication protocol where both actuators exchange confirmation signals, the system inverts the approach by using unidirectional communication from master to slave. The master actuator sends control commands to the slave actuator, which executes them without needing to confirm receipt, thereby achieving sufficient synchronization precision with reduced programming and operational complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary control strategy where the master actuator serves as the sole decision-making unit. Rather than requiring direct peer-to-peer communication between actuators, all synchronization decisions are made by the master actuator based on its sensing of the covered leaf's position and the predefined intermediate position for the covering leaf, simplifying the communication architecture.
3Reliability
If electric cables are used for actuator communication, then communication reliability is improved, but installation complexity and aesthetics deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system replaces the mechanical communication medium (electric cables) with a wireless communication system. The master and slave actuators communicate via radio frequency signals, eliminating the need for physical cable installation between components. This substitution maintains communication reliability while significantly reducing installation complexity and improving the aesthetic appearance of the installation.
4Productivity
If the covering leaf moves first during opening, then opening sequence is optimized, but closing sequence becomes complex with reversed movement patterns
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the movement sequence based on the operation type (opening or closing) while maintaining a consistent control logic. During opening, the slave actuator moves the covering leaf first to clear the path. During closing, the slave actuator moves the covering leaf to the intermediate position first, then the master actuator closes the covered leaf. This dynamic sequencing, controlled by the master actuator, optimizes both opening and closing operations without requiring complex reversed movement patterns.
Data Source
AI summary
The system (30) has a master actuator (50) cooperating with a covered door leaf (10), and slave actuator (60) cooperating with a covering door leaf (20), where a remote control device (40) controls the master actuator. A unidirectional communication unit e.g. electric cable, allows transmission of reference signals from the control device to the master actuator, or from the control device to the master and slave actuators, or from the master actuator to the slave actuator, without confirmation of reception of signals in return. An independent claim is also included for an installation for controlling opening and closing of door leaves of a gate, a main door, and a window.