Electromagnetic Door Actuator for Energy-Efficient Automation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional automated systems for swinging doors are inefficient due to excessive energy usage and incorrect application of torque, leading to device fatigue and shorter lifespan, and they often require unnecessary safety measures.
Innovation Solution
An automatic door opening system that applies torque at the optimal point of the door's rotation, using an electromagnet and microcontroller to efficiently open and close doors with reduced power consumption, and includes a sensor and locking mechanism for safety and access control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If traditional automated systems apply torque to open swinging doors, then the door can be opened, but excessive energy is consumed and device fatigue increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical torque-based door opening mechanisms with a magnetic field-based system. An electromagnet generates a magnetic field that interacts with a magnet attached to the door, creating a pushing force that opens the door without requiring mechanical torque application. This substitution eliminates the mechanical stress and energy waste associated with traditional torque-based systems, thereby reducing energy consumption and extending device lifespan.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional automated systems open doors without touchless mechanisms, then door opening function is achieved, but virus transmission and contamination occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates mechanical contact components such as door handles and push buttons by using a magnetic field-based actuation system. The electromagnet and magnet interaction provides touchless door opening, preventing virus transmission and contamination while maintaining full automation of the door opening function.
3Power
If electromagnet is positioned adjacent to the opening portion of the door, then torque is applied at the optimal point, but the system requires precise positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic field-based system inherently provides self-aligning properties. The magnet attached to the door and the electromagnet on the frame automatically position themselves optimally through magnetic attraction, eliminating the need for precise manual positioning during installation. The magnetic force naturally acts at the most efficient point for door opening, reducing both power consumption and installation 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 system reduces energy usage, extends device lifespan, and simplifies safety standards by applying torque efficiently, allowing doors to open and close with less power, while also providing secure access control.
Implementation Method 1
activate the electromagnet to apply a magnetic force against the magnet and push the door between the closed position and the open position
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic door opening system including a door having a top portion, a bottom portion, a hinged portion, and an opening portion. The system includes an opener connected to the door adjacent the opening portion and configured to selectively receive electrical current. The system includes a magnet disposed on the opening portion of the door such that the magnet is adjacent the opener when the door is in the closed position. The system includes a microcontroller in electric communication with the electromagnet wherein a memory contains processor-executable instructions to receive a door activation input and, in response to receiving the door activation input, activate the electromagnet to apply a magnetic force against the magnet and push the door between the closed position and the open position. The system may also include a closer configured to selectively return the door to the closed position.