Emergency Release Device for Double-Leaf Doors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing emergency release devices for double-leaf doors in public transport vehicles require two separate mechanical release devices, which can confuse users and require excessive effort to operate, potentially delaying evacuation in emergency situations.
Innovation Solution
A single emergency release device with two decouplers, utilizing a sliding body connected by Bowden cables and a spring-loaded mechanism, allows synchronized release of both door leaves with minimal user effort, and includes a locking mechanism and release detector for automatic signaling and restoration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two separate mechanical release devices are used for each door leaf, then each door can be independently released, but user confusion increases and operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate release mechanisms into a single integrated release device that simultaneously controls both door leaves. The single handle actuates both decouplers through a shared mechanical linkage system, eliminating the confusion of multiple separate devices while maintaining the reliability of independent door leaf control.
Solution Approach 2:
The single release device performs multiple functions: it controls both door leaves simultaneously, provides unified user interface, and maintains independent control capability for each door. This multi-functional design simplifies operation while ensuring reliable emergency release of the entire door assembly.
2Reliability
If two separate mechanical release devices are used, then each door leaf can be controlled independently, but excessive user effort is required and evacuation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the control of both door leaves into a single actuated mechanism, the system enables simultaneous release of both doors with one hand operation. This eliminates the time required to operate two separate devices sequentially and reduces the total physical effort needed during emergency evacuation.
Solution Approach 2:
The decouplers are pre-positioned and spring-loaded to be ready for immediate release. When the single handle is actuated, the stored mechanical energy in the springs immediately propels both decouplers into their release positions, enabling rapid door opening without requiring sustained user force or sequential operations.
3Ease of operation
If a single release device with spring-loaded decouplers is used, then user effort is minimized and release speed increases, but additional mechanical components are required
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded decouplers are self-actuating mechanisms that use stored mechanical energy to perform the release action without requiring continuous user input. Once the handle is actuated to trigger the springs, the system completes the release operation autonomously, minimizing the complexity of user-controlled components while maintaining simple operation.
4Reliability
If manual operation of both decouplers is required, then complete door release can be achieved, but user fatigue increases and unsuccessful release attempts occur
Solution Approach 1:
The single integrated release device ensures that both decouplers are actuated simultaneously through a unified mechanical linkage. This guarantees complete door release in a single consistent operation, eliminating the possibility of partial release or user fatigue from repeated attempts to manually operate both decouplers separately.
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
Ensures reliable, repeatable, and rapid release of both door leaves with reduced user effort, preventing confusion and facilitating timely evacuation.
Implementation Method 1
a spring device connected between the support structure and the sliding body, which strains the sliding body permanently towards the release position
Implementation Method 2
a first Bowden connection interface arranged on the sliding body for the connection of a first Bowden cable to the sliding body, for activating and deactivating a first decoupler of the door actuation system
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
An emergency release device (1) for a door actuation system (2) with two decouplers (3, 3') comprises a sliding body (10), movable between a locking position and a release position, a first Bowden connection interface (12), arranged on the sliding body (10), for activating and deactivating a first decoupler (3), a second Bowden connection interface (12'), arranged on the sliding body (10), for activating and deactivating a second decoupler (3'), a spring device (14), which strains the sliding body (10) permanently towards the release position, a locking mechanism (15), movable in a locking configuration, wherein it locks the sliding body (10) in the locking position, and a release configuration, wherein it releases the sliding body (10) towards the release position, a third Bowden connection interface (16), arranged on the locking mechanism (15), for displacing the locking mechanism (15) from the release configuration to the locking configuration, optionally, a release detector (18) for detecting the attainment of the release configuration and for generating a corresponding electric release signal, as well as an electric restore actuator (20), operable for displacing the sliding body (10), against the force of the spring device (14), from the release position to the locking position and for displacing the locking mechanism (15) from the release configuration to the locking configuration.