Exit Device Damper Assembly for Door Hardware Noise Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional door hardware, particularly exit devices, generate excessive noise that exceeds industry guidelines, and there is a lack of a standardized metric for evaluating and quantifying sound output performance, leading to difficulty in comparing different types of door hardware.
Innovation Solution
A noise-reducing mechanism for door hardware comprising a housing, damper, and stop, which are mounted to specific components to slow operational movement and reduce noise generation, utilizing materials like plastic, rubber, and QUIET STEEL® noise damping steel to minimize vibrations and noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional exit devices are used to ensure proper door operation and security, then the door hardware functions reliably, but excessive noise is generated that exceeds industry guidelines
Solution Approach 1:
A damper assembly is installed in advance within the exit device to cushion and slow the movement of the latch bolt and other moving components. The damper absorbs kinetic energy and reduces the impact forces that generate noise, thereby reducing harmful noise emissions while preserving the reliability of door operation and security functions
Solution Approach 2:
The damper assembly acts as an intermediary element between the moving components (latch bolt, operator) and the stationary housing. It mediates the interaction by providing controlled resistance to movement, reducing the direct impact and vibration that would otherwise generate noise, while still allowing the door hardware to function reliably
2Adaptability or versatility
If different metrics are used by different industry groups to evaluate noise performance, then each group can assess noise according to their specific requirements, but consumers find it difficult to evaluate and compare sound output performance across different door hardware types
Solution Approach 1:
The patent establishes a universal noise evaluation methodology that can be applied across different door hardware types and industry sectors. By defining standardized test procedures and measurement protocols, the same evaluation framework can be used universally to compare noise performance of various exit devices, operators, and latch mechanisms, eliminating the complexity of multiple different metrics while maintaining the flexibility to assess different hardware configurations
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 mechanism effectively reduces noise during door hardware operation by slowing down movement, providing a quieter environment and aligning with industry noise standards without affecting operational force requirements.
Implementation Method 1
The damper is configured to slow the operational movement, thereby reducing noise generated by operation of the door hardware
Data Source
AI summary
An example exit device includes a mounting assembly configured for mounting to a door, a pushbar movably mounted to the mounting assembly, a latchbolt mounted to the mounting assembly for movement between an extended position and a retracted position, and a rocker lever engaged between the pushbar and the latchbolt such that the pushbar is operable to move the latchbolt between the extended position and the retracted position. The exit device further includes impact dampener mounted to the exit device and configured to dampen impact between a first component of the exit device and a second component of the exit device during movement of the first component relative to the second component.