External Programming Unit for Garage Door Drive

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing door drives are bulky and expensive due to integrated programming units, which also pose safety risks as non-professionals can inadvertently change safety-critical settings, compromising the safe operation of the door drive.

Innovation Solution

The programming unit is designed as an external mobile device with a data transmission connection to the door control, allowing for secure and controlled access only by trained technicians, reducing the size and cost of the door drive while ensuring safety-critical functions can only be set by professionals.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the programming unit is integrated into the door control, then the programming functions are available, but the door control becomes bulky and expensive

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprogramming functionalityVSAvoiddoor control size and cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The programming unit is extracted from the door control and implemented as an external mobile device. This separation allows the door control to remain compact and cost-effective while still providing full programming capabilities through the external device that connects via data transmission connection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Ease of operation

If the programming unit is accessible to everyone, then programming is easy, but safety-related settings may be changed by non-professionals

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprogramming accessibilityVSAvoidsafety setting security

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The external programming unit acts as an intermediary between the user and the door control's safety-critical functions. It provides a controlled interface where only authorized personnel can access and modify safety parameters, while still allowing general programming functions to be accessible when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If the programming unit is external and mobile, then the door control size is reduced, but the programming unit must be connected for commissioning and maintenance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedoor control sizeVSAvoidprogramming accessibility

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The external programming unit is designed as a multi-functional device that can be used across multiple door control systems. It provides universal programming capabilities through standard data transmission connections, eliminating the need for each door control to have its own integrated programming unit while maintaining full programming functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP2119862B1Door drive

Publication Date: 2017.02.15 MARANTEC ANTRIEBS UND STEUERUNQSTECHNIK GMBH & CO PRODUKTIONS KG(DE)

AI summary

The present invention relates to a gate drive, in particular a garage door drive, comprising a gate control unit and a programming unit for programming the gate control unit during commissioning and/or maintenance of the gate drive. According to the invention, the programming unit is designed as an external device, wherein a data transmission connection between the programming unit and the gate control unit can be established for commissioning and/or maintenance of the gate drive.