Electromagnetic Fire Barrier Release and Reset Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fire and smoke barrier release devices rely on disposable fusible links that are unreliable and require manual resetting, which is inconvenient and inefficient, especially due to limited stroke distance and high energy consumption.

Innovation Solution

A device incorporating an electromagnetic clutch module, a push rod ejecting module, and a push rod resetting module, where the electromagnetic clutch module controls the actuation and resetting of the push rod ejecting module using elastic potential energy, allowing for long-distance reset and low energy consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a fusible link is used to release the fire door, then the release mechanism is simple, but the fusible link cannot be reset and must be replaced, and may break unexpectedly or fail to break when needed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverelease mechanism complexityVSAvoidfusible link reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical fusible link system with an electromagnetic release mechanism. The electromagnetic device can be electrically controlled to release the door, and the same system can electrically reset the push rod, eliminating the need for manual intervention and replacing parts. This substitution provides both simplicity and resettable reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention implements a resettable system where the push rod can be recovered and reset electrically after release. The electromagnetic device holds the push rod in the released position, and when reset is commanded, the push rod is automatically returned to its initial position without requiring manual handling or replacement of components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #34Discarding and recovering

2Reliability

If an electromagnetic device is used to clamp and release a cord, then the device can be reset, but the stroke distance is limited and higher voltage is required for resetting

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereset capabilityVSAvoidstroke distance
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLength of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses periodic electromagnetic actuation to control the push rod. The electromagnetic device is energized to hold the push rod in the released position, then de-energized to allow spring reset, creating a controllable periodic action that achieves long stroke distance without requiring high voltage during resetting.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a push rod as an intermediary mechanical element that translates the limited electromagnetic motion into a long-distance reset action. The push rod, guided by slots and driven by the electromagnetic device, can travel a long distance along the slot path, converting the short electromagnetic stroke into a long mechanical reset distance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If manual resetting is required for the door operator, then the system is simple, but resetting is inconvenient because the door operator is installed at a high place

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem complexityVSAvoidresetting convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system provides self-service resetting capability through electrical control. The electromagnetic device can be actuated by an electrical signal to automatically reset the push rod to its initial position, eliminating the need for manual intervention. This allows resetting to be performed remotely or automatically, making operation convenient despite the high installation location.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Force

If higher voltage is used for electromagnetic resetting, then the reset force is sufficient, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereset forceVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ForceVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The electromagnetic device operates periodically rather than continuously, being energized only when door opening or resetting is required. During normal door holding, the spring maintains the closed position without electromagnetic power consumption. This periodic operation reduces overall energy consumption while providing sufficient force when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The invention converts the spring force, which opposes the electromagnetic device during resetting, into a beneficial element that assists door closing. The same spring that the electromagnetic device must overcome during reset is the same spring that provides the closing force during normal operation, eliminating the need for additional force or energy to close the door.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

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 device provides a reliable and efficient means to quickly release and reset fire and smoke barriers, ensuring safe operation with reduced energy consumption and convenient manual operation, overcoming the limitations of traditional fusible link systems.

Implementation Method 1

The electromagnetic attraction unit is provided to attract and hold the clutch member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic attraction: Electromagnet

Implementation Method 2

The push rod ejecting module is coupled to the clutch member and stores an elastic potential energy sufficient to push the barrier release member

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElastic potential energy: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11505985B2Device for releasing and resetting a fire and smoke barrier
Publication Date: 2022.11.22 HSIEH CHUNG HSIEN
  • US11505985B2 patent drawing
  • US11505985B2 patent drawing
  • US11505985B2 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for releasing and resetting a fire and smoke barrier. In a normal use state, a clutch member is held by an electromagnetic attraction unit, so that a push rod ejecting module cannot be actuated, and a door operator is controlled by a clutch module thereof. Upon power failure, for example upon an accident, the clutch member is released by the electromagnetic attraction unit, and a barrier release member is activated by the push rod ejecting module so as to shut the fire and smoke barrier. Upon power restoration, the clutch member is attracted and held by the electromagnetic attraction unit, and the push rod ejecting module is reset by a push rod resetting module. At the same time, the barrier release member is also reset.