Fire Door Reversible Unlocking Means for Wear Reduction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fire doors are confusing for users during normal operation due to unclear unlocking mechanisms, which can lead to misuse and wear, and they require manual resetting after false alarms, disrupting normal functionality.

Innovation Solution

A fire door with reversible unlocking means that can be automatically switched from a passive to an active condition using a single electrically powered actuator, returning to passive upon alarm cessation, allowing seamless integration with electronic fire detection systems for convenient and safe operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the unlocking means are always accessible during normal use, then the door can be easily opened, but the unlocking means experience wear and users may become confused about their function

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of opening doorVSAvoidfunctionality of unlocking means
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The unlocking means are designed to dynamically change their accessibility state between passive (blocked) and active (accessible) conditions based on the operational mode of the door, allowing them to serve different functions at different times without permanent wear or user confusion

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If the unlocking means are made inaccessible during normal use, then wear is minimized and user confusion is prevented, but the door cannot be opened when needed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctionality of unlocking meansVSAvoidease of opening door
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically transitions the unlocking means from an inaccessible passive state during normal operation to an accessible active state when fire detection occurs, ensuring both protection during normal use and accessibility during emergencies

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If the unlocking means remain in active condition after fire alarm, then the door can be easily reopened, but manual resetting is required which disrupts functionality

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of reopening doorVSAvoidresetting procedure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically resets the unlocking means to the passive condition after the fire alarm ceases, eliminating the need for manual intervention and allowing the door to return to its normal self-securing functionality without user action

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 solution enhances user safety and convenience by clearly distinguishing normal and emergency modes, minimizing wear during normal use and automatically resetting after false alarms, ensuring the door remains functional without manual intervention.

Implementation Method 1

means for moving the latch automatically from a door-releasing position to a door-locking position, for instance when an ambient temperature reaches a particular threshold value

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal expansion: Thermal Expansion

Data Source

PatentEP3445929B1A door provided with at least one latch
Publication Date: 2022.07.13 REMKO MARK
  • EP3445929B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3445929B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3445929B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A door, provided with at least one latch (1), wherein said latch (1) is provided with means (8, 50; 8, 101, 103) for moving the latch (1) automatically from a door-releasing position to a door-locking position under the influence of door controlling means (101), for instance when an ambient temperature reaches a particular threshold value or in case of detection of smoke, the door (3) being provided with unlocking means (2) for unlocking the door, wherein under the influence of door controlling means (101), the unlocking means (2) can be brought from a passive condition, in which the door can not be unlocked via the unlocking means (2) to an active, operating condition for unlocking the door, wherein the door is provided with at least one actuator (50; 103, 106), wherein the configuration is such that the unlocking means (2) can be brought from said active condition back into said passive condition.