Fireproof Door Operator with Torsion Spring Brake
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fireproof rolling door operators have complex structures, large volumes, and inconvenient operations, particularly in failsafe types which require complicated mechanisms and many components, while non-failsafe types do not ensure immediate closure during fire accidents.
Innovation Solution
A simplified door operator design featuring a housing with pivotally disposed shafts, a clutch mechanism, a torsion spring brake, and a driving mechanism that automatically activates or deactivates the brake using protrusion loops on the torsion spring, allowing the door to close due to its own weight in a fire, with optional electromagnetic or mechanical clutch configurations for failsafe or non-failsafe operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a failsafe type door machine is used to ensure immediate door closure in power interruption, then fire safety is improved, but the structure becomes complicated and volume increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the electromagnetic clutch mechanism from the complex failsafe system and uses it to control a simple brake-release mechanism. The clutch engages/disengages to control whether the brake spring can actuate, providing failsafe functionality through a minimal component set that avoids the complexity of traditional failsafe door machines
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical failsafe mechanisms with an electromechanical clutch system controlled by a simple circuit. The electromagnetic clutch substitutes for elaborate mechanical linkages and provides the same fire safety function with fewer moving parts and reduced structural complexity
2Reliability
If a conventional door machine structure is used, then functional requirements are met, but the volume is huge and operation is inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests multiple functional components within a compact housing structure. The clutch mechanism, brake assembly, gear discs, and axles are arranged in a nested configuration where components are positioned concentrically or in tight proximity, dramatically reducing the overall volume while maintaining all necessary functions
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the brake mechanism, driving mechanism, and clutch control into an integrated assembly. The brake spring and clutch are positioned to share common mounting structures, and the gear discs are stacked on the same axles, merging multiple functions into a single compact unit that reduces volume
3Device complexity
If manual operation or chain pulling is used to release the brake, then the structure can be simplified, but the operation becomes inconvenient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service operation where the door machine automatically detects power interruption through the clutch control circuit and releases the brake without human intervention. The system serves itself by using the absence of electrical power to trigger the clutch disengagement, which automatically actuates the brake spring to close the door, eliminating the need for manual chain pulling or switching operations
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 simplifies the structure, reduces the number of parts, and facilitates easy assembly and operation, ensuring the door can automatically close during a fire while minimizing false activations and power supply interruptions, with a compact design and delayed closure option for personnel evacuation.
Implementation Method 1
a brake mechanism having a first bushing loosely fitted on the left end of the input axle and fixed on the housing; a torsion spring arranged to encircle the outer periphery of the first bushing, one end of the torsion spring normally bearing the weight of the door panel so that its inner diameter is shrunk to be tightly constricted on the first bushing so as to brake the input axle
Implementation Method 2
a clutch mechanism which is arranged around the outer periphery of the left end of the sliding sleeve and holds the sliding sleeve at the second set point under control so that the end disc and the first gear disc are connected with each other
Implementation Method 3
the door panels are rolled down due to their own weight to close the door
Data Source
AI summary
A door operator of a fireproof door comprises a force applying end through which a driving force is transmitted by an input shaft; an output end for sustaining the weight of the door curtain which is transmitted to a central shaft through an output shaft; a clutch mechanism connecting the central shaft to the input shaft; a brake mechanism including a torsion spring disposed on the input shaft which bears the loading force transferred through the central shaft to vary the inner diameter of the torsion spring so as to restrain the input shaft from rotating; when an external force is applied to the input end, the inner diameter of the torsion spring is extended so that the input shaft is rotatable.