Floor Spring Mixed Powder Sealing for Contamination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional automatic door closers with floor springs face contamination issues due to water and dust accumulation in the gap between the damper assembly and its case, posing safety and maintenance hazards.

Innovation Solution

A waterproof and dust-proof floor spring design featuring a case with a mixed powder filling, comprising 90% light calcium carbonate, 4% talc powder, 2% hard calcium carbonate, 1% calcium stearoyl, 1% antiseptic, and 1% antioxidant, which covers the damper assembly and includes a seal member to prevent ingress of water, dust, and insects, while maintaining the hydraulic oil's functionality in low temperatures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If a gap is spared between damper assembly and case to facilitate assembly, then ease of manufacture is improved, but water and dust may enter and accumulate in the gap causing contamination and safety hazards

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of assemblyVSAvoidcontamination by water and dust
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

A seal member is introduced as an intermediary element between the damper assembly and the case. This seal member fills the gap that would otherwise allow water and dust to enter, while still permitting the damper assembly to be installed. The seal member thus mediates between the need for assembly clearance and the need to prevent contamination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The seal member functions as a flexible barrier that can deform to accommodate the damper assembly during installation while maintaining its sealing function. This flexible element prevents water and dust from entering the gap between the rigid case and the damper assembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Adaptability or versatility

If the case is imbedded in the floor for installation, then adaptability to door installation is improved, but water and dust can accumulate in the gap between damper assembly and case

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefloor installation capabilityVSAvoidprotection against contamination
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The seal member serves as a protective intermediary that allows the case to remain imbedded in the floor for proper door installation while preventing the harmful effects of water and dust accumulation in the resulting gap.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If mixed powder is added to fill the space inside the case to prevent contamination, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection against contaminationVSAvoidassembly components
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mixed powder creates an inert, protective environment inside the case that prevents water and dust from contacting the damper assembly. The powder mixture, consisting of calcium carbonate, talc, and other protective substances, forms a barrier that protects internal components without requiring complex sealing mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #39Inert atmosphere (Inert environment)

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 effectively prevents contamination, reduces the risk of rust and failure, and ensures the hydraulic oil does not freeze in low temperatures, enhancing the reliability and longevity of the door closer mechanism.

Implementation Method 1

mixed powder filling a space inside the case covering the damper assembly

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhysical barrier (powder filling):

Implementation Method 2

includes a seal member to prevent ingress of water, dust, and insects

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSealing:

Implementation Method 3

reduces the risk of rust and failure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCorrosion prevention:

Implementation Method 4

ensures the hydraulic oil does not freeze in low temperatures

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFreeze protection:

Data Source

PatentEP2365173B1Floor spring and assembly method thereof
Publication Date: 2016.07.20 GUANGDONG KIN LONG HARDWARE PROD CO LTD
  • EP2365173B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2365173B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2365173B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A floor spring includes a case, a damper assembly received in the case, and mixed powder filling a space inside the case covering the damper assembly. The damper assembly includes a spindle extending outwardly from the case. The mixed powder can prevent water, dust, or insects enter the case, such that the damper assembly is not tend to rust or fail.