Overhead Folding Door Locking Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing lift-and-fold systems, particularly wide folding gates, face challenges with high operational forces required to lift and lower them due to their weight, leading to potential sagging and failure of locking mechanisms under wind or external forces.
Innovation Solution
A locking device integrated with the drive system that includes a locking element interacting with a locking receptacle on the floor and frame side parts, providing additional security against unintentional opening, combined with a weight-compensating mechanism and anti-fall system to reduce operational effort and enhance stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a locking mechanism is provided in the area of the pivot joint between gate leaves, then the gate can be locked in the closed position, but the locking mechanism fails under wind force or external forces causing unwanted opening
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a second locking dimension by adding a locking device that acts perpendicular to the plane of the gate leaves. Instead of relying solely on the lateral locking at the pivot joint, a locking element extends in the direction of the pull cable and engages with a locking receptacle, creating a third-dimensional locking mechanism that prevents disengagement under wind load.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking function is segmented into two independent systems: a lateral locking mechanism at the pivot joint and a longitudinal locking mechanism along the pull cable direction. This segmentation allows each locking system to specialize in preventing specific types of failure, with the longitudinal locking specifically addressing wind-induced disengagement.
2Area of stationary object
If very wide folding gates are used to close large building openings, then the building opening can be effectively closed, but comparatively large forces are required to raise and lower them due to their weight
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is actuated in advance during the lowering operation, before the gate reaches the fully closed position. The locking element is inserted into the locking receptacle while there is still sufficient clearance, allowing the gate to be secured before full closure is achieved. This preliminary locking action prevents the need for excessive force during the final closing stages.
3Ease of operation
If the drive unit is attached to the gate leaf, then the gate can be lifted and lowered, but the force required is increased by the effort to lift the motor
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is extracted from the gate leaf structure and repositioned to act independently along the pull cable direction. By separating the locking function from the gate leaf mass, the system eliminates the need to accelerate the locking mechanism components during gate operation, reducing the total force required.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to an overhead folding system, especially an overhead folding door (1). The drive device for said overhead folding door (1) is fastened to the opening of a building, for example to the lintel (5) or in the region of the lintel (5). The overhead folding system (1) comprises a pair of (door) wings (2, 3) with a lintel-end wing (2) and a bottom-end wing (3). The lifting and lowering of the overhead folding system (1) is achieved by at least one traction element (10) which is fastened to the bottom-end wing (3), in particular close to the bottom, and can be moved by means of a drive shaft (15). The system comprises at least one locking device (43) by means of which the overhead folding system (1) and/or the lintel-end wing (2) and/or the bottom-end wing (3) and/or the traction element (10) can be locked in the closed position. Said locking device (43) can be locked or unlocked via the drive device, especially via a locking driver element (19) connected to the drive device. The locking device comprises at least one locking element (20), especially in the form of a bolt (21) or claw or hook (22) or tong-type element, which mechanically cooperates with a locking receptacle (24) provided on the ground (9) or with a locking receptacle (24) in the frame (7).