Universal Hood Element for Door Drive Sealing and Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing door drive covers require multiple design forms for different installation orientations, increasing production and storage costs, and fail to ensure a complete seal against dust and dirt, while also being visually distracting and requiring separate covers for control and display access.

Innovation Solution

A hood element with a U-shaped cross section and symmetrical connecting means that can be rotated 180° for universal compatibility, featuring a user interface in the middle section and a shaft passage on one side section, eliminating the need for additional covers and simplifying assembly and access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple cover designs are provided for different installation orientations, then the door drive can be adapted to various mounting positions, but the manufacturing and storage costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptation to different installation orientationsVSAvoidmanufacturing and storage costs
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The hood element is designed with symmetrical connecting means that allow it to be installed in multiple orientations (0°, 90°, 180°, 270°) using the same component. The symmetrical design with connecting means positioned at opposite ends enables universal application across different mounting positions without requiring additional cover variants, thereby reducing manufacturing and storage costs while maintaining full adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Ease of operation

If two opposing openings are arranged on the cover with one closed by a separate cover, then the drive shaft can pass through, but complete sealing against dust and dirt is not ensured

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrive shaft passageVSAvoidsealing against dust and dirt
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The hood element is segmented into distinct functional zones: a first side section with a shaft passage for drive shaft access, and a second side section without an opening for complete sealing. This segmentation allows the drive shaft to pass through where needed while maintaining an intact sealing surface on the opposite side, preventing dust and dirt penetration without requiring additional separate covers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of operation

If a separate cover is used to close one opening, then the drive shaft can pass through, but the additional cover is perceived as visually disturbing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrive shaft passageVSAvoidvisual appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The hood element is segmented into distinct functional zones: a first side section with a shaft passage for drive shaft access, and a second side section without an opening for complete sealing. This segmentation allows the drive shaft to pass through where needed while maintaining an intact sealing surface on the opposite side, preventing dust and dirt penetration without requiring additional separate covers.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Ease of operation

If the cover is specially adapted for each door drive design with controls and display, then the user interface is accessible, but different cover configurations are required for each design

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess to controls and displayVSAvoidnumber of different cover configurations
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hood element incorporates a user interface section in the central region that can accommodate controls and display elements. This universal design allows the same hood element structure to serve multiple door drive designs with different control and display requirements, eliminating the need for multiple specialized cover configurations while maintaining full accessibility to user interface elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentEP4116536B1Hood element, cover and door drive
Publication Date: 2024.08.28 GEZE GMBH
  • EP4116536B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4116536B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4116536B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The present invention relates to a hood element for a cover of a door drive, comprising a hood body that surrounds a receiving space and has a cross-section that is at least substantially U-shaped, wherein the hood body has a first side section and a second side section opposite the first side section, as well as a central section arranged between the first side section and the second side section, and wherein the first side section has a shaft passage for passing a drive shaft of the door drive and the second side section is designed without a shaft passage, wherein furthermore the hood body has symmetrical connecting means for selectively connecting to at least one further part of the cover and/or the door drive in two orientations rotated 180° relative to each other.A hood element according to the invention is characterized in that a user interface for operating the door drive is arranged in the central section. Furthermore, the present invention relates to a cover for a door drive with such a hood element, as well as to a door drive with such a cover or such a hood element.