Mechanical Brake Arrangement for Double Door Coordination

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing double door systems do not close rapidly enough, which is critical for fire safety, smoke containment, and energy efficiency, as they often rely on mechanical braking mechanisms that require the passive door leaf to be fully closed before allowing the active door leaf to close, leading to inefficient closure sequences.

Innovation Solution

A mechanical brake arrangement that includes a braking mechanism and controlling means to coordinate the closure of double doors, allowing the overstriking door leaf to start moving earlier while ensuring the understriking door leaf is closed first, by using a first controlling means to manage the braking based on the position of the understriking door leaf and a second controlling means to manage the braking based on the position of the overstriking door leaf, enabling coordinated and rapid closure without the need for electrical power.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a mechanical braking mechanism is used to control the closing sequence of double doors, then the proper closing order is achieved, but the closing time is extended and rapid closure is prevented

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproper closing orderVSAvoidclosing time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The brake arrangement allows dynamic control of the braking force applied to the active door leaf. The brake can be gradually released during closing to maintain proper sequence while enabling rapid closure, rather than maintaining a static blocked state throughout the entire closing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the parameter of braking force from a constant blocked state to a variable state that can be progressively reduced. This allows the active door leaf to transition from a blocked state to a free-closing state, achieving both proper sequencing and rapid closure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If the active door leaf is blocked until the passive door leaf is fully closed, then the closing sequence is controlled, but the overall door closure speed is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclosing sequence controlVSAvoiddoor closure speed
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSSpeed

Solution Approach 1:

The brake is preliminarily applied to the active door leaf to prevent premature closing and ensure proper sequence. However, the brake is then progressively released during the closing process, allowing the door to accelerate and close rapidly while maintaining sequence control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The braking force is dynamically adjusted during the closing process rather than maintained at a constant level. This dynamic control enables the system to transition from sequence control mode to rapid closure mode, achieving both objectives.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If existing mechanical braking systems are used, then sequence control is achieved, but the system requires electrical power and is not self-sufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesequence controlVSAvoidelectrical power dependency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The brake arrangement is designed to be self-actuating through mechanical linkages connected to the door operators. The system uses the motion of the door leaves themselves to control the braking mechanism, eliminating the need for external electrical power sources while maintaining reliable sequence control.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Mechanical linkages and control elements act as intermediaries between the door operators and the braking mechanism. These mechanical intermediaries transmit the control signals and forces needed to manage the braking without requiring electrical components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

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

This solution enables rapid closure of double doors, improving fire safety by restricting smoke and oxygen supply, enhancing energy efficiency by better confining heat or cold, and making unauthorized access more difficult, all while operating independently of power sources.

Implementation Method 1

a brake spring arranged to press the braking means towards the brake drum

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 2

the braking means in its braking state abuts the brake drum

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3126604B1Double door with coordinator brake
Publication Date: 2020.11.11 ASSA ABLOY ENTRANCE SYST AB
  • EP3126604B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3126604B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3126604B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Double door system (1) comprising an understriking door leaf (2), an overstriking door leaf (3) and a mechanical brake arrangement (100, 200, 300, 400), wherein the mechanical brake arrangement (100, 200, 300, 400) comprises a braking means (101, 102, 201, 202, 301, 302, 401, 402) arranged to brake the movement of the overstriking door leaf (3), and a first controlling means (103, 203, 303, 403) and a second controlling means (104, 204, 304, 404), which are mechanically operated, wherein the first controlling means (103, 203, 303, 403) is arranged to control the braking of the braking means (101, 102, 201, 202, 301, 302, 401, 402) in relation to the position of the understriking door leaf (2). Mechanical brake arrangement (100, 200, 300, 400) for controlling the movement of one of the door leafs of the double door system. A door operator system (10) comprising the mechanical brake arrangement (100, 200, 300, 400).