Mechanical Brake Arrangement for Double Door Closing Sequence

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing double door systems face challenges in ensuring proper closing order, especially in fire doors, where smoke confinement and oxygen supply management are critical, and existing braking solutions on motor shafts are not robust or compact enough.

Innovation Solution

A mechanical brake arrangement for double door systems that includes a brake drum connected to the overstriking door leaf, a braking mechanism interacting with the inside of the brake drum, and a mechanically operated controlling means to coordinate the closing of door leaves based on the position of the understriking door leaf, allowing for proper closure without electrical power.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a braking force is applied on the motor shaft to control the closing order of door leaves, then the proper closing sequence is achieved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproper closing orderVSAvoidbraking system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the electrical motor shaft braking system with a purely mechanical brake arrangement. The brake mechanism includes a brake drum connected to the overstriking door leaf, brake shoes that can apply friction to the brake drum, and a mechanical control system using levers and links connected to the understriking door leaf. This mechanical substitution eliminates the need for electrical controls and motor shaft access, thereby reducing device complexity and space requirements while maintaining reliable control over the closing sequence of door leaves

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The brake mechanism is designed to be compact and integrated within the door operator assembly. The brake drum is mounted on the door operator shaft, and the brake shoes are positioned to engage with the brake drum in a nested configuration. The control links and levers are arranged to fit within the existing door operator structure, minimizing the overall space occupied by the braking system while ensuring proper closing order control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If an electrical braking system is used on the motor shaft, then the closing control is achieved, but the system becomes less robust and more space-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveclosing controlVSAvoidsystem robustness
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the electrical braking system with a robust mechanical brake arrangement that uses friction between brake shoes and a brake drum to control the door leaf closing. The mechanical linkages connecting the brake control to the understriking door leaf provide direct mechanical coupling that is inherently more robust than electrical systems. The brake mechanism is designed with sturdy components including a brake drum mounted on the door operator shaft, adjustable brake shoe positions, and rigid control links that ensure reliable force transmission without the vulnerabilities of electrical components

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The mechanical brake arrangement is designed to be self-actuating through the mechanical connection between the understriking and overstriking door leaves. As the understriking door leaf moves during closing, it mechanically actuates the brake control links, which in turn apply or release the brake on the overstriking door leaf without requiring external electrical power or control systems. This self-service mechanism enhances system robustness by eliminating dependencies on electrical power sources and control electronics

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Ensures proper closure of double doors, enhances fire safety by confining smoke and limiting oxygen supply, and provides a more robust, reliable, and compact solution compared to existing braking systems.

Implementation Method 1

a braking means (401, 402) arranged to interact with the inside of the brake drum (407)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Data Source

PatentEP3126605B1Double door with inner brake
Publication Date: 2021.04.21 ASSA ABLOY ENTRANCE SYST AB
  • EP3126605B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3126605B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3126605B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Double door system (1) comprising an understriking door leaf (2), an overstriking door leaf (3), a first door operator (11) adapted to move the understriking door leaf (2) between an open and a closed position, a second door operator (12) adapted to move the overstriking door leaf (3) between an open and a closed position and a mechanical brake arrangement (400), wherein the understriking door leaf (2) should be closed before the overstriking door leaf (3) to close the double door, and wherein the mechanical brake arrangement (400) is arranged to brake the movement of the overstriking door leaf (3). Mechanical brake arrangement (400) for controlling the movement of one of the door leafs of a double door system. Door operator system (10) comprising a first door operator (11), a second door operator (12) and a mechanical brake arrangement (400).