Modular Door Drive Latching Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing door drives for buildings require complex and cumbersome assembly processes, often necessitating overhead work and the use of multiple specialized tools, which complicates installation and maintenance, especially for fully automatic systems with high dead weight and varying degrees of automation.

Innovation Solution

A modular door drive system comprising a connection module, drive module, and main module, secured to a mounting plate using latching means, allowing for flexible assembly and easy interchangeability of modules without additional tools, simplifying the assembly process and enabling adaptation to different installation spaces and specifications.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If traditional screw connections are used to attach door drive modules to the mounting plate, then reliable mechanical connection is achieved, but assembly complexity and installation time increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemechanical connection reliabilityVSAvoidassembly process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional screw connection system with a latching mechanism system. The latching means comprise latching elements that engage with corresponding recesses in the mounting plate, eliminating the need for screws and threaded holes. This substitution maintains mechanical connection reliability while dramatically simplifying the assembly process, as modules can be attached by simple latching actions rather than requiring tools and multiple fastening operations.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent extracts the fastening function from the traditional screw connection system and implements it through dedicated latching means integrated into the module structure. The latching elements are specifically designed to engage with the mounting plate without requiring separate fasteners, thereby reducing assembly complexity while maintaining connection reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Reliability

If multiple specialized tools are used for assembling door drives with varying degrees of automation, then proper installation is achieved, but installation time and skill requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation qualityVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the latching means to be universally applicable across all module types (connection module, drive module, main module) regardless of the door drive's automation level. The same latching mechanism used for simple mechanical door closers also works for fully automatic door drives with motors and control units. This universal design eliminates the need for specialized tools for different automation levels, reducing both installation time and skill requirements while maintaining installation quality.

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

3Ease of manufacture

If modules are designed with fixed configurations, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different installation spaces and specifications is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemodule manufacturing simplicityVSAvoidinstallation adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the door drive into separate functional modules (connection module, drive module, main module) that can be independently manufactured with simple, standardized designs. Each module has standardized latching interfaces that allow them to be combined in different configurations. This segmentation enables simple manufacturing of individual modules while providing high adaptability through modular assembly to suit different installation spaces and automation requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent creates a dynamic modular system where the door drive configuration can be adapted by selecting and assembling different modules. The latching means enable easy reconfiguration and replacement of modules to match specific installation requirements, whether for mechanical closers or fully automatic door drives, without requiring custom-designed fixed configurations for each application.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Manufacturing precision

If comprehensive assembly instructions and preparation are required before on-site installation, then assembly accuracy is improved, but installation time and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly accuracyVSAvoidon-site assembly ease
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates preliminary action by pre-designing the latching interfaces and means during the manufacturing phase. The latching elements and their corresponding recesses are precisely formed in the factory, ensuring proper alignment and fit. This preliminary preparation of the connection geometry eliminates the need for complex on-site alignment procedures, allowing installers to simply attach modules without extensive preparation or specialized knowledge, thereby maintaining assembly accuracy while greatly improving on-site ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP2212501B1Door drive in modular design
Publication Date: 2016.11.02 DORMAKABA DEUT GMBH
  • EP2212501B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2212501B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2212501B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

The invention relates to a door actuator (1) for arrangement on a door leave, a door frame, a doorpost, a wall, or the like, having at least one mounting plate (2) upon which the structure of the door actuator (1) is disposed. The invention proposes that the structure be designed in a modular fashion and comprise at least one connector module (3), one drive module (4), and one primary module (5), which are locked on the mounting plate (2) by means of associated locking means (7) and wherein the primary module (5) comprises a system carrier (6) in which at least one power supply unit (8) and at least one control unit (9) are accommodated by associated locking means (10).