Modular Door Opener With Retrofittable Detection Device

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing door openers lack the ability to be universally used and cost-effectively monitor the moving parts, particularly the locking mechanism, which limits their functionality and adaptability.

Innovation Solution

A modular door opener design with a retrofittable detection device that can be connected to the housing to monitor the locking or release of the door latch, allowing for optional integration with a higher-level monitoring system, and can be easily detached or replaced without affecting other functions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a door opener is designed with integrated monitoring components, then the monitoring function is built-in, but the device complexity and production cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemonitoring functionVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The detection device is separated from the door opener housing into an independent module that can be connected via the connection device. This segmentation allows the door opener to function without monitoring components while enabling optional monitoring capability when needed, thus reducing base complexity while maintaining reliability when required.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The connection device is designed to accommodate both the detection device and provide electrical connections. This universal interface allows the same structural element to serve multiple purposes: mechanical attachment, electrical connectivity, and optional monitoring functionality, reducing the need for separate dedicated components.

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

2Reliability

If a door opener includes a permanently integrated detection device, then monitoring capability is ensured, but the ease of manufacture and cost-effectiveness decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemonitoring capabilityVSAvoidproduction cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By separating the detection device into a detachable module connected via the connection device, the system allows manufacturers to produce door openers without monitoring components at lower cost, while still enabling monitoring capability when needed through simple attachment of the detection device module.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from a static integrated design to a dynamic configurable architecture where the detection device can be selectively attached or detached. This dynamic approach allows the same hardware platform to serve different market segments and application requirements, optimizing both cost and functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Reliability

If the detection device is permanently integrated into the door opener housing, then the monitoring function is stable, but the adaptability and versatility of the door opener decrease

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemonitoring function stabilityVSAvoidfunctional adaptability
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The detection device is segmented into a separate module that connects to the door opener housing through the connection device. This modular architecture enables the door opener to adapt to different requirements by selectively attaching or removing the detection device, while maintaining stable monitoring function when attached.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system employs a dynamic configuration where the detection device can be selectively connected or disconnected via the connection device. This allows the door opener to adapt its functionality based on operational requirements, transforming from a fixed-function device to a versatile platform that can operate with or without monitoring capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2924204B1Door opener comprising an anchor contact
Publication Date: 2019.02.27 ASSA ABLOY SICHERHEITSTECHNIK GMBH
  • EP2924204B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2924204B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2924204B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a door opener (1) for locking or releasing a door or window leaf in the closed position. To optionally provide the door opener (1) with monitoring of the locking or release of the leaf, it is modularly expandable by a detection device (4). The door opener has a connection device (3) arranged on an outer surface of the door opener housing (11), to which a detection device (4) with a sensor (41) can be connected. This sensor monitors a blocking device (2) arranged in the door opener housing for detecting a locking or release of the door opener latch. Thus, by optionally connecting the detection device (4) to an outer surface of the door opener, the blocking device can be monitored and a release or locking of the door opener latch can be detected.