Motorized Door Closer with Regenerative Latch Boost
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional door closers face challenges in providing sufficient force for closing due to mechanical losses, requiring high initial force to open and adjust settings for varying conditions like temperature and wear, leading to suboptimal closing characteristics.
Innovation Solution
A motorized door closer with an electric motor that acts as a generator to store energy, using a position sensor and controller to apply additional force during the latch boost region, allowing for self-adjustment and regenerative operation without external power.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If conventional mechanical door closers use springs and valves to generate closing force, then the door can be closed automatically, but the force available in the closing direction is less than required to open the door due to mechanical losses
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the conventional mechanical spring-valve system with an electric motor-driven system. The motor can generate precise closing force independently of opening force requirements, eliminating mechanical losses in the force transmission chain. The motor controller adjusts current to provide exactly the required closing force without the energy dissipation inherent in mechanical spring compression and valve operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a motor controller to dynamically adjust electrical parameters (current, voltage) to the motor, enabling precise control of closing force. This allows the system to provide high closing force when needed (such as during latch engagement) without requiring proportionally high opening force, as the motor can operate at different efficiency points compared to mechanical springs.
2Reliability
If conventional door closers use high force to close the door under adverse conditions, then reliable closing is achieved, but even higher forces are required to open the door at times when adverse conditions are not present
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic force adjustment through motor control, allowing the closing force to be adapted in real-time based on actual door conditions. The controller can detect when high force is needed (such as during latch engagement or adverse conditions) and adjust motor output accordingly, rather than maintaining constant high force settings. This dynamic adjustment reduces the opening force required when adverse conditions are not present.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs feedback control where the motor controller monitors door position, speed, and force requirements to adjust motor output. This closed-loop control ensures reliable closing under adverse conditions while automatically reducing force when conditions permit, thereby reducing the opening force burden. The system responds to actual door behavior rather than relying on pre-set mechanical valve settings.
3Reliability
If conventional door closers have adjustable valve settings for temperature and wear compensation, then closing performance can be optimized, but adjusting the settings is difficult and burdensome for users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical valve adjustment mechanisms with an electric motor and electronic control system. The motor controller provides programmable parameters that can be adjusted via simple interfaces (such as dip switches or software settings) rather than requiring complex mechanical valve adjustments. This substitution makes parameter adjustment more accessible to end-users while maintaining consistent closing performance across varying conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-adjusting capabilities where the motor controller can automatically compensate for temperature changes and wear over time without requiring manual intervention. The system may include sensors and algorithms that detect environmental conditions and adjust motor parameters accordingly, eliminating the need for users to perform difficult valve adjustments to maintain optimal closing performance.
4Ease of operation
If motorized door closers use external power sources, then precise control and latch boost are achieved, but the system complexity and power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements energy regeneration where the motor acts as a generator during door opening and closing motion, capturing kinetic energy and storing it in a capacitor or rechargeable battery. This regenerative capability allows the system to power the latch boost feature and other control functions using energy harvested from normal door operation, eliminating or reducing the need for external power sources and associated complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the motor by switching between motor mode (when power is applied for latch boost) and generator mode (when the door moves and energy is harvested). This bidirectional operation allows the same device to both consume and produce energy, reducing overall system complexity compared to having separate motor and generator components or relying on continuous external power supply.
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
The solution provides consistent and efficient door closing with adjustable force, overcoming mechanical limitations and adapting to changing conditions, ensuring reliable door closure with reduced user intervention.
Implementation Method 1
The door closer may be self-powered by causing the motor to act as a generator to charge a battery or capacitor
Implementation Method 2
when opened a spring is compressed and energy is stored in the spring. When the door is allowed to close the energy stored in the spring is used to return the door to the closed position
Data Source
AI summary
A door closer with an electric motor-assisted closing feature, that may generate its own power to assist in closing, and controls the speed of opening and closing of the door during generation is disclosed. Embodiments of the present disclosure are realized by a motorized door closer that electrically creates a latch boost force for a closing door. The door closer includes a motor disposed to operatively connect to a door so that the door will be moved toward closed when the motor moves, and a position sensor to determine a position of the door. A processor is programmed to exert a closing force on the door in the latch boost region or when it otherwise detects that a motor assist is needed.