Motorized Door Control with Sensor Feedback for Hands-Free Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electric apparatuses with doors require manual operation, lacking the ability to automatically open or close doors efficiently, especially when users have both hands occupied or when doors are not fully closed.
Innovation Solution
An electric apparatus equipped with a rotatable door, a sensor to detect door rotation, a motor to provide torque, and a processor that controls the motor to open the door to a target angle set by the user, adjusting the torque based on the detected open angle to ensure accurate and automatic operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual door operation is used, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates when user hands are occupied
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of user presence and intent before door operation is needed. The sensor detects when the user approaches or intends to open the door, and the processor pre-calculates the required torque and rotation angle, so that when the user needs the door, it is already ready to open automatically without requiring user action.
Solution Approach 2:
The door system serves itself by automatically detecting its own state through sensors and autonomously controlling its opening and closing without external manual intervention. The motor self-regulates torque based on detected door position and external forces, and the system self-corrects if the door does not reach the target angle, eliminating the need for manual operation.
2Ease of operation
If automatic door opening is implemented, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor continuously monitors door rotation angle and provides real-time feedback to the processor. The processor compares the detected angle with the target angle and dynamically adjusts motor torque accordingly. This closed-loop feedback system enables automatic door opening while maintaining reasonable complexity by using simple comparison logic and proportional torque adjustment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the torque parameter dynamically based on detected door position and external conditions. When the door is near the target angle or when external resistance is detected, the processor adjusts torque magnitude. This parameter adaptation allows the system to handle varying loads and obstacles without requiring complex mechanical structures.
3Reliability
If motor torque is increased to ensure door opens fully, then reliability improves, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The processor applies partial torque initially when the door is far from the target angle, and only increases torque when necessary (e.g., when external resistance is detected or when the door stalls before reaching the target). This avoids continuous excessive torque application, reducing energy consumption while maintaining reliability by applying full torque only when needed to overcome obstacles or ensure complete opening.
Solution Approach 2:
The motor torque is made dynamic rather than static. The processor continuously adjusts torque based on real-time door position feedback and detected external forces. When the door moves smoothly toward the target, torque is reduced; when resistance or stalling is detected, torque is increased. This dynamic adjustment ensures reliable door opening while minimizing energy consumption during normal operation.
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
Enables automatic and precise control of door opening and closing, accommodating user convenience by allowing hands-free operation and ensuring doors are fully opened or closed, even with varying loads or obstacles.
Implementation Method 1
a motor configured to provide torque to the door to rotate the door
Implementation Method 2
a sensor configured to detect rotation of the door, and to produce a corresponding output signal
Data Source
AI summary
An electric apparatus includes a housing; a door rotationally arranged on a side of the housing; a sensor configured to detect rotation of the door; a motor configured to provide torque to the door to rotate the door; and a processor configured to obtain an open angle of the door based on an output signal of the sensor and control the motor to open the door to a target angle set by a user.