Motorized Spool Door Operator for Hands-Free Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a lack of non-contact door hinge operators on the market that can be actuated via remote signal processing, such as voice control or mobile app, for controlling the opening and closing of doors in public and personal spaces.
Innovation Solution
A non-contact, automatic door hinge operator system utilizing a motor, spool mechanism, and controller mounted on the door, powered by battery, which can be operated using electronic touch-less switches, photocells, motion sensors, or smartphone apps, with a pull-cord mechanism that opens and closes doors using spring-loaded hinges or a rotating mandrel.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a non-contact door hinge operator system is implemented, then hands-free operation and accessibility are improved, but device complexity increases due to motor, spool mechanism, and sensor integration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the motor mechanism, spool assembly, and hinge components into an integrated door operator system. The motor and spool are mounted directly on the door, merging multiple functional elements (actuation, winding, and hinging) into a single unified mechanism that operates automatically without manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The door operator system is designed to operate autonomously using sensors (optical, motion, or proximity) that automatically detect when door operation is needed. The motor-driven spool mechanism self-actuates to open or close the door without requiring human contact, making the system self-serving and improving accessibility.
2Extent of automation
If battery-powered motor mechanism is added to existing door, then automation capability is improved, but weight of moving object increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the power source function by using a battery-powered motor mechanism that can be independently mounted on the door. This separates the automation function from the door structure itself, allowing the door to gain automated operation capability while the weight burden is contained within the modular motor assembly rather than requiring structural reinforcement of the entire door.
3Manufacturing precision
If pull-cord mechanism with spool and motor is installed, then door positioning control is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic pull-cord mechanism where the cord length and tension can be adjusted to control door positioning. The motor-driven spool dynamically winds or unwinds the cord based on operational needs, allowing precise control of door position (fully open, fully closed, or intermediate positions) through simple mechanical adjustment rather than complex manufacturing tolerances.
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 hands-free operation of doors, enhancing convenience and accessibility by allowing control through various sensors and apps, suitable for both new and existing doors, with the ability to open, close, or maintain doors in specific positions using a motorized spool mechanism.
Implementation Method 1
A non-contact, automatic door hinge operator system utilizing a motor, spool mechanism, and controller
Implementation Method 2
with a pull-cord mechanism that opens and closes doors using spring-loaded hinges
Data Source
AI summary
A non-contact, automatic door hinge operator system that allows a common door to be opened and closed automatically through use of a voice-activated sensor, optical switch or mobile app.