Non-handed Swing Door Operator with Accessible Motor Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional swing door operators require multiple configurations for different installations, leading to complex maintenance and alignment issues, including blocked access to motor mounting screws and cam misalignment, necessitating extensive technician preparation and potential gear damage.
Innovation Solution
A non-handed swing door operator design with mounting channels on sideplates for easy access to motor screws and cam adjustments, allowing for versatile configuration without set screw access and simplified gear realignment, enabling use across various configurations as a replacement part.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional door operators use multiple configurations (LH, LHR, RH, RHR) for different installations, then the operator can be adapted to various door setups, but the maintenance complexity increases and technicians must carry multiple unit types for replacements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single door operator unit that can function in multiple configurations (LH, LHR, RH, RHR) through reversible motor mounting and cam position adjustments. The motor can be mounted on either side of the gear assembly, and cams can be positioned at different locations on the crank, allowing one universal unit to replace what previously required four different specialized units.
2Strength
If motor mounting screws are positioned behind gear assemblies in conventional operators, then the motor is securely mounted, but access to the screws is blocked requiring gear removal which may damage gears and complicate realignment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by separating the motor mounting function from the gear assembly structure. The motor mounts directly to the operator housing with screws accessible from the exterior, while the gear assembly remains a separate, removable component. This segmentation allows the motor to be securely mounted without blocking access, and enables independent replacement of motors without disturbing the gear train.
3Stability of the object's composition
If cam positions are fixed in conventional operators, then the alignment is stable, but rotational slip over time requires realignment that is difficult without accessing set screws or using fingertips
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by designing cam adjustment mechanisms that are accessible from the exterior of the operator housing. Adjustment screws or slots are positioned so technicians can access and adjust cam positions without disassembling internal components or using awkward fingertip manipulation. The universal design allows cam repositioning as part of routine maintenance without requiring specialized access.
Data Source
AI summary
A non-handed door operator comprising a motor connected to a mounting plate; at least one gear assembly coupled to the motor and having a driven gear and a driving gear; a gear coupled to the at least one gear assembly; a shaft fixed to the gear and rotatable around an axis in a first rotational direction, the shaft having a first end and an opposing second end; at least one cam positioned on the shaft and having a shell of revolution about the shaft axis; at least one switch intersecting the shell of revolution of the at least one cam; and an arm attachable to the first end and the second end of the shaft.