Oscillating Element for Garage Door Dead Point
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Solution Overview
Problem
Overhead swinging gates or doors face issues with the 'dead point' where they cannot be fully opened or closed due to mechanisms that only exert vertical force, leading to cumbersome and expensive solutions with high risks of mechanical failure and user safety concerns.
Innovation Solution
An oscillating element with a reciprocating motion, fixed coaxially to an electric motor, is used to apply a radial force to the door, ensuring engagement and overcoming friction, while a separate motorized system handles lifting and lowering, with slip detection for rope systems to prevent accidents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a chain ring mechanism is used to overcome the dead point, then the door can be opened and closed completely, but the mechanism becomes cumbersome horizontally and expensive to install
Solution Approach 1:
The door opening/closing function is divided into two independent parts: (1) a lifting mechanism for vertical movement, and (2) an oscillating element for horizontal positioning to overcome the dead point. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, reducing overall complexity while maintaining complete operational capability.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a large horizontal chain ring mechanism, the invention introduces a compact oscillating element that operates in a different dimensional space, requiring minimal horizontal clearance and simplifying installation while achieving the same functional result of overcoming the dead point.
2Reliability
If a chain ring mechanism is used, then the door can overcome the dead point, but the risk of user injury from crushing or entrapment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dangerous chain ring mechanism is completely removed from the system. Instead, a safe oscillating element is used that cannot crush or entrap users, while still providing the necessary function of overcoming the dead point through gentle horizontal positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention converts the potentially harmful large-scale moving chain mechanism into a benign oscillating element that operates with minimal force and clearance, transforming a safety hazard into a safe and reliable solution for dead point overcoming.
3Ease of operation
If a sprocket and rack system is used, then the door can be opened and closed, but the rack requires frequent cleaning to avoid jamming and the sprocket has high risk of being crushed
Solution Approach 1:
The problematic sprocket and rack system is completely removed. The invention replaces it with an oscillating element that directly positions the door horizontally without requiring meshing components, thereby eliminating jamming issues and crushing risks while maintaining full operational capability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If an extensible bracket is used with chain mechanism, then the bracket can accommodate door tilting, but the closure safety cannot be ensured as the bracket may detach
Solution Approach 1:
The extensible bracket mechanism is removed entirely. The invention uses a simple oscillating element that provides stable horizontal positioning without requiring extensible or detachable components, ensuring reliable and safe door closure at all times.
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 a compact, cost-effective, and reliable opening/closing mechanism with reduced risk of mechanical failure and user safety hazards, efficient power usage, and easy installation, ensuring safe and complete operation of overhead doors.
Implementation Method 1
overcoming friction
Data Source
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AI summary
A device is described which is adapted to open/close and/or lock a overhead canopy door (10) used to occlude an aperture (12). The device comprises an element (40) adapted to move only slightly the door, with respect to the vertical, by imparting to it a force on its upper edge (20) by angularly oscillating around an axis (X). Such a device simplifies the displacement of the door and the associated costs.