Pull-Chain Brake Mechanism for Dual-Mode Door Operators
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door operator mechanisms are complex and inconvenient for manual operation, especially when the electric motor mechanism is detached during maintenance, affecting normal personnel access.
Innovation Solution
A composite pull-chain disc mechanism with a torsional spring system that automatically brakes and drives the central shaft, allowing for simplified and miniaturized structure, and enabling manual operation even when the electric motor is detached by using a modularized design with a clutch mechanism.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a traditional door operator mechanism with separate electric motor and manual operation components is used, then the door operator can function in both electric and manual modes, but the structure becomes complicated and difficult to operate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the electric motor mechanism and manual pull-chain mechanism into a single integrated door operator unit. The electric motor (20) and clutch mechanism (22) are mounted on the same housing (1a) as the pull-chain disc mechanism (30), sharing common components such as the central shaft (10) and brake mechanism. This merging eliminates the need for separate electric and manual door operators, reducing overall structural complexity while maintaining dual operation mode capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The door operator is designed as a universal mechanism that can perform both electric operation and manual operation functions through a single integrated structure. The clutch mechanism (22) enables the system to switch between electric motor-driven mode and manual pull-chain mode, while the brake mechanism and central shaft (10) serve both operation modes. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated mechanisms for each operation type.
2Ease of repair
If the electric motor mechanism is detached during maintenance, then the motor can be repaired or replaced, but the manual operation mechanism becomes invalid and personnel access is affected
Solution Approach 1:
The door operator is segmented into independently removable modules: the electric motor mechanism (20) and clutch mechanism (22) can be detached as a unit from the housing (1a), while the manual pull-chain disc mechanism (30) remains intact and fully functional. This segmentation allows maintenance personnel to remove and repair the electric motor without affecting the manual operation components, ensuring continuous personnel access capability during motor maintenance activities.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple separate mechanisms (lock device, brake releasing device, clutch mechanism) are used for mode switching, then the door operator can switch between electric and manual modes, but the operational procedure becomes inconvenient and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the lock device, brake releasing device, and clutch mechanism into a single integrated housing (1a) structure. These components work together through a unified mechanical arrangement where the pull-chain disc (32) directly interacts with the brake mechanism and clutch mechanism without requiring separate external control devices. This consolidation simplifies the operational procedure by reducing the number of separate manual operations required for mode switching.
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 convenient operation, reduces failure probability, and allows for seamless transition between electric and manual modes, ensuring continuous access without the need for additional switching devices.
Implementation Method 1
At least one torsional spring having an inner diameter can be slidably shrunk on the outer hub... the torsional spring has two free ends, which are staggered at a predetermined distance in a horizontal direction and formed with radially and outwardly protrudent portions respectively
Implementation Method 2
a pull-chain disc device, pivoted about a different axle... As long as the pull chain is pulled, the protective device cuts off an electric circuit for the door operator and releases brake to automatically switch the door operator to a manual mode
Data Source
AI summary
A composite pull-chain disc mechanism with brake function for a door operator comprises a torsional spring having de-twisting and twisting sides. The weight of a door curtain always acts on the de-twisting sides, so that the inner diameter of the torsional spring is induced to shrink to brake the rotation of the central shaft of the door operator. If twisting sides bears an external force, the inner diameter of the torsional spring is induced to enlarge to release braking of the central shaft. Furthermore, the composite pull-chain disc mechanism can be adapted to an electric door operator. In the case of detaching an electric motor mechanism during maintenance, the door operator can still be operated to open/close a door in a manual mode through the composite pull-chain disc mechanism.