Push-Bar Exit Device with Damped Bolt Return
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Exit devices produce disruptive noise when returning to their resting position, affecting environments where noise and sleep quality are crucial, such as hospitals, care homes, and lecture halls.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of a damper mechanism to slow the return movement of the actuator, arm, and door bolt, using one-way rotary spin limiters or other dampers to minimize noise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the exit device components (actuator, arm, door bolt) move quickly to return to resting position, then productivity is improved, but noise is generated that disrupts quiet environments
Solution Approach 1:
A damper mechanism is introduced as an intermediary component between the moving parts of the exit device (actuator, arm, door bolt) and the surrounding environment. The damper dissipates kinetic energy during the return movement, reducing the speed and impact of component movement while still allowing the device to complete its cycling function, thereby minimizing noise without completely stopping operation
Solution Approach 2:
The damper changes the motion parameters of the exit device components by reducing their velocity during the return stroke. By controlling the rate of movement through damping forces, the system transitions from high-speed noisy operation to controlled slow movement, eliminating the harmful noise while maintaining functional productivity
2Object-generated harmful factors
If dampers are added to reduce noise, then noise is minimized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The damper is designed to serve multiple functions simultaneously: it dampens noise during the return stroke, controls the speed of component movement, and can be integrated into existing exit device architectures. This multi-functionality justifies the added complexity by delivering multiple benefits from a single added component
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 damper mechanism significantly reduces noise during the return of the exit device components, enhancing sleep quality and reducing disturbances in sensitive environments.
Implementation Method 1
at least one damper operatively connected to at least one of the actuator, the arm and the door bolt. The damper is configured to minimize noise associated with the movement
Data Source
AI summary
An exit device that minimizes noise is disclosed. In some embodiments the exit device may include an actuator such as a push bar, and a door bolt. In other embodiments the device may include an actuator such as a push bar, a door bolt and an arm. The exit device includes a damper operatively coupled in a manner to reduce movement of the components when returning to an unactuated position from an actuated or partly actuated position. In some embodiments the damper is operatively coupled to door bolt.