Reversible Door System with Geared Linkage Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door systems face inefficiencies in installation and operation, particularly in transferring torque effectively and maintaining a low profile when closed, which can lead to jamming and limited door opening angles.
Innovation Solution
A door system with a linkage assembly featuring a drive arm and an attendant arm connected by a gear joint, allowing for parallel alignment and efficient torque transfer, enabling improved installation and operation, including the ability to open past 90 degrees without requiring excessively long arms.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional linkage arms are used without gear joints, then the structure is simpler, but torque transfer is inefficient and jamming occurs
Solution Approach 1:
A gear joint is introduced as an intermediary mechanism between the drive arm and attendant arm. The gear joint includes drive gear teeth on the drive arm and attendant gear teeth on the attendant arm that engage with each other, serving as a mediator to efficiently transfer torque while preventing jamming through controlled mechanical interaction.
2Shape
If linkage arms are arranged parallel to the door frame, then the profile is lower when closed, but torque transfer becomes less effective
Solution Approach 1:
The gear joint acts as an intermediary that enables the linkage arms to be arranged parallel to the door frame while maintaining effective torque transfer. The engaged gear teeth transmit rotational force efficiently even in the parallel configuration, resolving the conflict between aesthetic profile and functional effectiveness.
3Ease of operation
If the door opening angle is increased beyond 90 degrees, then usability is improved, but the linkage arms require excessively long lengths
Solution Approach 1:
The gear joint serves as a compact intermediary mechanism that enables the door to open beyond 90 degrees without requiring excessively long linkage arms. The gear teeth engagement provides mechanical advantage and controlled motion transmission, allowing greater opening angles while maintaining reasonable arm lengths.
4Reliability
If gear teeth are added to the linkage arms, then torque transfer is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The manufacturing complexity is managed by optimizing the gear tooth parameters such as tooth profile, pitch, and engagement geometry. By carefully selecting these parameters, the gear joints achieve reliable torque transfer while remaining manufacturable using standard gear manufacturing processes.
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 door system facilitates easier installation and operation, reduces jamming, and allows for greater door opening angles while maintaining a compact profile, enhancing usability and aesthetics.
Implementation Method 1
The drive gear teeth and the attendant gear teeth between the drive arm and the attendant arm form a gear joint that facilitates (e.g., allows, enables, or the like) the transfer of torque from the drive system of the door system to the door, door frame, or wall
Data Source
AI summary
A door system having a linkage assembly with a drive arm and an attendant arm coupled at the ends through a gear joint. The gear joint has drive teeth on an end of the drive arm and attendant teeth on an end of the attendant arm. The drive arm is coupled to a motor in the door system that is coupled to a door, or a door frame or a wall. The attendant arm is coupled to the opposite of the door, or the door frame or the wall to which the door system is coupled. When the door system is installed on the push side or the pull side of the door the drive arm and the attendant arm are parallel with the door and the upper door frame. During operation the motor transfers the torque from the motor through the gear joint to open the door.