Reversible Output Shaft for Door Actuator Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing door operators require different output shafts for various mounting positions, leading to complex and costly changes in power transmission, especially when switching between hinge-side and opposite hinge-side installations.

Innovation Solution

An output shaft with interchangeable adapter elements on its end faces allows for reversible installation, enabling the same shaft to function oppositely in terms of rotation direction, eliminating the need for multiple shafts and simplifying the change of mounting positions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If different output shafts are used for different mounting positions, then the power transmission can be optimized for each position, but the device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting position adaptabilityVSAvoidoutput shaft variety

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The output shaft is designed with two receiving elements on opposite end faces, each capable of receiving an adapter element. This universal design allows a single output shaft to function in multiple mounting positions (hinge-side and opposite hinge-side) by simply changing the adapter element configuration, eliminating the need for different output shafts for different positions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The output shaft is segmented into modular components: a main shaft body with two receiving elements and interchangeable adapter elements. This segmentation allows the adapter elements to be independently changed based on mounting position requirements, while the main shaft body remains the same, reducing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If the entire output shaft is replaced to change power transmission direction, then the functionality for different mounting positions is achieved, but the time and cost of replacement increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower transmission directionVSAvoidreplacement time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The adapter element is extracted as a separate, interchangeable component from the output shaft assembly. This allows the adapter element to be removed and replaced independently to change the power transmission direction, without needing to replace the entire output shaft, significantly reducing replacement time and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The output shaft configuration is made dynamic and adjustable through the interchangeable adapter elements. The system can be quickly reconfigured for different mounting positions by simply changing the adapter element, rather than being fixed and requiring complete replacement for any configuration change.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Adaptability or versatility

If the entire output shaft is replaced to change power transmission direction, then the functionality for different mounting positions is achieved, but the cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemounting position flexibilityVSAvoidassembly cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

A single universal output shaft design with two receiving elements can serve multiple mounting positions, reducing the need to manufacture and stock multiple different output shaft variants. This universality lowers manufacturing costs and assembly complexity while maintaining full adaptability for different mounting positions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of discarding the entire output shaft when changing mounting positions, only the adapter element needs to be replaced. The main shaft body and its receiving elements are recovered and reused, significantly reducing material waste and manufacturing costs while maintaining mounting position flexibility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

Data Source

PatentEP2933409B1Drive shaft for a door actuator, door actuator and method for changing a possible installation position of a door actuator

Publication Date: 2017.07.12 DORMAKABA DEUT GMBH

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Figure 2a~2b

AI summary

The present invention relates to an output shaft (10) for a door actuator (120), a door actuator (120) and a method for changing a possible installation position of the door actuator (120). The output shaft (10) includes an output tray (20) comprising a first (24) and a second front (26) which are opposite about a rotation axis (11) of the output shaft (10). The output shaft (10) effectively connects with a lever arm (121) of the door actuator (120), and the output tray (20) effectively connects with a dashpot and/or a drive of the door actuator (120). The door actuator (120) includes the output shaft (10), the lever arm (121), and the dashpot and/or the drive, wherein the lever arm (121) effectively connects with the output shaft (10) and the output shaft (10) effectively connects with the dashpot and/or the drive.