Sectional Door Lighting System with Track Contactors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Sectional doors obstruct light from ceiling fixtures when in the open horizontal overhead position, leading to inadequate illumination in areas such as garages and commercial buildings.
Innovation Solution
A lighting system integrated into the inside surface of sectional doors, utilizing a longitudinal string of low-voltage LED lights connected to each panel, with a movable and fixed electric contactor system that energizes the lights when the door opens, ensuring illumination of the underside of the door.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the sectional door is opened to the horizontal overhead position, then the door provides the intended opening function, but it blocks light from ceiling light fixtures
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system extracts the light source from the ceiling fixtures and relocates it to the door panels themselves. By mounting LED light strips directly on the inside surface of each door panel, the system ensures that light is provided by the door structure rather than blocked by it, resolving the contradiction between door operation and illumination.
Solution Approach 2:
The contactor system acts as an intermediary mechanism that automatically activates the lighting system when the door is opened. The movable contactor mounted on the door engages with the fixed contactor on the track to complete the electrical circuit, providing automatic lighting control without manual intervention.
2Illumination intensity
If a lighting system is added to illuminate the garage area, then illumination intensity improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lighting system is designed to be self-activating through the contactor mechanism. When the door is opened, the movable contactor automatically engages with the fixed contactor to complete the circuit and turn on the lights. The system serves itself by using the door's own movement to activate the lighting, eliminating the need for separate switches or complex control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses inexpensive LED light strips that can be easily replaced if needed. The LEDs are mounted directly to the door panels using simple adhesive or mounting clips, avoiding complex wiring and installation requirements. This approach prioritizes simplicity and ease of replacement over long-term durability.
3Reliability
If the contactors are positioned to align when the door is open, then the electrical circuit engages properly, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The contactor system is designed to accommodate dynamic movement and positioning variations. The movable contactor is mounted on the door panel where it naturally follows the door's movement, and the fixed contactor is positioned on the track to meet it during door operation. This dynamic arrangement compensates for manufacturing tolerances and ensures reliable engagement without requiring extremely precise static alignment.
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 high-intensity lighting, enhancing visibility and security by preventing light obstruction, and can be retrofitted or included as original equipment in various structures like garages, warehouses, and vehicles.
Implementation Method 1
The lighting system utilizes a longitudinal string of low voltage LED lights
Data Source
AI summary
A lighting system attaches to a sectional door. The sectional door has a plurality of hinge-connected panels which roll along left and right tracks which are connected to a structure. Each panel has an inside surface. The sectional door is positionable to a closed position and to an open position. The lighting system includes a light which connects to the inside surface of a panel of the sectional door. A movable electric contactor connects to a panel of the sectional door, and a fixed electric contactor connects to the structure. A holder carries the fixed contactor, the holder is shaped and dimensioned to removably connect to either the left track or to the right track. In the open position of the sectional door the movable electric contactor is configured to contact the fixed electric contactor and energize the light.