Sectional Door Sensor Guided by Rolling Elements
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sectional door sensor systems are prone to damage and have blind spots due to fixed attachments, making them unstable and ineffective in monitoring the entire area below the door, especially during high-speed operations.
Innovation Solution
A mobile, non-contact sensory device is mounted between the running rail and the sectional element edge using rolling elements, allowing for vertical displacement and a quasi-floating arrangement that maintains a constant distance from the floor seal, enabling comprehensive monitoring of the door's movement path without being attached to the door leaf.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sensors are attached to the door leaf or sections, then the sensor can move with the door, but an area remains between the sensor and the guide that is not monitored and the arrangement is prone to damage
Solution Approach 1:
A holder element is introduced as an intermediary component between the running rail and the sensor. This holder is guided in the running rail and carries the sensor, positioning it optimally to monitor the entire area below the door including the previously blind spot. The holder acts as a mediator that decouples the sensor from direct attachment to the door leaf while maintaining synchronized movement.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system is segmented into separate functional components: the holder element that moves in the running rail, the sensor unit itself, and the coupling mechanism. This segmentation allows the sensor to be positioned independently on the holder rather than being fixed to the door leaf, enabling complete area coverage while improving reliability through protected mounting.
2Ease of operation
If sensors are fixed to the door leaf, then the sensor moves with the door, but the management and winding of electrical lines is fraught with problems
Solution Approach 1:
The holder element serves as an intermediary that simplifies electrical line management. Electrical lines can be routed through the holder which moves independently in the running rail, separating the complex wiring from the door leaf structure. This intermediary positioning makes installation easier and electrical line management less problematic.
3Measurement precision
If the sensor is mounted on the door leaf, then it can detect objects in the movement path, but it cannot be retrofitted easily and leaves blind spots
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is divided into modular components: a standalone holder element that can be independently installed in the running rail, and the sensor unit. This modular segmentation enables easy retrofitting without modifying the door leaf structure, while the holder's position in the running rail ensures complete area coverage including previously blind spots.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder element acts as an intermediary mounting structure that facilitates easy retrofitting. It can be installed independently in the running rail without altering the door leaf, making retrofitting straightforward while positioning the sensor to eliminate blind spots and maintain detection accuracy.
4Reliability
If the sensor executes vertical movement with the door, then it maintains detection capability, but it is vulnerable to damage from external influences
Solution Approach 1:
The holder element serves as a protective intermediary that carries the sensor. It is guided in the running rail at a distance from the door leaf, physically protecting the sensor from external influences like forklifts or people while still enabling vertical movement to maintain detection capability. This protected positioning allows higher operational speeds without compromising sensor durability.
5Area of stationary object
If the sensor is positioned close to the door edge, then it monitors the area well, but it is prone to damage and creates wiring problems
Solution Approach 1:
The holder element acts as an intermediary mounting structure that positions the sensor optimally. It is guided in the running rail, maintaining a protective distance from the door leaf while the holder itself follows the door's movement. This intermediary positioning ensures complete area coverage including blind spots while protecting the sensor from damage and simplifying wiring.
Data Source
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AI summary
The door has a contact-less sensor (5) detecting objects or persons in a region of movement path of sectioning elements (1) that are connected together. The sensor includes transceivers (7, 8) that monitor lower lateral edges of the sectioning elements. The sensor is guided in a guide rail (4) by a rolling element (12), includes a retainer (13) that is arranged in an intermediate chamber formed among the guide rail and lateral sectioning element edges, and is controlled by vertical change position of the sectioning elements in the chamber. USE : Sectional door i.e. motor driven sectional door. ADVANTAGE : The door is provided with the contactless sensor for detecting objects or persons in the region of the movement path of the sectioning elements that are connected together, so that electrical wiring of light barriers is protected from damage, and components of the door are protected from damage by external influence. The door can be assembled in a simple manner with improved safety. DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS : The drawing shows a perspective view of a sectional door with a contactless sensor. 1 : Sectioning elements 4 : Guide rail 5 : Contact-less sensor 7, 8 : Transceiver 12 : Rolling element 13 : Retainer.