Self-adjusting Door Closer with Sensor Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional door closers require manual adjustment of valve settings to achieve desired closing profiles, which can be cumbersome and often result in suboptimal performance due to temperature changes, wear, and installation variations, leading to inconsistent closing characteristics.
Innovation Solution
A self-powered door closer with a control unit that intelligently adjusts the valve to vary operating characteristics such as closing time and force, using a position sensor, input switches, and control circuitry to set the valve based on user selections and environmental conditions, ensuring optimal performance across different scenarios.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual valve adjustment is used in conventional door closers, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to inability to compensate for temperature changes, wear, and installation variations
Solution Approach 1:
The door closer system performs self-adjustment of valve settings through the control unit that automatically modifies valve positions based on sensor feedback about door angle, temperature, and wear conditions, eliminating the need for manual intervention and maintaining optimal closing performance over time
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that continuously monitor door position, temperature, and operational parameters, feeding this information back to the control unit which then adjusts valve settings in real-time to compensate for environmental changes and wear, ensuring consistent reliability
2Reliability
If multiple valves are used to control force at different door angles, then closing performance is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficulty in adjusting multiple valve settings
Solution Approach 1:
The control unit automatically adjusts all valve positions based on sensor input and pre-programmed closing profiles, eliminating the need for users to manually adjust multiple valves and making the system easy to operate while maintaining accurate closing performance
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical valve adjustment with an electronically controlled valve system that uses motors or actuators to position valves automatically, transitioning from purely mechanical operation to electromechanical control for improved ease of use
3Adaptability or versatility
If fixed valve settings are used, then device complexity is minimized, but adaptability deteriorates due to inability to compensate for temperature changes and wear over time
Solution Approach 1:
Temperature sensors and position sensors provide continuous feedback to the control unit, which adjusts valve settings in response to environmental changes and wear conditions, enabling the system to adapt to varying conditions while maintaining manageable complexity through automated control
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit dynamically changes valve parameters such as opening degree and timing based on sensor data about temperature, door angle, and wear, allowing the system to adapt its closing characteristics to different environmental conditions and operational states
4Reliability
If valve settings are adjusted frequently to maintain optimal performance, then reliability is improved, but loss of time increases due to repeated adjustment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The door closer system continuously self-adjusts valve settings without requiring manual intervention, maintaining optimal closing performance over extended periods and eliminating the time loss associated with frequent manual adjustments while ensuring consistent reliability
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 reliable and precise control over door closing profiles, adapting to temperature changes and wear, ensuring consistent and safe operation without the need for frequent manual adjustments, thus improving user experience and door closer performance.
Implementation Method 1
A generator or a battery holder can be provided to provide electricity to power the controller
Implementation Method 2
The door closer includes a spring and a movable element that loads the spring
Implementation Method 3
A typical door closer may use a piston that moves through a reservoir filled with a hydraulic fluid, such as oil
Data Source
AI summary
A self-adjusting door closer is disclosed. The door closer is self powered and includes a control unit to intelligently control a valve within the door closer to vary the operating characteristics of the door closer as needed. The controller includes a position sensor to determine a position of the door, and at least one input switch to enable user selection of at least one door closer parameter for an installed door closer. The control circuitry is operable to set the valve in response to the user selection of the door closer parameters, and the position of the door, in order to control force exerted by the door closer on the door. A generator can be provided to provide electricity to power the controller and store power to operate the controller.