Sensor-Based Door Closer with Intelligent Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door closing systems do not adequately prevent accidental collisions when people are on the opposite side of a door, leading to potential injuries, especially in high-traffic areas, and fail to control door movement in windy conditions.
Innovation Solution
A door closer control system with a rack and pinion mechanism, parallel shafts, and springs that engage and disengage using solenoids, activated by PIR sensors to detect objects, providing a cushioned stopping force and alerting users through a warning system, while also considering wind speed detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a door closer is used to automatically close doors, then door closing function is improved, but door may hit persons on the opposite side causing injury
Solution Approach 1:
The PIR sensor detects the presence of a person on the opposite side of the door before the door closes, and the solenoid activates in advance to engage the spring mechanism. This preliminary detection and preparation of counter-action prevents the harmful effect of door collision before it occurs.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism is engaged beforehand when a person is detected, creating a cushioning effect that slows down the door closing speed. This prior cushioning preparation ensures that the door closes gently rather than rapidly, preventing injury to persons on the opposite side.
2Speed
If spring engagement is used to slow door motion, then door closing speed is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The solenoid acts as an intermediary component that controls the engagement and disengagement of the spring mechanism. This intermediary device allows the system to switch between fast closing (solenoid retracted, spring disengaged) and slow closing (solenoid extended, spring engaged) modes, providing speed control without requiring a completely complex mechanism.
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 system effectively reduces the risk of door-related injuries by slowing down door motion and alerting users, maintaining ease of installation and maintenance, and adhering to fire codes, while reducing liability and potential damage.
Implementation Method 1
The present invention is equipped with a pair of passive infrared (PIR) sensors to detect the presence and/or absence of an object in an area around or on both sides of the door
Implementation Method 2
The sensors activate the solenoids which are mounted underneath the springs. When the electronic sensors detect a potential for injury, the solenoids will retract allowing the springs to engage with the link
Implementation Method 3
A pair of springs is connected to a link. The springs engage and disengage from the link to allow free motion of the door. As the door opens, the springs engage to the link and extend due to the rotation of the link. The restoring force of the springs will take effect due to the extension in the springs
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a door closer control system that includes a door closer having a rack and pinion mechanism connected to a pair of shafts with different length and a pair of springs. The shorter shaft is attached to the pinion of the door closer and will rotate in conjunction with the pinion as the door opens or closes. The shafts have correspondent gears connected to the shafts. The rotation of the first gear will be meshing with the second gear on the second shaft. Electronic sensors are placed on both sides of the door to detect a presence of an object and are activated by the movement of the solenoids. The movement of the solenoids cause a set of springs in the system to engage and disengage from a link to allow free motion of the door.