Sliding Fire Door Electromechanical Constraint Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sliding fire doors face challenges with thermal-fuse-based and electromagnet-based constraint systems, particularly with large doors, where the thermal fuse placement is problematic, and electromagnet-based systems restrict partial opening positions, leading to potential safety issues and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of electromechanical means of constraint carried by the door panel, using a kinematic mechanism with suspension rollers and electromechanical devices that allow partial opening while ensuring automatic closure in case of a fire, by converting rolling friction to sliding friction to counteract counterweight closure forces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If thermal-fuse-based means of constraint are used to enable automatic closure, then the door panel can close automatically from any position, but the thermal fuse placement becomes problematic for large doors and cannot be checked through testing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the thermal-fuse-based mechanical constraint system with an electromechanical constraint system using an electromagnet and armature. This substitution allows for active control of the constraint mechanism, enabling positioning at any angle while maintaining reliable automatic closure. The electromechanical system can be activated remotely via fire detection systems, solving the placement problem by decoupling the constraint mechanism from the door structure itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary electromechanical constraint system that acts between the door panel and the closure mechanism. This intermediary system uses an electromagnet-armature interaction to provide controllable constraint, allowing the door to be held at any position while ensuring reliable automatic closure when activated. The intermediary system also enables remote activation through fire detection systems, solving the placement and testing problems of direct thermal fuse systems.
2Stability of the object's composition
If electromagnet-based means of constraint are used to hold the door at maximum opening, then the door can be held securely, but the door cannot be positioned at partial opening angles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the constraint mechanism controllable and adjustable. The electromechanical constraint system can be activated or deactivated based on operational requirements, allowing the door to be held at various positions. The system transitions from a static maximum-opening constraint to a dynamic constraint that can accommodate any angular position, providing both stability when constrained and flexibility when released.
Solution Approach 2:
The electromechanical constraint system serves multiple functions: it can hold the door at maximum opening, at partial opening angles, or allow free movement. The same electromagnet-armature mechanism provides secure constraint when activated and permits freedom of movement when deactivated, enabling the door system to adapt to various operational scenarios including fire safety requirements and normal ventilation needs.
3Ease of manufacture
If the thermal fuse is positioned at the end of the door farthest from the doorstop, then the door structure is simplified, but fire can propagate through the open door before the fuse melts
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the passive thermal fuse system with an active electromechanical constraint system that can be remotely activated by fire detection systems. This substitution eliminates the need for the constraint mechanism to be positioned close to the fire source, as activation can occur from any location in the building. The electromechanical system maintains structural simplicity while dramatically improving fire response reliability through remote sensing and actuation capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces fire detection systems and remote actuation mechanisms as intermediaries between the fire event and the door closure action. This intermediary system allows the constraint mechanism to be activated based on fire detection anywhere in the building, not just at the door location. The intermediary communication and control systems decouple the fire response from physical proximity, maintaining manufacturing simplicity while ensuring reliable fire response.
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
Enables partial opening of sliding fire doors while maintaining the ability to automatically close during a fire, improving safety and reducing costs compared to traditional solutions, with the electromechanical means providing reliable operation independent of counterweight connections.
Implementation Method 1
the door panel resting upon it by means of two or more rollers rotationally fixed to the door panel, which transform sliding friction into rolling friction
Implementation Method 2
The alloy that joins the two parts that form the thermal fuse melts when it reaches a certain set temperature, freeing the two parts
Implementation Method 3
electromechanical means of constraint carried by the door panel, using a kinematic mechanism with suspension rollers and electromechanical devices
Implementation Method 4
by converting rolling friction to sliding friction to counteract counterweight closure forces
Data Source
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AI summary
A sliding fire door (50) comprising: a door panel (32) that can move both ways along a guideway (12) horizontal and parallel to the plane of the door panel (32) between a closed position and a maximum opening position, two or more suspension rollers (14) facilitating the movement of the door panel (32) along the guideway (12), stored-energy closure means (11) that move the door panel (32) to the closed position when it is left open and means of constraint (10.1; 10.2) that hold the door panel (32) in an open position if subjected to temperatures below a set value. The means of constraint (10.1; 10.2) are independent of the closure means (11) and comprise: at least one kinematic mechanism (25; 35) cooperating with at least one roller (14) also carried by the door panel (32) and able to roll along a guidesurface (12) following the movement of the door panel (32), the kinematic mechanism (25; 35) being in one of two conditions, a first condition in which rotation of the roller (14) or rollers cooperating with it is only blocked in the direction of rotation corresponding to the closing movement of the door panel (32), thereby generating sliding friction between this roller (14) or these rollers and the respective guidesurface (12) that is able to overcome the action exerted on the door panel (32) by the closure means (11) and a second condition in which the said roller (14) or said rollers are free to rotate in both directions, and electromagnetic means (31; 51) that, when electrically powered, act on the kinematic mechanism (25; 35) to keep it in its first condition, whilst when the power supply is interrupted, in particular following detection of a fire, their action on the kinematic mechanism (25; 35) ceases, the latter consequently finding itself in its second condition, so that the door closes under the action of the closure means (11).