Springless Door Operator with Sensor-Based Force Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional door operators require multiple tradesmen for installation and feature a return spring that increases closing pressure, compromising aesthetic appeal and posing safety risks for handicapped or elderly individuals, while also necessitating a large motor and spring housing.

Innovation Solution

A springless door operator assembly with a motor-driven arm, current and position sensors, and a controller that maintains lower operational forces (1-2 pounds) and conceals the door operator within the door, reducing the number of required tradesmen and enhancing safety.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Force

If a return spring is used to provide latching pressure, then the door operator can maintain closing pressure, but the closing pressure increases to approximately 20 pounds which poses safety risks and compromises aesthetic appeal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveclosing pressureVSAvoidsafety risk and aesthetic compromise

Core Design Contradiction:

ForceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the return spring from the door operator assembly, extracting the harmful element that caused excessive closing pressure. The motor is redesigned to generate sufficient force without requiring a return spring, thereby eliminating the safety risks and aesthetic compromises associated with high closing pressure and visible spring mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical return spring system with an electronically-controlled motor system. The motor controller adjusts current delivery to maintain appropriate closing pressure (1-2 pounds) without the need for a return spring, substituting a mechanical pressure-regulation system with an electronic control system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Power

If a large motor is used to overcome spring pressure, then the door operator can function, but the housing size increases to approximately 6×6×36 inches which reduces aesthetic appeal

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemotor powerVSAvoidhousing volume

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the operational parameters of the motor by eliminating the return spring constraint. This allows the use of a smaller motor with reduced power requirements (1-2 pounds of closing pressure) compared to conventional motors that must overcome significant spring pressure. The reduced motor size enables a more compact housing that maintains aesthetic appeal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of manufacture

If conventional door operators are used, then multiple tradesmen are required for installation, but the installation cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinstallation easeVSAvoidnumber of tradesmen

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs the door operator as a self-contained unit with integrated motor, controller, and mounting mechanisms. This universal design allows a single tradesperson to perform all installation tasks including mounting the operator, connecting wiring, and adjusting operations, eliminating the need for multiple specialized tradesmen and reducing installation complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 reduces installation costs, improves aesthetic appeal by hiding the door operator, and ensures safer operation by maintaining lower closing pressures, making it easier to control and install while ensuring safety for all users.

Implementation Method 1

The door operator includes a motor moving the arm to move the door between a closed position and an open position and between the open position and the closed position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

A current sensor generates a current signal corresponding to the current to the motor

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical current sensing: Ohmmeter

Implementation Method 3

A position sensor in communication with the door arm generates a position signal corresponding to the position of the door relative to the frame

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPosition sensing:

Data Source

PatentUS8844200B2Electrical door operator

Publication Date: 2014.09.30 GLOBE MOTORS INC

AI summary

A door operator for use with a door includes an arm that extends from the door operator. The door operator includes a motor moving the arm to move the door between a closed position and an open position and between the open position and the closed position. A current sensor generates a current signal corresponding to the current to the motor. A position sensor in communication with the door arm generates a position signal corresponding to the position of the door relative to the frame. A controller communicates with the sensor and the motor. The controller controls a motor current to the motor in response to the current signal and the position signal.