Touchless Door Control Using Electromagnetic Detection Curtains
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door-opening systems require physical contact or close proximity to a door, increasing the risk of disease transmission, especially in high-traffic areas.
Innovation Solution
A touchless control system using sensors to detect entry into a detection curtain and actuate doors or devices without physical contact, utilizing EM radiation sensors and actuators to open doors based on sensor inputs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a sensor with limited range is used to detect the operator, then the sensor system is simpler and cheaper, but the operator must move very close to the door which increases the risk of touching the door and spreading diseases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary detection curtain formed by electromagnetic radiation fields that acts as a mediator between the operator and the door. The sensor system detects the operator through this electromagnetic field curtain from a distance, eliminating the need for direct contact or close proximity to the door while maintaining reliable detection capability.
2Ease of operation
If the sensor detection range is extended to allow remote operation, then the operator can stay farther from the door reducing contact risk, but the sensor system becomes more complex and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is designed to perform multiple functions: it generates an electromagnetic radiation field that forms a detection curtain, detects the operator's presence through this field, and provides sufficient detection range for remote operation. This multi-functionality extends the effective detection range without proportionally increasing system complexity.
3Device complexity
If the door opening system requires physical contact or close proximity, then the control system is simpler, but it increases the risk of spreading communicable diseases in high-traffic areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical contact-based door opening system with an electromagnetic field-based detection and control system. The sensor system uses electromagnetic radiation to detect the operator remotely, and the controller automatically actuates the door without requiring physical contact or close proximity, thereby eliminating disease transmission risks while managing control system complexity.
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 contactless door operation, reducing disease transmission risks and enhancing user safety by allowing door actuation from a distance.
Implementation Method 1
A sensor system may generate an electromagnetic (EM) radiation detection curtain
Data Source
AI summary
A control system includes a sensor system that may detect entry of a person into a detection curtain in front of a door, and a controller that may receive a first signal from the sensor system indicating the entry of the person into the detection curtain. The controller may determine a state of the door and generate a second signal responsive to receiving the first signal and while the state of the door indicates that the door can be opened. The control system also may include one or more actuators that may be coupled with the door and to open the door without the person touching the door responsive to receiving the second signal from the controller.