Revolving Door Turnstile Positioning via Direct Drive

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing revolving door systems face challenges in precise control and positioning of the turnstile due to mechanical play between the drive and the turnstile, limiting the ability to set intermediate rotational speeds and achieving high positioning accuracy.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing an electronically commutated multi-pole motor with a gearless drive, an evaluation unit, and position sensors like Hall sensors to control the rotor and door leaf with pulse-width modulated signals, allowing for direct and precise positioning by determining deviations and adjusting rotational direction and torque accordingly.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a multi-stage gearbox is used in the drive system, then the motor can be decoupled from the turnstile, but mechanical play prevents precise positioning of the turnstile

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedrive system structureVSAvoidturnstile positioning accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the gearbox from the drive system, directly coupling the motor shaft to the turnstile. This extraction of the intermediate mechanical transmission components eliminates the source of mechanical play while maintaining the ability to control the turnstile through direct motor drive.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical gearbox transmission system with an electronically controlled direct drive system. The motor controller electronically regulates motor torque and position, substituting mechanical gear reduction with electronic control to achieve precise positioning without mechanical play.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Speed

If external frequency converters with preset speeds are used, then speed control is possible, but intermediate rotational speeds between preset values cannot be set

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverotational speed controlVSAvoidspeed adjustment range
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic speed control through electronic PWM modulation of the motor drive, allowing continuous adjustment of rotational speed between 0 and maximum operating speed. This replaces the static preset speed levels with a dynamic, continuously adjustable speed control system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the control parameter from discrete preset frequency levels to continuous PWM duty cycle adjustment. This allows the motor speed to be varied continuously by changing the electrical signal parameters, enabling precise control of intermediate speeds that were previously unavailable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Loss of time

If the turnstile is positioned quickly to the target holding position, then positioning time is reduced, but wear and energy consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepositioning timeVSAvoidenergy consumption and wear
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs periodic PWM switching to control motor torque during positioning. By applying electrical power in controlled pulses rather than continuous full power, the system achieves rapid positioning while reducing average energy consumption and mechanical stress on the drive components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial power through PWM modulation during the positioning process. Instead of applying full motor power continuously, the controller applies just enough torque at each moment to achieve the desired motion, reducing unnecessary energy consumption and wear while maintaining quick positioning response.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

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 quick and precise positioning of the turnstile at desired stopping positions, reducing wear and energy consumption, and allowing for continuous drive torques and speeds, thereby improving noise and thermal insulation.

Implementation Method 1

an electric drive, which is designed, for example, as an electronically commutated multipole motor with a stator comprising a stator lamination stack and several coils, and a rotor comprising a rotor lamination stack and several permanent magnets

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic induction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

position sensors like Hall sensors

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectHall effect: Hall Effect

Data Source

PatentEP3330477B1Carousel door arrangement and method for positioning a turnstile of a carousel door arrangement
Publication Date: 2020.03.25 DORMAKABA DEUT GMBH
  • EP3330477B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3330477B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3330477B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A revolving door arrangement (1) and a method for positioning a turnstile (2) of a revolving door arrangement (1) are proposed. The revolving door arrangement (1) comprises a turnstile (2), an evaluation unit (9), and an electric drive (8) with a stator (10) and a rotor (17). The method includes the following steps: - Determining a target holding position of the door leaf (3), - Controlling the stator with a first electrical signal, by means of which the door leaf comes to a standstill at the target holding position, - Determining a deviation of the current position of the door leaf (3) from the target holding position, and - Controlling the stator with a second electrical signal, by means of which the door leaf (3) returns to the target holding position.