Universal Sensing Edge With Adjustable T-Shaped Mounting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sensing edges require multiple manufacturing geometries to match different automatic door geometries, increasing manufacturing and inventory costs for both sensing edge and door manufacturers, and complicating inventory tracking for consumers.
Innovation Solution
A universal sensing edge with a compressible elongated sheath and adjustable T-shaped securing members that can be attached to various door geometries using a removable mounting strip, allowing for flexible installation on structures with different leading edge configurations, such as mounting slots, central channels, or edge channels.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional sensing edges are manufactured with multiple different geometries to match different door geometries, then the sensing edge can be attached to various door types, but the manufacturing costs and inventory costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensing edge is designed with a universal mounting mechanism that can accommodate multiple door geometries (vertical leading edges, horizontal leading edges, and angled leading edges) through a single standardized interface. The mounting bracket includes adjustable components that can be configured to match different door configurations, eliminating the need for multiple specialized sensing edge variants and reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining versatility.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional sensing edges are manufactured with multiple different geometries to match different door geometries, then the sensing edge can be attached to various door types, but the inventory tracking becomes more burdensome
Solution Approach 1:
By standardizing the mounting interface across all sensing edges, the system reduces inventory complexity from managing multiple geometry-specific variants to managing a single universal product line. The universal mounting bracket can be configured for different door types through adjustment rather than through different physical models, significantly simplifying inventory tracking and management.
3Ease of manufacture
If a single sensing edge geometry is used for all door types, then manufacturing and inventory costs are reduced, but the sensing edge cannot be attached to doors with different geometries
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting bracket incorporates dynamic adjustment capabilities, allowing installers to reconfigure the bracket's orientation and position to match different door geometries. The bracket can be rotated, angled, and positioned to accommodate vertical, horizontal, and angled leading edges, enabling a single sensing edge design to adapt to multiple installation scenarios without requiring multiple specialized designs.
4Adaptability or versatility
If multiple types of mounting geometries are used for different door types, then each door type can have a customized fit, but the installation process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The universal mounting bracket provides a standardized base installation procedure that can be adapted to different door geometries through simple reconfiguration steps. Installers follow the same general mounting process but adjust the bracket's orientation and positioning to match the specific door type, reducing installation complexity compared to learning and executing different installation procedures for each door geometry.
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 a single sensing edge solution that can be easily installed on various door geometries, reducing manufacturing and inventory costs, simplifying installation, and improving inventory management by providing a versatile solution that adapts to different door configurations.
Implementation Method 1
The elongated sheath is compressible upon application of an external force thereto
Implementation Method 2
A sensor is located within the cavity for sensing a force applied to the sheath
Data Source
AI summary
A universally mountable sensing edge comprises an elongated sheath defining a compressible cavity with a force sensor located therein. A center securing member extends upwardly from the top wall of the sheath, has a T-shaped base portion and a removable mounting strip extending from the base portion. At least one T-shaped edge securing member extends upwardly from the top wall of the sheath at least a distance generally equivalent to the distance that the upward extension of the T-shaped base portion of the center securing member extends from the top wall of the sheath. The at least one T-shaped edge securing member is disposed proximate to at least one of the front and rear sidewalls of the sheath. The universal sensing edge is attachable to a structure compatible with the mounting strip, the base portion of the center securing member, or the T-shaped edge securing member.