Regenerative Automatic Door OpenerFor Improved Workplace Safety

Mark Bernacki, Ben Fagan, Mike MacLeod, Matt Van Wieringen

Methods / ApproachTo develop a solution to the workplace problem presented above we have followed a standard engineering design process.

1. Define the problem2. Brainstorm Potential Solutions3. Evaluate Selected Solutions4. Refine best concept through mathematical modelling/analysis5. Develop Prototype6. Testing/Refinement

By way of this method we were able to develop a fully functional prototype that produced results in support of our initial analysis.

Research Question / Workplace Problem To develop a means for harnessing and subsequently storing the mechanical energy generated by a person opening and closing a door so that the energy can later used by a person wishing to open the door automatically. The goal is to eliminate the electrical connection between a standard automatic door opening device and the electrical distribution system in order to conserve energy and improve safety in the event of a power outage or fire, which would otherwise render the power assisted opening of the door unuseable, trapping people relying on this technology inside.

Key MessagesThere is an inherent need to improve the safety and energy consumption of private and public buildings. To do so new methods for conserving and storing otherwise wasted energy must be developed. Be capturing some of the energy required to open and close a door manually in the form of a compressed gas we can effectively cut all ties to the existing electrical system and simplify the automatic door opener by removing costly electrical components. In doing so we can provide safe, reliable access into and out of buildings even in the event of a power failure or fire, which cuts the electrical power to the building. The device is also useful in spark-less and other hazardous environments that cannot run the risk of using potentially dangerous electrical components.

Diagram / Graphs / Pictures

Findings / EvaluationThrough extensive testing of our prototype we found that our device was capable of storing enough energy to prove reliable and safe in a variety of settings such as: shopping malls, hotels, other large buildings. It was efficient in its ability to convert store and reuse the mechanical energy from manual door openings and requires no electrical components or connections.

We also were able to determine a series of improvements for the device which are in the process of being implemented in a second prototype with the hopes of it being ready for market in the near future.

Conclusions

In conclusion we have created a device that offers the same features and functions as a standard electrical automatic door opener such as:

•Timed Automatic Opening

•Dampened Closing

•2-Remote Opening Buttons

Our device then goes beyond the capabilities of a standard electrical automatic door opener by offering:

•Quiet Regenerative Pneumatic Technology

•4:1 Recharge Ratio

•100% Green Energy

•No electrical components

•Improved safety in power outage/fire

AudienceElderly, handicapped, landlords/building owners

Funded By: Dr. Remon Pop-Iliev, NSERC GMCL Chair

Figure 1 Regenerative Automatic Door Opener