U.S. patent application number 16/822600 was filed with the patent office on 2022-03-03 for door closer diagnostics system.
The applicant listed for this patent is Schlage Lock Company LLC. Invention is credited to Joseph W. Baumgarte, Jonathan Coyle, Brian C. Eickhoff, Christopher Eubel.
Application Number | 20220065719 16/822600 |
Document ID | / |
Family ID | 1000006150080 |
Filed Date | 2022-03-03 |
United States Patent
Application |
20220065719 |
Kind Code |
A9 |
Eickhoff; Brian C. ; et
al. |
March 3, 2022 |
DOOR CLOSER DIAGNOSTICS SYSTEM
Abstract
A method and apparatus relating to generating, by at least one
motion sensor of a data acquisition device that is mounted to a
door having a door closer, motion data indicative of motion as the
door is moved from an open position to a closed position,
generating, by at least one load cell of the data acquisition
device, load data as the door is being opened, analyzing the motion
data and load data by a central processing device, determining at
least one adjustment to the door closer based on at least one of a
duration the door was in each of a plurality of door movement
zones, as determined using the motion data, and a force applied to
open the door, as determined using the load data, and displaying at
least one installation instruction corresponding with the at least
one adjustment on a graphical user interface of the central
processing device.
Inventors: |
Eickhoff; Brian C.;
(Danville, IN) ; Baumgarte; Joseph W.; (Carmel,
IN) ; Eubel; Christopher; (Dayton, OH) ;
Coyle; Jonathan; (Dublin, OH) |
|
Applicant: |
Name |
City |
State |
Country |
Type |
Schlage Lock Company LLC |
Carmel |
IN |
US |
|
|
Prior
Publication: |
|
Document Identifier |
Publication Date |
|
US 20210293637 A1 |
September 23, 2021 |
|
|
Family ID: |
1000006150080 |
Appl. No.: |
16/822600 |
Filed: |
March 18, 2020 |
Related U.S. Patent Documents
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Application
Number |
Filing Date |
Patent Number |
|
|
62821011 |
Mar 20, 2019 |
|
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|
Current U.S.
Class: |
1/1 |
Current CPC
Class: |
G01L 5/00 20130101; E05F
1/10 20130101; E05Y 2900/132 20130101 |
International
Class: |
G01L 5/00 20060101
G01L005/00; E05F 1/10 20060101 E05F001/10 |
Claims
1. A method, comprising: generating, by at least one sensor of a
data acquisition device, motion data indicative of motion of a door
having a door closer as the door is moved between an open position
and a closed position; transmitting the motion data from the data
acquisition device to a central processing device having a
graphical user interface separate from the data acquisition device;
analyzing the motion data to determine a duration the door was in
each of a plurality of door movement zones between the open
position and the closed position; determining at least one
adjustment to the door closer for a successful installation of the
door closer based on the duration the door was in each of the
plurality of door movement zones; and displaying at least one
installation instruction corresponding with the at least one
adjustment on the graphical user interface of the central
processing device.
2. The method of claim 1, further including: generating, by at
least one load cell or load transducer of the data acquisition
device, inputted mechanical force data indicative of a force used
to open the door from the closed position; transmitting the
inputted mechanical force data to the central processing device;
analyzing the inputted mechanical force data to determine if the
force used to open the door satisfies a predetermined criteria;
determining, if the force used to open the door does not satisfy
the predetermined criteria, at least one force adjustment to the
door closer to adjust the force needed to open the door; and
displaying at least one force adjustment installation instruction
corresponding with the at least one force adjustment on the
graphical user interface of the central processing device.
3. The method of claim 1, wherein the data acquisition device is
coupled to the door.
4. The method of claim 1, wherein analyzing the motion data
comprises (i) transmitting the motion data from the central
processing device to a server and (ii) analyzing the motion data by
the server to determine the duration the door was in each of the
plurality of door movement zones; and wherein determining the at
least one adjustment to the door closer comprises determining the
at least one adjustment by the server.
5. The method of claim 1, further comprising displaying, on the
graphical user interface of the central processing device, a
notification indicative of a successful installation of the door
closer in response to a determination that no adjustments to the
door closer are necessary for a successful installation of the door
closer.
6. The method of claim 1, wherein determining the at least one
adjustment comprises determining an adjustment to a main valve of
the door closer.
7. The method of claim 1, wherein determining the at least one
adjustment comprises determining an adjustment to a latch valve of
the door closer.
8. The method of claim 1, wherein determining the at least one
adjustment comprises determining an adjustment to a spring of the
door closer.
9. The method of claim 1, wherein the plurality of door movement
zones comprises a main zone and a latch zone; wherein determining
the at least one adjustment to the door closer comprises
determining to loosen a main valve of the door closer in response
to determining the duration the door was in the main zone is
greater than a first threshold time; and wherein determining the at
least one adjustment to the door closer comprises determining to
tighten the main valve in response to determining the duration the
door was in the main zone is less than a second threshold time,
wherein the first threshold time is greater than the second
threshold time.
10. The method of claim 9, wherein determining the at least one
adjustment to the door closer comprises determining to loosen a
latch valve of the door closer in response to determining the
duration the door was in the latch zone is greater than a third
threshold time; and wherein determining the at least one adjustment
to the door closer comprises determining to tighten the latch valve
in response to determining the duration the door was in the latch
zone is less than a fourth threshold time, and wherein each of the
third threshold time and the fourth threshold time is based on the
duration the door was in the main zone.
11. The method of claim 10, wherein each of the third threshold
time and the fourth threshold time is proportional to the duration
the door was in the main zone.
12. The method of claim 9, wherein determining the at least one
adjustment to the door closer comprises determining to at least one
of loosen the main valve or tighten a spring of the door closer in
response to determining the door does not move from the open
position to the closed position in less than a fifth threshold
time, and wherein the fifth threshold time is greater than the
first threshold time.
13. The method of claim 1, wherein determining the at least one
adjustment to the door closer comprises determining the at least
one adjustment to the door closer based on at least one
user-selected installation setting for the door closer.
14. A door closer diagnostics system, comprising: a door closer
secured to a door; a central processing device; and a data
acquisition device comprising at least one motion sensor and at
least one load cell, and wherein the data acquisition device is
configured to (i) be mounted to the door, (ii) generate, by the at
least one motion sensor, motion data indicative of motion of the
door as the door is moved between an open position and a closed
position, (iii) generate, by the at least one load cell, load data
indicative of a force used to open the door from the closed
position, and (iv) transmit the motion data and the load data to
the central processing device; wherein the central processing
device is configured to analyze the motion data to (i) determine a
duration the door was in each of a plurality of door movement zones
between the open position and the closed position, (ii) determine
at least one adjustment to the door closer based on the duration
the door was in each of the plurality of door movement zones, and
(iii) provide at least a first installation instruction
corresponding with the at least one adjustment; wherein the central
processing device if further configured to analyze the load data to
(i) determine the force used to open the door from the closed
position, (ii) determine if the force used to open the door
satisfies a predetermined criteria, (iii) determine, if the force
used to open the door did not satisfy the predetermined criteria,
at least one force adjustment to the door closer for adjusting the
force required to open the door, and (iv) provide at least a second
installation instruction corresponding with the at least one force
adjustment; and wherein the central processing device is further
configured to display the first installation instruction and the
second installation instruction on a graphical user interface of
the central processing device.
15. The door closer diagnostics system of claim 14, wherein the at
least one motion sensor comprises a gyrometer, and wherein the at
least one load cell comprises a load cell or a load transducer.
16. The door closer diagnostics system of claim 14, wherein the
data acquisition device includes a mount structured to mount the
data acquisition device to at least one of the door or the door
closer.
17. The door closer diagnostics system of claim 14, wherein the
data acquisition device includes a mount configured to directly
attach the data acquisition device to the door.
18. The door closer diagnostics system of claim 14, wherein the
door closer comprises a main valve, a latch valve, and a spring
adjustment screw; and wherein the at least one adjustment comprises
an adjustment to at least one of the main valve, the latch valve,
or the spring adjustment screw.
19. A method, comprising: mounting a data acquisition device to a
door having a door closer; launching an application on a central
processing device to record (1) motion data indicative of motion of
the door generated by at least one sensor of the data acquisition
device, and (2) load data indicative of a inputted mechanical force
applied to open the door generated by at least one load cell of the
data acquisition device; opening the door to an open position;
releasing the door from the open position; and adjusting the door
closer based on at least one installation instruction provided by
the application in response to an analysis of at least one of (1)
the motion data generated as the door moved from the open position
to a closed position, and (2) the load data generated as the door
was being opened.
20. The method of claim 19, wherein adjusting the door closer
comprises adjusting at least one of a main valve of the door
closer, a latch valve of the door closer, or a spring of the door
closer.
21. The method of claim 1, wherein the central processing device is
located remote from the data acquisition device.
22. The method of claim 1, wherein the data acquisition device is
mounted for movement with the door, and wherein the central
processing device is not mounted for movement with the door.
23. The method of claim 1, wherein the motion data is transmitted
wirelessly from the data acquisition device to the central
processing device.
24. The method of claim 1, further comprising: generating, by at
least one load cell or load transducer of the data acquisition
device, mechanical force data associated with movement of the door;
transmitting the mechanical force data to the central processing
device; analyzing the mechanical force data; determining at least
one force adjustment to the door closer; and displaying at least
one force adjustment installation instruction corresponding with
the at least one force adjustment on the graphical user interface
of the central processing device.
Description
BACKGROUND
[0001] Installation of hydraulic door closers is typically a manual
process that can result in a sub-optimal setup. In general, door
closers are adjusted to ensure the door closes as desired and the
operation complies with any relevant requirements (e.g., American
Disabilities Act (ADA) requirements, building management or
architect requirements, etc.). However, proper adjustment of a door
closer can be a daunting task, particularly for untrained
installers. The door closer may include multiple adjustment points
that have similar behaviors (e.g., increasing/decreasing the speed
of the door), as well as a variety of different mounting positions
for the closer, which can complicate making the proper adjustments.
Further, a contractor will oftentimes install the door closer and,
if the door opens and shuts, move on to the next job. In such
cases, adjustment of the door closer is typically left for a
maintenance person, who may rely on trial and error (e.g., through
many iterations of adjustment) and/or years of experience to
fine-tune the operation of the door closer. However, a maintenance
person often relies on that person's own subjective determination
as to whether the door closer has been properly adjusted, and is
typically without the ability to verify that the door closer has
been adjusted to operate in a manner that complies with the
relevant requirements, such as, for example ADA requirements. Thus,
even after adjustment, the door closer operation may still be
sub-optimal.
SUMMARY
[0002] According to one aspect, a method may include generating, by
at least one sensor of a data acquisition device, motion data
indicative of motion of a door having a door closer as the door is
moved between an open position and a closed position, transmitting
the motion data from the data acquisition device to a central
processing device, analyzing the motion data to determine a
duration the door was in each of a plurality of door movement zones
between the open position and the closed position, determining at
least one adjustment to the door closer for a successful
installation of the door closer based on the duration the door was
in each of the plurality of door movement zones, and displaying at
least one installation instruction corresponding with the at least
one adjustment on a graphical user interface of a central
processing device.
[0003] In some embodiments, the data acquisition device is coupled
to the door. In some embodiments, analyzing the motion data may
include transmitting the motion data from the central processing
device to a server, analyzing the motion data by the server to
determine the duration the door was in each of the plurality of
door movement zones, and determining the at least one adjustment to
the door closer may include determining the at least one adjustment
by the server.
[0004] In some embodiments, the method may further include
displaying, on the graphical user interface of the central
processing device, a notification indicative of a successful
installation of the door closer in response to a determination that
no adjustments to the door closer are necessary for a successful
installation of the door closer. In some embodiments, determining
the at least one adjustment may include determining an adjustment
to a main valve of the door closer, determining an adjustment to a
latch valve of the door closer, and/or determining an adjustment to
a spring of the door closer.
[0005] In some embodiments, the plurality of door movement zones
may include a main zone and a latch zone, determining the at least
one adjustment to the door closer may include determining to loosen
a main valve of the door closer in response to determining the
duration the door was in the main zone is greater than a first
threshold time, and determining the at least one adjustment to the
door closer may include determining to tighten the main valve in
response to determining the duration the door was in the main zone
is less than a second threshold time, wherein the first threshold
time is greater than the second threshold time. Further, in some
embodiments, determining the at least one adjustment to the door
closer may include determining to loosen a latch valve of the door
closer in response to determining the duration the door was in the
latch zone is greater than a third threshold time, and determining
the at least one adjustment to the door closer may include
determining to tighten the latch valve in response to determining
the duration the door was in the latch zone is less than a fourth
threshold time, wherein each of the third threshold time and the
fourth threshold time is based on the duration the door was in the
main zone. Further, each of the third threshold time and the fourth
threshold time may be proportional to the duration the door was in
the main zone.
[0006] In some embodiments, determining the at least one adjustment
to the door closer may include determining to at least one of
loosen the main valve or tighten a spring of the door closer in
response to determining the door does not move from the open
position to the closed position in less than a fifth threshold
time, wherein the fifth threshold time is greater than the first
threshold time. In some embodiments, determining the at least one
adjustment to the door closer may include determining the at least
one adjustment to the door closer based on at least one
user-selected installation setting for the door closer.
[0007] According to another aspect, a door closer diagnostics
system may include a door closer secured to a door, a data
processing device, and a central processing device. The central
processing device may include a display, while the data acquisition
device can include at least one motion sensor and at least one load
cell and be configured to be mounted to the door, and may be
configured to generate, by the at least one motion sensor, motion
data indicative of motion of the door as the door is moved between
an open position and a closed position, generate, by the at least
one load cell, load data indicative of a force used to open the
door from the closed position, and transmit the motion data and the
load data to the central processing device. The central processing
device can be configured to analyze the motion data to determine a
duration the door was in each of a plurality of door movement zones
between the open position and the closed position, determine at
least one adjustment to the door closer based on the duration the
door was in each of the plurality of door movement zones, and
transmit at least one installation instruction corresponding with
the at least one adjustment to the central processing device. The
central processing device can be configured to analyze the load
data to (i) determine the force used to open the door, (ii)
determine if the force used to open the door satisfies a
predetermined criteria, (iii) determine, if the force used to open
the door did not satisfy the predetermined criteria, at least one
force adjustment to the door closer for adjusting the force
required to open the door, and (iv) transmit at least a second
installation instruction corresponding with the at least one force
adjustment to the central processing device. The central processing
device can be further configured to display the at least one
installation instruction on a graphical user interface of the
central processing device.
[0008] In some embodiments, the at least one motion sensor
comprises a gyrometer, and the at least one load cell comprises a
load cell or a load transducer. In some embodiments, the data
acquisition device includes a mount structured to mount the data
acquisition device to at least one of the door closer or the door,
including, for example, via a direct attachment of the data
acquisition device to the door. In some embodiments, the door
closer may include a main valve, a latch valve, and a spring
adjustment screw, and the at least one adjustment may include an
adjustment to at least one of the main valve, the latch valve, or
the spring adjustment screw.
[0009] According to yet another embodiment, a method may include
mounting a data acquisition device to a door having a door closer,
launching an application on a central processing device to record
(1) motion data indicative of motion of the door generated by at
least one sensor of the data acquisition device, and (2) load data
indicative of a inputted mechanical force applied to open the door
generated by at least one load cell of the data acquisition device,
opening the door to an open position, releasing the door from the
open position, and adjusting the door closer based on at least one
installation instruction provided by the application in response to
an analysis of at least one of (1) the motion data generated as the
door moved from the open position to a closed position, and (2) the
load data generated as the door was being opened.
[0010] Further embodiments, forms, features, and aspects of the
present application shall become apparent from the description and
figures provided herewith.
BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS
[0011] The concepts described herein are illustrative by way of
example and not by way of limitation in the accompanying figures.
For simplicity and clarity of illustration, elements illustrated in
the figures are not necessarily drawn to scale. Where considered
appropriate, references labels have been repeated among the figures
to indicate corresponding or analogous elements.
[0012] FIG. 1A is a simplified block diagram of at least one
embodiment of a door closer diagnostics system.
[0013] FIGS. 1B, 1C, and 1D illustrate front, side, and back views,
respectively, of an exemplary embodiment of a data acquisition
device.
[0014] FIG. 2 is a simplified block diagram of at least one
embodiment of a computing system.
[0015] FIG. 3 is a simplified flow diagram of at least one
embodiment of a method for installing a door closer using the door
closer diagnostics system of FIG. 1A.
[0016] FIG. 4 is a simplified flow diagram of at least one
embodiment of a method for adjusting a door closer using the door
closer diagnostics system of FIG. 1A.
[0017] FIGS. 5-6 are a simplified flow diagram of at least one
embodiment of a method for adjusting a door closer using the door
closer diagnostics system of FIG. 1A.
[0018] FIGS. 7-11 illustrate screen captures of at least one
embodiment of a graphical user interface of a central processing
device of FIG. 1A.
[0019] FIG. 12 is a graph illustrating at least one embodiment of
motion data generated by a sensor of the door closer diagnostics
system.
[0020] FIG. 13 is a perspective illustration of a door closer that
may be utilized in connection with certain embodiments.
DETAILED DESCRIPTION
[0021] Although the concepts of the present disclosure are
susceptible to various modifications and alternative forms,
specific embodiments have been shown by way of example in the
drawings and will be described herein in detail. It should be
understood, however, that there is no intent to limit the concepts
of the present disclosure to the particular forms disclosed, but on
the contrary, the intention is to cover all modifications,
equivalents, and alternatives consistent with the present
disclosure and the appended claims.
[0022] References in the specification to "one embodiment," "an
embodiment," "an illustrative embodiment," etc., indicate that the
embodiment described may include a particular feature, structure,
or characteristic, but every embodiment may or may not necessarily
include that particular feature, structure, or characteristic.
Moreover, such phrases are not necessarily referring to the same
embodiment. It should further be appreciated that although
reference to a "preferred" component or feature may indicate the
desirability of a particular component or feature with respect to
an embodiment, the disclosure is not so limiting with respect to
other embodiments, which may omit such a component or feature.
Further, when a particular feature, structure, or characteristic is
described in connection with an embodiment, it is submitted that it
is within the knowledge of one skilled in the art to implement such
feature, structure, or characteristic in connection with other
embodiments whether or not explicitly described. Additionally, it
should be appreciated that items included in a list in the form of
"at least one of A, B, and C" can mean (A); (B); (C); (A and B); (B
and C); (A and C); or (A, B, and C). Similarly, items listed in the
form of "at least one of A, B, or C" can mean (A); (B); (C); (A and
B); (B and C); (A and C); or (A, B, and C). Further, with respect
to the claims, the use of words and phrases such as "a," "an," "at
least one," and/or "at least one portion" should not be interpreted
so as to be limiting to only one such element unless specifically
stated to the contrary, and the use of phrases such as "at least a
portion" and/or "a portion" should be interpreted as encompassing
both embodiments including only a portion of such element and
embodiments including the entirety of such element unless
specifically stated to the contrary.
[0023] The disclosed embodiments may, in some cases, be implemented
in hardware, firmware, software, or a combination thereof. The
disclosed embodiments may also be implemented as instructions
carried by or stored on one or more transitory or non-transitory
machine-readable (e.g., computer-readable) storage media, which may
be read and executed by one or more processors. A machine-readable
storage medium may be embodied as any storage device, mechanism, or
other physical structure for storing or transmitting information in
a form readable by a machine (e.g., a volatile or non-volatile
memory, a media disc, or other media device).
[0024] In the drawings, some structural or method features may be
shown in specific arrangements and/or orderings. However, it should
be appreciated that such specific arrangements and/or orderings may
not be required. Rather, in some embodiments, such features may be
arranged in a different manner and/or order than shown in the
illustrative figures unless indicated to the contrary.
Additionally, the inclusion of a structural or method feature in a
particular figure is not meant to imply that such feature is
required in all embodiments and, in some embodiments, may not be
included or may be combined with other features.
[0025] Referring now to FIG. 1A, in the illustrative embodiment, a
door closer 112 diagnostics system 100 includes a data acquisition
device 101, a central processing device 102, a network 104, a
server 106, a door 108, and a mount 110. In the illustrative
embodiment, the data acquisition device 101 can be secured to the
door 108, a door closer 112 that is mounted to the door 108 and/or
a component thereof (e.g., a lock or exit device), with the mount
110. Alternatively, according to certain embodiments, the data
acquisition device 101 can be held by the service technician
against the door 108, the door closer 112, or another component
secured to the door 108 without the use of a mount 110.
[0026] According to certain embodiments, the mount 110 can be
coupled or secured directly to the data acquisition device 101 such
that the mount 110 and data acquisition device 101 form a single,
unitary component, or, alternatively, is a separate component that
is selectively separable from the data acquisition device 101. For
example, according to certain embodiments, the mount 110 can be
coupled or secured to the data acquisition device 101, such as, for
example, via an adhesive, a mechanical fastener(s), and/or a
mechanical connection, including, but not limited to, a screw(s),
hook and loop material, or snap fit, among others. For example,
according to certain embodiments, the mount 110 is a tape that, on
one side, is attached to the data acquisition device 101, and
which, on an opposing side, provides a re-useable adhesive that is
selectively securable to, and well as detachable from, the door 108
and/or components therefore. Further, according to such an
embodiment, the re-useable adhesive surface of the mount 110 can be
configured to allow the mount 110 to be used for attachment to a
door 108 and/or related components in a plurality of door closer
installations. Alternatively, according to other embodiments, the
mount 110 can be a separate component that is configured for
selective, and removable, engagement with the data acquisition
device 101, such that he mount 110 provides, for example, a holder,
bracket, or support for securing the data acquisition device 101.
Additionally, as discussed below, when the data acquisition device
101 is mounted to the door 108 or related components, movement of
the data acquisition device 101 is indicative of movement of the
door 108.
[0027] As described in detail below, in the illustrative
embodiment, one or more sensors of the data acquisition device 101
generate motion data, which is indicative of motion of the door 108
as the door 108 moves between open and closed positions, including
movement of the door 108 as the door 108 closes from the open
position to the closed position. For example, as shown in FIG. 1A,
the illustrative data acquisition device 101 includes a motion
sensor 114, such as, for example, a gyrometer. At least according
to embodiments in which the motion sensor 114 is a gyrometer, the
motion sensor 114 can be configured to measure the angular velocity
of the data acquisition device 101 and, therefore, the angular
velocity of the door 108, during its movement. The load cell or
load transducer 115 is used to measure the door opening force, and,
moreover, measures the inputted mechanical force needed to open the
door 108, or door opening force. However, the data acquisition
device 101 can have a variety of additional sensors in addition to,
or, alternatively, in lieu of, the one or more of the motion sensor
114 and the load transducer 115, including, for example, a
potentiometer that can be used in connection with determining the
door opening force, an accelerometer or magnetometer, and/or
connect sensors, including, for example, potentiometers or
encoders, that can be connected to a hinge(s) of the door 108
and/or a door closer 112.
[0028] The data acquisition device 101 is also configured to
transmit, as an electrical signal, the motion data derived from use
of the motion sensor 114 and the input force data derived by the
load cell or load transducer 115 to the central processing device
102. A variety of different types of devices can be utilized as the
central processing device 102 and/or the server 106, such as, for
example, a mobile device, including, but not limited to, a desktop
computer, laptop computer, tablet computer, notebook, netbook,
Ultrabook.TM., mobile computing device, cellular phone, smartphone,
wearable computing device, personal digital assistant, Internet of
Things (IoT) device, control panel, processing system, router,
gateway, and/or any other computing, processing, and/or
communication device capable of performing the functions described
herein.
[0029] Additionally, the data acquisition device 101 and the
central processing device 102 can be configured to utilize one or
more communication technologies (e.g., wireless or wired
communications) and associated protocols (e.g., Ethernet,
Bluetooth.RTM., WiMAX, etc.) at least in connection with the
central processing device 102 receiving the signals transmitted by
the data acquisition device 101. Accordingly, the data acquisition
device 101 and the central processing device 102 may include
hardware, software, and/or firmware suitable for performing the
techniques described herein.
[0030] The central processing device 102 can be configured to
analyze the motion data and input force data, among other data,
received by the central processing device 102 from the data
acquisition device 101 to determine whether the door closer 112 has
been successfully installed (e.g., properly adjusted). For example,
with respect to use of motion data transmitted from the data
acquisition device 101 to the central processing device 102, the
central processing device 102 can be configured to determine
whether the door closer 112 has been successfully installed (e.g.,
properly adjusted) based on the duration the door 108 was in each
door movement zone/region between the open position and the closed
position. In particular, in some embodiments, the approximate door
angle may be determined based on the angular velocity data (e.g.,
by integrating the angular velocity of the door 108), and the
duration the door 108 was in each region/zone of the door closing
may be determined, for example, based on the internal time and
sampling rate of the angular velocity.
[0031] Further, with respect to input force data, the load cell or
load transducer 115 can be used to detect information indicative to
the amount of mechanical force needed to open the door 108. The
type of data provided by the load cell or load transducer 115 can
vary based on the type of load cell or load transducer 115
implemented. For example, according to certain embodiments, changes
in electrical resistance can be correlated to loads placed on the
load cell or load transducer 115, which can be translated to a load
placed on the door 108. Further, according to certain embodiments,
the load cell or load transducer 115 can include a retractable
measuring device that can measure spring force at particular
distances from door hinges for various door sizes, including, for
example, 34 inch, 38 inch, 48 inch, 54 inch, and 60 inch doors,
among other door 108 sizes. Based on information provided by the
data acquisition device 101 from the load cell or load transducer
115 to the central processing device 102, the central processing
device 102 can be configured to determine an amount of mechanical
force needed to open the door 108. Based on this determined amount
of mechanical force, the central processing device 102 and/or
server 106, can determine whether the door closer 112 needs to be
adjusted, such as, for example, adjusted in order to comply with
relevant requirements, such as, for example ADA requirements.
[0032] If not successfully installed, the central processing device
102 or server 106 can determine one or more adjustments to the door
closer 112 based on the door movement zone durations and transmit
installation instructions and/or the determined mechanical force
needed to open the door 108. Such adjustments can be communicated
to an individual, such as, for example, an installer or maintenance
personal, in variety of different manners, including, for example,
via use of the central processing device 102. More specifically,
according to certain embodiments, such adjustments can be
communicated via a display on a graphical user interface of the
central processing device 102. In particular, in the illustrative
embodiment, the graphical user interface can display an image of
the door closer 112 and specifically identify the component(s) of
the door closer 112 to adjust and/or an amount of the adjustment.
It should be appreciated that, by providing specific and objective
installation instructions, the number of steps/iterations required
to achieve a proper installation may be significantly reduced.
[0033] In the illustrative embodiment, the central processing
device 102 can communicate with the server 106 over any suitable
network 104. The network 104 may be embodied as any type of
communication network or connection(s) capable of facilitating
communication between the central processing device 102 and remote
devices (e.g., the server 106). As such, the network 104 may
include one or more networks, routers, switches, computers, and/or
other intervening devices. For example, the network 104 may be
embodied as or otherwise include one or more cellular networks,
telecommunication networks, local or wide area networks, publicly
available global networks (e.g., the Internet), ad hoc networks,
short-range communication links, or a combination thereof.
Additionally, such communications can also facilitate
communications via the server 102 and/or the central processing
device 102 to other devices, such as, for example, an automatic or
technician initiated communication of a record to a device of a
building owner, tenant, or supervisor indicating a successful, and
correctly completed, installation/adjustment of the door closer
112.
[0034] In some embodiments, the server 106 may be embodied as a
cloud-based device or collection of devices within a cloud
environment 116. In such embodiments, it should be appreciated that
the server 106 may be embodied as a "serverless" or
server-ambiguous computing solution, for example, that executes a
plurality of instructions on-demand, contains logic to execute
instructions only when prompted by a particular activity/trigger,
and does not consume computing resources when not in use. That is,
the server 106 may be embodied as a virtual computing environment
residing "on" a computing system (e.g., a distributed network of
devices) in which various virtual functions (e.g., Lamba functions,
Azure functions, Google cloud functions, and/or other suitable
virtual functions) may be executed corresponding with the functions
of the server 106 described herein. For example, when an event
occurs, the application may contact the virtual computing
environment (e.g., via an HTTPS request to an API of the virtual
computing environment), whereby the API may route the request to
the correct virtual function (e.g., a particular server-ambiguous
computing resource) based on a set of rules.
[0035] It should be appreciated that each of the data acquisition
device 101, the central processing device 102, and the server 106
may be embodied as a computing device similar to the computing
device 200 described below in reference to FIG. 2. For example, in
the illustrative embodiment, one more, if not each, of the data
acquisition device 101, the central processing device 102 and the
server 106 can include a processing device 202 and a memory 206
having stored thereon operating logic 208 for execution by the
processing device 202 for operation of the corresponding
device.
[0036] The door closer 112 can be embodied as any door closer
suitable for the performance of the functions described herein. In
some embodiments, the door closer 112 can be embodied as an
auto-operator or auto-equalizer device. Although the adjustments to
the door closer 112 are described herein primarily in reference to
a main valve, a latch valve, and a spring, it should be appreciated
that other door closers 112 may include additional and/or
alternative adjustment mechanisms that may be adjusted based on the
techniques described herein. In various embodiments, the door
closer 112 may include, for example, one or more backcheck position
regulating valves, backcheck selector, advanced variable backcheck,
latch speed regulating valves, sweep speed regulating valves,
delayed action closing regulating valves, staked valves, hydraulic
adjustment valves, captured valves, and/or spring power adjustment
mechanisms. Further, in some embodiments, the adjustment mechanisms
may include electrical or electromechanical settings/mechanisms
and/or software/firmware settings related to forces associated with
the door closing.
[0037] An example of a door closer 112 that can be utilized in
connection with certain embodiments of the present application is
illustrated in FIG. 13. According to the illustrated embodiment,
the door closer 112 includes a spring adjustment screw 122 operable
to tighten and loosen the internal spring of the closer 112 to
adjust the closing force provided by the spring. The door closer
112 can also include a main valve 124, which can modulate the flow
of hydraulic fluid through a passage to reduce the movement speed
of the door 108 in the main swing zone. The door closer 112 can
also include a latch valve 126, which can modulate the flow of
hydraulic fluid through a passage to reduce the movement speed of
the door 108 in the latch zone. Accordingly, the closing speed of
the door 108 in each of the main zone and the latch zone, and thus
the amount of time that the door spends in each of the main zone
and the latch zone, as well as the force needed to open the door
108, can be adjusted by adjusting the spring adjustment screw 122,
the main valve 124, and/or the latch valve 126. While FIG. 13
provides an exemplary door closer 112, for at least purposes of the
subject disclosure, the door closer 112 can be a variety of other
types of devices that can be utilized in controlling movement of a
door 108 between open and closed positions, including, but not
limited to, adjustable spring hinges with dampening functionality,
among other devices.
[0038] Although only one data acquisition device 101, one central
processing device 102, one network 104, and one server 106 are
shown in the illustrative embodiment of FIG. 1A, the door closer
diagnostics system 100 may include multiple data acquisition
devices 101, central processing devices 102, networks 104, and/or
servers 106 in other embodiments. Further, in some embodiments, the
central processing device 102 can be configured to perform one or
more of the functions of the server 106. Accordingly, in such
embodiments, the network 104 and the server 106 may be omitted from
the door closer diagnostics system 100. Further, although the
motion data (e.g., the gyrometer) and inputted mechanical force
data can be generated by one or more motion sensors 114 and one or
more load cells or load transducers 115 of the data acquisition
device 101 in the illustrative embodiment, it should be appreciated
that the motion and/or inputted mechanical force data can be
generated by sensors of another component/device secured to the
door 108 in other embodiments (e.g., the door closer 112, a lock
device, an exit device, an embedded device, an access control
device, and/or another device/component). In such embodiments, the
motion and/or inputted mechanical force data can be transmitted to
the data acquisition device 101, the central processing device 102,
and/or to the server 106 for further analysis (e.g., via a gateway
device).
[0039] Additionally, the data acquisition device 101 can include an
accelerometer, pushbutton, door position sensor, pushbar-actuated
or lever-actuated system, and/or another suitable mechanism to wake
the data acquisition device 101 to determine whether to begin
recording, for example, with the motion sensor 114 and/or load cell
or load transducer 115. In some embodiments, the data acquisition
device 101 may be awaken by a transmission from the central
processing device 102 in response to user input via the application
to begin recording the motion data. In some embodiments, one or
more additional sensor(s) may be permanently installed on the door
108, or a component thereof, and the motion and/or inputted
mechanical force data and/or required/recommended adjustments can
be transmitted to the server 106, which may be analyzed remotely to
determine, for example, whether to notify a service technician
(e.g., automatically via email).
[0040] FIGS. 1B, 1C, and 1D illustrate front, side, and back views,
respectively, of an exemplary embodiment of a data acquisition
device 101. As shown, the data acquisition device 101 can include
an outer housing 150 having a front wall 152 and an opposing rear
wall 154, as well as opposing sidewalls 156, 158. The outer housing
150 can define an interior space in which components or hardware of
the data acquisition device 101 can be positioned, including, but
not limited to, one or more motion sensors 114 and one or more load
cells or load transducers 115, among other sensors or hardware. As
shown in the exemplary embodiment shown in FIG. 1D, the mount 110
can be secured or otherwise coupled to the rear wall 154 of the
outer housing 152. While a variety of mechanisms or components can
be used for the mount 110, as previously discussed, according to
certain embodiments the mount 110 is a tape or adhesive having a
re-useable adhesive surface 160 facing outwardly from the data
acquisition device 101 such that the re-useable adhesive surface
160 can be placed against an outer surface of the door 108.
[0041] Referring now to FIG. 2, a simplified block diagram of at
least one embodiment of a computing device 200 is shown. The
illustrative computing device 200 depicts at least one embodiment
of the data acquisition device 101, central processing device 102,
and/or server 106 that can be utilized in connection with the
diagnostics system 100 illustrated in FIG. 1A. The computing device
200 can include one or more, if not all, of the following: a
processing device 202 that executes algorithms and/or processes
data in accordance with operating logic 208, an input/output device
204 that enables communication between the computing device 200 and
one or more external devices 210, and memory 206 that stores, for
example, data received from internal components of the device 200,
and/or from the external device 210 via the input/output device
204.
[0042] The input/output device 204 allows the computing device 200
to communicate with the external device 210. For example, the
input/output device 204 can include a transceiver, a network
adapter, a network card, an interface, one or more communication
ports (e.g., a USB port, serial port, parallel port, an analog
port, a digital port, VGA, DVI, HDMI, FireWire, CAT 5, or any other
type of communication port or interface), and/or other
communication circuitry. Communication circuitry of the computing
device 200 may be configured to use any one or more communication
technologies (e.g., wireless or wired communications) and
associated protocols (e.g., Ethernet, Bluetooth.RTM., Wi-Fi.RTM.,
WiMAX, etc.) to effect such communication depending on the
particular computing device 200. The input/output device 204 may
include hardware, software, and/or firmware suitable for performing
the techniques described herein.
[0043] The external device 210 may be any type of device that
allows data to be inputted or outputted from the computing device
200. For example, in various embodiments, the external device 210
can be embodied as the central processing device 102 and/or the
server 106, while the computing device 200 can be the data
acquisition device 101. Further, in some embodiments, the external
device 210 can be embodied as another computing device, switch,
diagnostic tool, controller, printer, display, alarm, peripheral
device (e.g., keyboard, mouse, touch screen display, etc.), and/or
any other computing, processing, and/or communication device
capable of performing the functions described herein. Furthermore,
in some embodiments, it should be appreciated that the external
device 210 can be integrated into the computing device 200.
[0044] The processing device 202 can be embodied as any type of
processor(s) capable of performing the functions described herein.
In particular, the processing device 202 can be embodied as one or
more single or multi-core processors, microcontrollers, or other
processor or processing/controlling circuits. For example, in some
embodiments, the processing device 202 can include or be embodied
as an arithmetic logic unit (ALU), central processing unit (CPU),
digital signal processor (DSP), and/or another suitable
processor(s). The processing device 202 can be a programmable type,
a dedicated hardwired state machine, or a combination thereof.
Processing devices 202 with multiple processing units can utilize
distributed, pipelined, and/or parallel processing in various
embodiments. Further, the processing device 202 can be dedicated to
the performance of just the operations described herein, or can be
utilized in one or more additional applications. In the
illustrative embodiment, the processing device 202 is programmable
and executes algorithms and/or processes data in accordance with
operating logic 208 as defined by programming instructions (such as
software or firmware) stored in the memory 206. Additionally, or
alternatively, the operating logic 208 for processing device 202
may be at least partially defined by hardwired logic or other
hardware. Further, the processing device 202 can include one or
more components of any type suitable to process the signals
received from the input/output device 204, or from other components
or devices, and to provide desired output signals. Such components
can include digital circuitry, analog circuitry, or a combination
thereof.
[0045] The memory 206 can be of one or more types of non-transitory
computer-readable media, such as a solid-state memory,
electromagnetic memory, optical memory, or a combination thereof.
Furthermore, the memory 206 can be volatile and/or nonvolatile and,
in some embodiments, some or all of the memory 206 can be of a
portable type, such as a disk, tape, memory stick, cartridge,
and/or other suitable portable memory. In operation, the memory 206
can store various data and software used during operation of the
computing device 200, such as operating systems, applications,
programs, libraries, and drivers. It should be appreciated that the
memory 206 can store data that is manipulated by the operating
logic 208 of the processing device 202, such as, for example, data
representative of signals received from and/or sent to the
input/output device 204, in addition to or in lieu of storing
programming instructions defining operating logic 208. As shown in
FIG. 2, the memory 206 can be included with the processing device
202 and/or coupled to the processing device 202 depending on the
particular embodiment. For example, in some embodiments, the
processing device 202, the memory 206, and/or other components of
the computing device 200 can form a portion of a system-on-a-chip
(SoC) and be incorporated on a single integrated circuit chip.
[0046] In some embodiments, various components of the computing
device 200 (e.g., the processing device 202 and the memory 206) can
be communicatively coupled via an input/output subsystem, which can
be embodied as circuitry and/or components to facilitate
input/output operations with the processing device 202, the memory
206, and other components of the computing device 200. For example,
the input/output subsystem can be embodied as, or otherwise
include, memory controller hubs, input/output control hubs,
firmware devices, communication links (i.e., point-to-point links,
bus links, wires, cables, light guides, printed circuit board
traces, etc.) and/or other components and subsystems to facilitate
the input/output operations.
[0047] The computing device 200 can, according to certain
embodiments, include other or additional components, such as those
commonly found in a typical computing device (e.g., various
input/output devices and/or other components). It should be further
appreciated that one or more of the components of the computing
device 200 described herein can be distributed across multiple
computing devices. In other words, the techniques described herein
may be employed by a computing system that includes one or more
computing devices. Additionally, although only a single processing
device 202, I/O device 204, and memory 206 are illustratively shown
in FIG. 2, it should be appreciated that a particular computing
device 200 may include multiple processing devices 202, I/O devices
204, and/or memories 206 in other embodiments. Further, in some
embodiments, more than one external device 210 can be in
communication with the computing device 200.
[0048] Referring now to FIG. 3, a service technician can execute a
method 300 for installing a door closer 112 using the door closer
diagnostics system 100. As described herein, the service technician
can rely on an application executing on the central processing
device 102 to provide the technician with step-by-step instructions
for installing and adjusting the door closer 112. It should be
appreciated that the particular blocks of the method 300 are
illustrated by way of example, and such blocks may be combined or
divided, added or removed, and/or reordered in whole or in part
depending on the particular embodiment, unless stated to the
contrary. The illustrative method 300 begins with block 302 in
which the service technician closes the door 108. In block 304, the
technician mounts the data acquisition device 101 to the door 108.
As described above, the data acquisition device 101 can be mounted
to the door 108, to the door closer 112, or to another component or
device secured to the door 108 depending on the particular
embodiment. In block 306, the technician launches the application
on the central processing device 102. Although the application is
described herein as being launched after the data acquisition
device 101 has been secured to the door 108, it should be
appreciated that the application may be launched before securing
the data acquisition device 101 to the door 108 in other
embodiments. For example, in some embodiments, the application may
instruct the technician to mount the data acquisition device 101 to
the door 108, as depicted in the exemplary screen capture 700 of
the graphical user interface from the central processing device 102
shown in FIG. 7.
[0049] In block 307, the technician provides user input to the
application via the graphical user interface to start detection of
the inputted mechanical force (e.g., generating/recording the
information detected, or otherwise measured, by the load cell load
transducer 115). Additionally, according to certain embodiments,
such user input can also relate to proving information relating to
the particular door closer 112 that is being installed and/or
adjusted, as well as information relating to the associated
application or environment of use. For example, in block 307, the
user input to the application can include information that
identifies the door closer 112 that is being installed/adjusted,
the associated mounting configuration, and/or a profile for the
door 108 or associated application, among other information.
[0050] For example, according to certain embodiments, the
technician can input either manually or from a captured visual
image(s), or, alternatively, select from a pre-defined list, via
the graphical user interface of the application on the central
processing device 102, an identifier for the door closer 112, such
as, for example, a model number, serial number, and/or model name,
among other identifiers that can be used to identify the door
closer 112 being installed/adjusted. Such an identification of the
door closer 112 can assist with identifying the associated
installation instructions, instructions relating to adjustable
features of the door closer 112, and/or settings for the door
closer 112. For example, information identifying the door closer
112, such as, for example, information obtained from a visual image
of a QR code, via user entry, or by user selection while using the
graphical user interface of the application on the central
processing device 102 can be communicated to the server 106. From
such information, the server 106 can retrieve the corresponding
instructions or other information that corresponds to the
identified door closer 112, including, for example, instructions
that can be used in block 424, as discussed below.
[0051] Further, according to certain embodiments, in block 422, the
user input can also relate to identifying the type of mounting
configuration for the door closer 112. For example, the graphical
user interface of the application on the central processing device
102 can provide the technician with the ability to identify from a
predetermined listing whether the mounting configuration for the
door closer 112 is a parallel arm, track arm, or top jamb mount,
among other types of mounting configurations. Such information can
be used, for example by the server 106 to retrieve the
corresponding instructions and/or settings for the door closer 112
that can be associated with the particular identified mounting
configuration. Additionally, as with other user inputted
information, such information regarding the mounting configuration
can be combined at least with other user inputted information, such
as, for example, information used to identify the particular model
of door closer 112 being installed/adjusted, to allow for
information to be retrieved, such as, for example, by the server
106, that can provide an more specific indication of the settings
of the door closer 112 that are to be attained for the
installation/adjustment to be deemed successful.
[0052] Additionally, as previously mentioned, the user input to the
application via the graphical user interface can also include,
according to certain embodiments, a plurality of door profiles,
which can, for example, correspond to the associated application or
environment of use in which the door 108, and thus the associated
door closer 112, will operate. For example, a profile can include
one or "ADA Opening" profiles, which, for example, can be settings
associated with the door closer 112 being set to comply with
certain ADA requirements, including ADA requirements limiting the
force needed to open a closer door 108. Additionally, one or more
of the profiles can relate to the whether the door 108 on which the
door closer 112 is being used is an exterior front door or a
stairwell door, among other door locations. Such identification of
the associated application or environment of use can the settings
that the door closer 112 is to attain if an installation/adjustment
is to be considered successful. For example, a door closer 112
associated with an exterior front door profile may, compared to
other door profiles, be set to provide a higher closing so as to be
able to overcome stack pressures, while a stairwell door profile
may have settings associated with attaining a relatively higher
backcheck force that can minimize the potential of the door 108
swinging into someone walking down an adjacent hallway. Further,
according to certain embodiments, such profiles can be
predetermined, such as, for example, provided by or otherwise based
on information attained from the manufacturer of the door closer
112. Additionally, or alternatively, such profiles can be user
created, such as, for example, created and saved by the technician
and/or saved modified or customized versions of the above-mentioned
predetermined profiles.
[0053] In block 308, the technician opens the door 108. In
particular, in the illustrative embodiment, the door 108 can be
opened to ninety degrees (or approximately ninety degrees) from the
closed position. In other embodiments, it should be appreciated
that the door 108 can be opened to another threshold distance
suitable for ascertaining sufficient motion data for performing the
functions described herein. In block 309, the technician can
provide user input to the application via the graphical user
interface to cease detection of the inputted mechanical force
(e.g., when the door 108 comes to the open position).
Alternatively, such stoppage in the detection of the inputted
mechanical force, if any stoppage, can occur automatically, such
as, for example, upon a reduction in detected inputted mechanical
force, after a certain predetermined time duration, and/or upon
detection of another event, such as, for example, a stoppage in the
movement associated with opening of the door 108 and/or detection
of the door 108 moving in a different direction, such as, for
example, toward a closed position. According to other embodiments,
the application can determine which data received by the central
processing device 102 from the data acquisition device 101
corresponds to the use of inputted mechanical force to open the
door 108, and which data does not correspond to inputted mechanical
force to open the door 108. Such a determination can be based, at
least in part, on the data received by the central processing
device 102 from the data acquisition device 101 reaching, or
falling below, a threshold value so as to indicate a decrease
and/or stoppage in the inputted mechanical force associated with
opening the door 108.
[0054] In block 310, the technician can provide user input to the
application via the graphical user interface on the central
processing device 102 to start motion tracking (e.g.,
generating/recording the motion data) and, in block 312, the
technician releases the door 108 to allow the door 108 to move from
the open position to the closed position under the force of the
door closer 112. In block 314, the technician provides user input
to the application via the graphical user interface on the central
processing device 102 to stop motion tracking (e.g., when the door
108 comes to the closed position). Alternatively, the central
processing device 102 can automatically decide to stop motion
tracking, such as, for example, upon detection of one more of the
following: a stoppage in the movement of the door 108 toward the
closed position, the door 108 reaching the closed position, a speed
or velocity of the door 108 reaching, or falling below, a certain
level, expiration of a certain time duration, and/or a combination
thereof, among other determinations and/or considerations. As shown
in the exemplary screen capture 800 of the graphical user interface
of the central processing device 102 in FIG. 8, in some
embodiments, the application can instruct the technician to press
the start button on the graphical user interface, release the door
108, and press an end button on the graphical user interface when
the door 108 comes to the closed position.
[0055] In block 318, the technician can determine whether the door
closer 112 has been successfully installed and adjusted based on
feedback from the application via the graphical user interface of
the central processing device 102. For example, as shown in the
exemplary screen captures 900, 1000, 1100 of FIGS. 9-11 from the
central processing device 102, if the door closer 112 has not been
adjusted properly, the central processing device 102 can provide
further installation instructions for the technician via the
graphical user interface of the central processing device 102 with
graphics, text, and/or videos identifying the particular
adjustment(s) to make. For example, the central processing device
102 can instruct the technician to adjust a main valve of the door
closer 112, as shown in the exemplary screen capture 900 of FIG. 9,
adjust a spring of the door closer 112, as shown in the exemplary
screen capture 1000 of FIG. 10, and/or adjust a latch valve of the
door closer 112, as shown in the exemplary screen capture 1100 of
FIG. 11.
[0056] In some embodiments, it should be appreciated that the
central processing device 102 can, using at least information
received from the data acquisition device 101 and/or information
contain or derived by the central processing device 102 and/or
server 106, further instruct the technician regarding the amount by
which to adjust the relevant component, such as, for example, the
amount to adjust the door closer 112. For example, in some
embodiments, the central processing device 102 can instruct, or
otherwise communicate to, the technician to adjust the main valve
and/or latch valve by a half turn, a quarter turn, or an eighth
turn, among other adjustments. Similarly, the central processing
device 102 can instruct, or otherwise communicate to, the
technician to adjust the spring, for example, by three turns.
Further, in some embodiments, and with respect at least to
information relating to the motion sensor 114, the amount of an
adjustment to make can be based on a deviation (e.g., expressed as
a ratio) of the duration in the various door movement zones from
the target value(s). For example, the central processing device 102
can instruct, or otherwise communicate to, the technician to make a
greater adjustment to the door closer 112 when there is a greater
deviation, and may instruct the technician to make a lesser
adjustment to the door closer 112 when there is a lesser deviation.
Although the adjustments to the door closer 112 are described
herein primarily in reference to a main valve, latch valve, and
spring of the door closer 112, it should be appreciated that the
door closer 112 may include additional and/or alternative
adjustment mechanisms depending on the particular type of door
closer 112.
[0057] If the feedback from the application indicates that an
adjustment to the door closer 112 is required, in block 320, the
technician may adjust the door closer 112 based on the
application-provided instructions. Further, the method 300 returns
to block 308 in which the technician again utilizes the data
acquisition device 101 and the central processing device 102 to
track the inputted mechanical force used to open the door 108, as
well as the motion of the door 108 from the open position to the
closed position for further analysis. It should be appreciated that
the technician may be notified of the successful installation and
adjustment of the door closer 112 via the application when no
further adjustments are required, after which the installer can
remove or detach the data acquisition device 101 from the door 108
at block 322.
[0058] Although the blocks 302-322 are described in a relatively
serial manner, it should be appreciated that various blocks of the
method 300 may be performed in parallel in some embodiments.
Additionally, according to certain embodiments, following a
determination of a successful installation/adjustment in block 318,
and prior to detachment of the data acquisition device 101, the
data acquisition device 101 can be further configured to provide
the installer with instructions for certifying the door closer 112,
such as, for example, certifying the door closer 112 per ANSI/BHMA
A156.4. Moreover, the data acquisition device 101 can be configured
to provide, or otherwise communicate from information received by
the data acquisition device 101, steps to be taken by the
technician to test and validate the performance of the door 108
and/or door closer 112 for at purposes of certification. According
to such an embodiment, information obtained by the data acquisition
device 101 during such testing, including for example, information
obtained by the motion sensor 114 and/or load transducer 115, can
be processed and evaluated by software of the data acquisition
device 101, the central processing device 102, and/or the server
106 in accordance with determining whether the results of the
performed test(s) satisfy corresponding certification standards.
Additionally, the central processing device 102 and/or the server
106 can provide results of such certificating testing, which can be
communicated to the technician via the display on a graphical user
interface of the central processing device 102, as well as
communicated to other devices that can be communicatively linked to
the central processing device 102 and/or the server 106, including,
for example, by email.
[0059] Referring now to FIG. 4, in use, the door closer diagnostics
system 100 can execute a method 400 for adjusting the door closer
112. It should be appreciated that the particular blocks of the
method 400 are illustrated by way of example, and such blocks may
be combined or divided, added or removed, and/or reordered in whole
or in part depending on the particular embodiment, unless stated to
the contrary. The illustrative method 400 begins with block 401, in
which the data acquisition device 101 is mounted, or otherwise
coupled or secured, to the door 108. At block 402, as the door 108
is opened, and the load cell or load transducer 115 can acquire
data that is transmitted via a signal from the data acquisition
device 101 to the central processing device 102 that can be used to
determine the inputted mechanical force involved with opening the
door 108. At block 404, the data acquisition device 101
generates/senses motion data with one or more sensors 114 of the
data acquisition device 101 that can be transmitted to the central
processing device 102. In particular, as described above, according
to certain embodiments, the central processing device 102 can
receive/retrieve angular velocity data generated by a motion sensor
114, such as, for example, a gyrometer, of the data acquisition
device in block 406. As previously discussed, according to certain
embodiments, the central processing device 102 can be configured,
including, for example, have an application or app, that
facilitates the central processing device 102 utilizing or
analyzing the data received from the data acquisition device 101,
and inputted mechanical force and/or motion data to determine
whether the door closer 112 should be adjusted. Alternatively, or
additionally, in block 408, the central processing device 102 can
transmit the motion and/or inputted mechanical force data to the
server 106 for analysis.
[0060] In block 410, the central processing device 102 and/or the
server 106 analyzes the motion and inputted mechanical force data
to determine whether the installation of the door closer 112 was
successful (e.g., determining whether further adjustments are
required). In particular, in block 411, the central processing
device 102 and/or server 106 can determine, using information
provided by the data acquisition device 101, and moreover from the
load cell or load transducer 115, the central processing device 102
and/or the server 106, the inputted mechanical force associated
with the door 108 being opened, as well as whether that determined
inputted mechanical force is, or is not, in compliance with
predetermined criteria, such as, for example, ADA regulations. In
block 412, the central processing device 102 and/or the server 106
can also determine which door movement zones to analyze and, in
block 414, the central processing device 102 and/or server 106 can
determine the duration the door 108 was in each of the door
movement zones. For example, in some embodiments, time-based
angular velocity measurements of the door 108 can be recorded for
the door 108 throughout the entire movement of the door 108 from
the open position to the closed position (see, for example, graph
1200 of FIG. 12). The central processing device 102 and/or server
106 can segment that data based, for example, on the amplitude
and/or direction of the movement. In particular, the central
processing device 102 and/or server 106 can estimate the maximum
angle or open position of the door 108 (e.g., by presuming the
maximum angle or open position to be ninety degrees or by
integrating the angular velocity data to approximate that angle)
and segment the range of motion into a plurality of door movement
zones. For example, in some embodiments, the range of motion may be
segmented into a pre-closing zone, a main closing zone, a latch
closing zone, and a post-closing zone. As such, the central
processing device 102 and/or server 106 can determine the duration
the door 108 was in each of the main zone and the latch zone. As
shown in the graph 1200 of FIG. 12, in some embodiments, the
central processing device 102 and/or server 106 may analyze the
angular velocity data 1202 generated by the gyrometer 114 to
determine a set of reference points 1204, 1206, 1208 that define
the various door movement zones in the range of motion of the door
108 (e.g., by integrating the angular velocity data 1202).
[0061] In some embodiments, it should be appreciated that the
sensor(s) 114, 115, among other sensors, and/or the data generated
therefrom, can be normalized. More specifically, the relevant axes
can be normalized such that they have the proper polarity and
scale. For example, a right-handed door may see a positive velocity
on the x-axis for a door opening, and a negative velocity on the
y-axis, while a left-handed device (which involves "flipping" the
system upside-down) would have the positive and negative velocity
indicators reversed. Further, it should be appreciated that a
12-bit gyrometer may provide different values than a 24-bit
gyrometer, and therefore the values may be scaled/normalized into a
standard unit to allow the application to account for variations in
the hardware among central processing devices. Additionally, a
device could be rotated in a sub-optimal orientation such that part
of the acceleration occurs on the x-axis, and part of the
acceleration occurs on the y-axis; the data may be normalized to
account for such variations in orientation.
[0062] In block 416, the central processing device 102 and/or
server 106 determines whether the installation/adjustment was
successful based on the analysis of the motion data. If successful,
in block 418, a success notification can be displayed on the
graphical user interface of the central processing device 102.
According to certain embodiments, whether the
installation/adjustment was successful can be determined by the
server 106, block 418 can include the server 106 transmitting the
success notification to the central processing device 104.
[0063] However, if further adjustment(s) is/are required, the
central processing device 102 and/or server 106 can determine one
or more adjustments to the door closer 112 based on an analysis of
the motion and/or load cell data in block 420. In doing so, in
block 420, the central processing device 102 and/or server 106 can
determine one or more user-selected installation settings of the
door closer 112 in block 422. For example, in some embodiments, the
technician may input via the graphical user interface of the
application on the central processing device 102 one or more
regulatory requirements, building management or architect
requirements, and/or other relevant requirements.
[0064] In some embodiments, the technician may select from a
plurality of predefined installation settings options. For example,
with respect to motion settings, a first option may have a 5 second
close time with 2.5 seconds in the main zone and 2.5 seconds in the
latch zone, a second option may have a 10 second close time with 5
seconds in the main zone and 5 seconds in the latch zone, and a
third option may have a 9 second close time from 90 degrees to 15
degrees. Similarly, with respect to inputted mechanical force to
open the door 108, the user may select a particular inputted
mechanical force, or range of inputted mechanical forces, that the
door closer 112 is to be able to accommodate and/or satisfy in
connection with the force needed to open the door 108. As described
above, in some embodiments, the adjustments to the door closer 112
made to satisfy relevant requirements can include
loosening/tightening the main valve, latch valve, and/or spring of
the door closer 112. It should be appreciated that, in some
embodiments, blocks 416 and 420 can may be performed
contemporaneously.
[0065] In block 424, one or more installation instructions
corresponding with the required adjustment(s) to the door closer
112 can be determined. With respect to at least embodiments in
which such instructions are determined, at least in part, by the
server 106, block 424 can include the server 106 transmitting such
determined instructions to the central processing device 102. In
block 426, the central processing device 102 can display the
installation instruction(s) or the success notification on the
graphical user interface of the application for the technician. If
an installation instruction is displayed, it should be appreciated
that the technician is to perform the associated adjustment(s), and
the method 400 may be re-executed after the completion of the
adjustment(s) to determine whether any further adjustments are
required.
[0066] Although the blocks 401-426 are described in a relatively
serial manner, it should be appreciated that various blocks of the
method 400 may be performed in parallel in some embodiments.
[0067] Referring now to FIGS. 5-6, in use, the door closer
diagnostics system 100 may execute a method 500 for adjusting the
door closer 112. It should be appreciated that the particular
blocks of the method 500 are illustrated by way of example, and
such blocks may be combined or divided, added or removed, and/or
reordered in whole or in part depending on the particular
embodiment, unless stated to the contrary. The illustrative method
500 begins with block 502 of FIG. 5 in which it is determined
whether the door closer diagnostics system 100 is ready to
determine whether the door closer 112 is properly/successfully
installed. In particular, in the illustrative embodiments, it is
determined whether the door 108 is closed with the data acquisition
device 101 properly mounted to the door 108, and whether the
application is launched on the central processing device 102 for
detecting forces associated with opening the door 108 and/or motion
tracking of the door 108. If so, the method 500 advances to block
504 in which the central processing device 102 instructs the
technician to open the door 108 (e.g., to approximately 90 degrees)
and release the door 108 (see, for example, screen capture 800 of
FIG. 8) while the data acquisition device 101 provides and/or
records data regarding the inputted mechanical force used to open
the door 108, as well as motion data relating to closing of the
door 108. Such data can be transmitted from the data acquisition
device 101 to the central processing device 102, and/or to the
server 106, for analysis, as previously discussed.
[0068] In block 505, the door closer diagnostics system 100 (e.g.,
the central processing device 102 and/or server 106) determines the
inputted mechanical force associated with the door 108 being
opened, such as, for example, by the central processing device 102
and/or server 106 using data provided from the load cell or load
transducer 115 of data acquisition device 101. At block 507, the
central processing device 102 and/or server 106 can determine
whether the inputted mechanical force determined at block 505
satisfies a predetermined criteria or threshold for the force
needed to open the door 108. For example, at block 507, the central
processing device 102 and/or server 106 can determine whether the
inputted mechanical force determined at block 505 complies with a
door opening force, or range of door opening forces, required for
satisfaction of regulatory requirements, such as, for example, ADA
regulations, among other relevant requirements. If at block 507 the
inputted mechanical force determined at block 505 does satisfy such
predetermined criteria or threshold requirements, then the method
can proceed to block 532 (FIG. 6). Otherwise the method can proceed
to block 508, at which adjustments for the door closer 112 that at
least attempt to allow the door closer 112 to be in compliance with
such predetermined criteria or threshold requirements can be
determined (e.g. by the central processing device 102 and/or server
106) and communicated to the installer.
[0069] At block 506, the door closer diagnostics system 100 (e.g.,
the central processing device 102 and/or server 106) determines
whether there was any door movement, for example, based on the
motion data generated by the sensor(s) 114 of the data acquisition
device 101. In other words, the door closer diagnostics system 100
can determine whether a hold open door condition has been detected.
If there is no door movement, the method 500 advances to block
508.
[0070] At block 508, the central processing device 102 can instruct
the technician to loosen the main valve and/or tighten the spring
of the door closer 112. In particular, in some embodiments, the
central processing device 102 may first instruct the technician to
loosen the main valve (see, for example, screen capture 900 of FIG.
9) and, if the technician has already loosened the main valve, the
central processing device 102 may instruct the technician to
tighten the spring (see, for example, screen capture 1000 of FIG.
10). As shown in FIGS. 9-10, the installation instructions
presented on the graphical user interface of the central processing
device 102 may identify the location of the particular component to
be adjusted (e.g., via an arrow or other suitable indicator). After
making the adjustment, the method 500 can return to block 504 in
which the central processing device 102 again instructs the
technician to open and release the door 108 as the data acquisition
device 101 provides data or information to the central processing
device 102 regarding the inputted mechanical force and/or the
motion of the door 108.
[0071] If it is determined at block 508 that the door 108 moved,
the method 500 advances to block 510 in which the door closer
diagnostics system 100 determines the duration the door 108 was in
each of the door movement zones. For example, in the illustrative
embodiment, the door closer diagnostics system 100 can determine
the duration the door 108 was in the main zone (T.sub.MAIN) and the
duration the door 108 was in the latch zone (T.sub.LATCH) as
described above. In block 512, the door closer diagnostics system
100 can determine whether the duration the door 108 was in the main
zone (T.sub.MAIN) is greater than a corresponding threshold time
(T.sub.1). That is, the door closer diagnostics system 100
determines whether T.sub.MAIN>T.sub.1. In some embodiments, the
threshold time (T.sub.1) is 7 seconds. If so, the method 500
advances to block 508 in which the central processing device 102
instructs the technician to loosen the main valve and/or tighten
the spring of the door closer 112 as described above.
[0072] If the door 108 was not in the main zone for a duration
greater than the corresponding threshold time (T.sub.1), the method
500 advances to block 514 in which the door closer diagnostics
system 100 determines whether the door 108 moved to the closed
position. If not, the method 500 advances to block 508 in which the
central processing device 102 instructs the technician to loosen
the main valve and/or tighten the spring of the door closer 112 as
described above. However, if the door 108 closed, the method 500
advances to block 516 of FIG. 6 in which the door closer
diagnostics system 100 determines whether the duration the door 108
was in the main zone (T.sub.MAIN) is greater than another
corresponding threshold time (T.sub.2), where T.sub.2<T.sub.1.
That is, the door closer diagnostics system 100 determines whether
T.sub.MAIN>T.sub.2. In some embodiments, the threshold time
(T.sub.2) is 3.5 seconds. If so, the method 500 advances to block
518 in which the central processing device 102 instructs the
technician to loosen the main valve of the door closer 112.
[0073] If the door 108 was not in the main zone for a duration
greater than the corresponding threshold time (T.sub.2), the method
500 advances to block 520 in which the door closer diagnostics
system 100 determines whether the duration the door 108 was in the
main zone (T.sub.MAIN) is less than another corresponding threshold
time (T.sub.3), where T.sub.3<T.sub.2. That is, the door closer
diagnostics system 100 determines whether T.sub.MAIN<T.sub.3. In
some embodiments, the threshold time (T.sub.3) is 2.5 seconds. If
so, the method 500 advances to block 522 in which the central
processing device 102 instructs the technician to tighten the main
valve of the door closer 112.
[0074] If the door 108 was not in the main zone for a duration less
than the corresponding threshold time (T.sub.3), the method 500
advances to block 524 in which the door closer diagnostics system
100 determines whether the duration the door 108 was in the latch
zone (T.sub.LATCH) is greater than another corresponding threshold
time (T.sub.4). If so, the method 500 advances to block 526 in
which the central processing device 102 instructs the technician to
loosen the latch valve of the door closer 112. It should be
appreciated that the threshold time (T.sub.4) may be based on the
duration the door 108 was in the main zone (T.sub.MAIN). In
particular, in the illustrative embodiment, the threshold time
(T.sub.4) is proportional to the duration the door 108 was in the
main zone (T.sub.MAIN) such that T.sub.4=(1=.alpha.)T.sub.MAIN,
where .alpha.>0. For example, in an embodiment in which
.alpha.=0.20, the door closer diagnostics system 100 determines
whether the duration the door 108 was in the latch zone
(T.sub.LATCH) is at least 20% greater than the duration the door
was in the main zone (T.sub.MIN).
[0075] If the door 108 was not in the latch zone (T.sub.LATCH) for
a duration greater than the corresponding threshold time (T.sub.4),
the method 500 advances to block 528 in which the door closer
diagnostics system 100 determines whether the duration the door 108
was in the latch zone (T.sub.LATCH) is less than another
corresponding threshold time (T.sub.5). If so, the method 500
advances to block 530 in which the central processing device 102
instructs the technician to tighten the latch valve of the door
closer 112. It should be appreciated that the threshold time
(T.sub.5) may be based on the duration the door 108 was in the main
zone (T.sub.MAIN). In particular, in the illustrative embodiment,
the threshold time (T.sub.5) is proportional to the duration the
door 108 was in the main zone (T.sub.MAIN) such that
T.sub.5=(1-.alpha.)T.sub.MAIN where .alpha.>0. For example, in
an embodiment in which .alpha.=0.20, the door closer diagnostics
system 100 determines whether the duration the door 108 was in the
latch zone (T.sub.LATCH) is at least 20% less than the duration the
door was in the main zone (T.sub.MAIN). After making the adjustment
in any of blocks 518, 522, 526, 530, the method 500 returns to
block 504 in which the central processing device 102 again
instructs the technician to open and release the door 108 as the
data acquisition device 101 provides data or information that the
central processing device 102 and/or server 106 uses to determine
motion information regarding the movement of the door 108.
[0076] If the door 108 was not in the latch zone (T.sub.LATCH) for
a duration less than the corresponding threshold time (T.sub.5),
then, according to certain methods, the method 500 can advance to
block 532, where the method can confirm both the inputted
mechanical force and door speed have been determined to comply with
predetermined criteria or requirements, before proceeding to block
534, at which the central processing device 102 notifies the
technician of a successful installation (i.e., that no further
adjustments are necessary). In other words, in the illustrative
embodiment, and with respect to the door motion or speed analysis,
no adjustments are necessary if the duration the door 108 was in
the main zone (T.sub.MAIN) is within the relevant main zone
thresholds (i.e., T.sub.3.ltoreq.T.sub.MAIN.ltoreq.T.sub.2) and the
duration the door 108 was in the latch zone (T.sub.LATCH) is within
the relevant latch zone thresholds (i.e.,
(1.alpha.)T.sub.MAIN.ltoreq.T.sub.LATCH.ltoreq.(1+.alpha.)T.sub.MAIN).
It should be appreciated that the particular values of the
thresholds may vary depending on the particular type of door closer
112, any relevant installation requirements/settings, and/or based
on the particular embodiment.
[0077] While certain examples have been provided for the threshold
times T.sub.1-T.sub.5, it is to be appreciated that other values
may be utilized for the threshold times. In certain embodiments,
one or more of the threshold times may correspond to selections
made by the user. For example, in embodiments in which the user
selects a close time of 10 seconds, the first threshold time
T.sub.1 may be 7 seconds, the second threshold time T.sub.2 may be
3.5 seconds, and the third threshold time T.sub.3 may be 2.5
seconds. As noted above, the fourth threshold time T.sub.4 and the
fifth threshold time T.sub.5 may be based upon the actual time that
the door 108 spends in the main swing zone T.sub.MAIN. In other
embodiments, the fourth threshold time T.sub.4 and the fifth
threshold time T.sub.5 may be preselected values that do not
necessarily correspond to the main swing time T.sub.MAIN.
[0078] Although the blocks 502-534 are described in a relatively
serial manner, it should be appreciated that various blocks of the
method 500 may be performed in parallel in some embodiments.
[0079] While the invention has been illustrated and described in
detail in the drawings and foregoing description, the same is to be
considered as illustrative and not restrictive in character, it
being understood that only the preferred embodiments have been
shown and described and that all changes and modifications that
come within the spirit of the inventions are desired to be
protected. It should be understood that while the use of words such
as preferable, preferably, preferred or more preferred utilized in
the description above indicate that the feature so described may be
more desirable, it nonetheless may not be necessary and embodiments
lacking the same may be contemplated as within the scope of the
invention, the scope being defined by the claims that follow. In
reading the claims, it is intended that when words such as "a,"
"an," "at least one," or "at least one portion" are used there is
no intention to limit the claim to only one item unless
specifically stated to the contrary in the claim. When the language
"at least a portion" and/or "a portion" is used the item can
include a portion and/or the entire item unless specifically stated
to the contrary.
* * * * *