How do Automatic Doors Work? Types of ...

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History of Automatic Doors

Modern automatic doors emerged in the 19th century with mechanical innovations like the 'fly fan door.' In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, inventors like Lewis B. Ketcham and Theophilus Van Kannel developed pneumatic-based door-opening systems. 

The early 20th century brought further advancements to automatic doors. In , Dee Horton and Lew Hewitt developed an electrically powered sliding door system called the 'Horton Automatic Door.' This system used electric motors and gears to open and close the doors.

The introduction of radar and sensor technology in the mid-20th century revolutionized automatic doors. These advancements led to commercialization and widespread use in commercial buildings, public spaces, and transportation hubs. 

Automatic doors have evolved into sliding, swinging, revolving, and folding types, incorporating advanced technologies such as motion sensors and touchless interfaces. They promote convenience, accessibility, and energy efficiency in modern architecture.

Introduction to Automatic Doors

Automatic doors are a type of door that opens and closes automatically, without requiring any physical effort from the person entering or exiting. They are very commonly used in many commercial, industrial, and residential setup settings to improve accessibility, convenience, and safety.

Automatic doors operate using a variety of mechanisms, including motion sensors, pressure sensors, and remote-control systems. When a person approaches the door, the sensors detect their presence and trigger the door to open automatically. Some automatic doors also have safety features, such as sensors that detect obstacles and prevent the door from closing on someone or something.

Automatic doors come in various styles, including sliding, swing, and revolving doors made of materials including glass, metal, and wood. They can be customized to suit the aesthetic and functional needs of a particular building or space.

What is an Automatic Door System?

An automatic door system is a type of door that can open and close automatically without physical contact. It typically uses sensors or other detection devices to sense the presence around or within its vicinity and then activates the opening and closing mechanism accordingly. Automatic Doors Toronto comes in various types, including sliding, swinging, and revolving doors powered by electric motors, and hydraulic, or pneumatic systems.

Mechanism of Automatic Doors

Automatic doors utilize motion sensors, optical sensors, pressure mats, radar systems, push buttons, and safety and control systems. These mechanisms detect movement, interruptions in infrared or laser beams, pressure, or obstructions and send signals to initiate the opening or closing of the doors. The specific mechanisms depend on the door type, such as sliding, swinging, revolving, or folding doors.

Most automatic doors utilize microwave pulse sensors or passive infrared (PIR) sensors. Microwave pulse sensors emit microwaves in the surrounding area and measure the reflections of these microwaves. When a person or object moves within the sensor's range, it causes a change in the reflected microwaves, signaling the presence of motion and initiating the door's opening or closing.

The passive infrared (PIR) sensors detect any changes that may occur in the infrared radiation field of view. When a person or entity moves, it generates a temperature difference detected by the PIR sensor, triggering the door's operation.

How do Automatic Doors Work?

Automatic doors typically work by using sensors or detectors to detect the presence of a person or object in the doorway and then activating the door to open and close automatically. When the sensor senses a presence, it sends a signal to the door operating mechanism. After receiving that signal, the mechanism opens the door.

There are various types of automatic door sensors that are commonly used to detect the presence of people or objects and activate the door to open and close automatically. But let us tell the three most frequently used three types of automatic door sensors:

1. Pressure Sensors: Pressure sensors are commonly used in automatic sliding doors. They are placed on the floor mat before the door and detect when someone steps on it. When pressure is detected, the door opens automatically. Pressure sensors are ideal for use in areas with a lot of foot traffic, and the door needs to open and close frequently.
2. Motion Detection and Optical Sensors: Motion detection and optical sensors are commonly used in automatic swinging doors. These sensors use a combination of infrared, microwave, or optical technology to detect motion in the doorway. When someone approaches the door, the sensors detect their movement and activate the door to open. These sensors are ideal for use in areas with less foot traffic, such as offices or conference rooms.
3. Access Control or Video Intercom System: An access control or video intercom system is commonly used in automatic revolving doors. The system requires the user to present a key card and a code or use a video intercom to access the door. Once access is granted, the door will begin to rotate automatically. These systems are ideal for high-security areas like government buildings or financial institutions.

Components of Automatic Doors

Automatic Doors for Home comprise several components that work together to provide a convenient and safe entrance and exit system. Here are some of the most common components of automatic doors:

1. Door panels
2. Sensors or detectors
3. Control system
4. Power source
5. Door operator
6. Safety features
7. Guide rails
8. Rollers or hinges
9. Activation switches or buttons
10. Weather stripping or seals
11. Header or threshold
12. Remote control or keyless entry system

Types of Automatic Doors

Let us tell you the Types of Automatic Doors.

i) Sliding Automatic Doors

These doors slide horizontally and are commonly used in supermarkets, hospitals, and other public buildings. They are popular due to their ability to maximize space and reduce the risk of injury since they do not swing outward.

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ii) Automatic Swinging Doors

These doors swing open and close like traditional doors but are activated by sensors. Their common use is in offices, airports, and other commercial buildings with moderate to high foot traffic.

iii) Automatic Folding Doors

These Folding doors fold open and closed, similar to an accordion. They are commonly used in small entrances with limited space, such as retail shops or cafes.

iv) Automatic Revolving Doors

These doors rotate around a central axis and are commonly used in high-traffic areas like hotels and office buildings. They provide a large entrance and are often used in areas needing energy efficiency, such as in a lobby where heating or cooling costs can be high due to air exchange.

The Advantages of Automatic Doors

Automatic Doors for Home and commercial setups can make your life easier, more comfortable, and more convenient. Since automatic doors open without using hands, they offer convenience to everyone, even with baggage in both hands or carrying a cart. An automatic door is also known as Automated Door and effectively saves energy and reduces annual heating and cooling costs. Its advantages include;

1. Automatic doors provide a hands-free way of entering and exiting buildings, making it easier and more convenient for people with disabilities, older adults, and those carrying heavy items or pushing strollers.
2. Automatic doors close quickly, which helps to prevent heat or cool air from escaping from a building, thus reducing energy costs.
3. Automatic doors comply with accessibility regulations, making them suitable for public and commercial buildings and more inclusive for people with disabilities.
4. Automated Doors Systems are equipped with security systems.
5. While automated door installation, it is integrated with an access control system, every activity and entrance is monitored via control access to a building, and it enhances security measures.
6. Automatic doors are durable and require less maintenance than traditional doors, reducing maintenance costs and downtime.
7. Automated Door Systems installation can add a modern and sleek look to a building, enhancing its overall appearance.
8. Automatic doors reduce the spread of germs by eliminating the need for people to touch the door handle or push the door, reducing the transmission of germs and bacteria.

The Sensor System of Automatic Doors

The sensor system of automatic doors typically consists of several components that work together to detect the presence of a person or object and trigger the door to open or close. Here are the main features of a typical sensor system:

1. Motion Sensors: Detect movement in front of the door. They use infrared or microwave technology to detect changes in motion or heat and trigger the door to open or close.
2. Safety Sensors: Detect obstacles in the door's path, such as people or objects, and prevent the door from closing on them. They may use infrared or laser technology to detect the presence of an obstacle and trigger the door to stop and reverse direction.
3. Activation Sensors: Trigger the door to open or close when someone approaches or exits the building. They may use infrared, microwave, or touch technology to detect the presence of a person and trigger the door to open or close.
4. Control Unit: This is the brain of the sensor system, and it processes the signals from the various sensors and controls the opening and closing of the door.
5. Radar Movement Sensors: Detect when someone or something is near the door. It can also sense what direction they are coming from.

Applications of Automatic Doors

Automatic doors have a wide range of applications across various industries and environments, including but not limited to, 

1. Commercial Buildings
2. Hospitals and Healthcare Facilities
3. Airports and Transportation Hubs
4. Hotels and Hospitality
5. Educational Institutions
6. Residential Buildings
7. Entertainment Venues
8. Government Offices
9. Parking Facilities
10. Laboratories and Research Facilities
11. Warehouses and Logistics Centers
12. Museums and Historical Sites etc

How to Choose an Automatic Door Manufacturer and Installer?

It is really important to choose credible manufacturers and installers with a reliable track record and extensive experience in the industry. Always discuss with your installer and go for high-quality products and services. You may check for reviews, testimonials, and references for installers and products.

Evaluate the range of automatic door products offered by the manufacturer. Ensure that they offer a variety of door types, styles, and configurations to meet your specific needs. It is imperative to see if your installer provides customized doors to fit unique architectural requirements.

Verify that the manufacturer and installer adhere to relevant industry standards and regulations. Automatic doors should meet safety codes and accessibility guidelines in Canada.

Your installer must be able to provide comprehensive guidance and support throughout the entire process, from design to installation and maintenance.

Understand the warranty terms offered by the manufacturer. A reliable warranty demonstrates their confidence in their products. Additionally, it would be best if you looked for after-sales support and the availability of spare parts.

NetraClos offers free site visits with an estimate for all installations of automatic doors. For more information, call us at +1 647-725- or contact us via our query form. 

FAQs

What are trigger sensors?

Trigger sensors are designed to trigger a door to open automatically when somebody approaches. These are common in retail environments on the front doors of shops. The objective is to keep the doors closed (and cold draughts out) unless a customer is walking into the store.

When someone approaches, the sensor picks up their presence and automatically triggers the door to open. For a shop, this means customers have a seamless experience entering the store, and the staff don't need to worry about keeping the door closed.

The objective of a trigger sensor is to pre-emptively start the automatic door's opening mechanism before the person reaches the door. As a result, the user does not need to touch the door or any of the physical environment to gain access.

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