System and method for measuring force in a barrier operator system

• US 7,805,977 B2
• Filed: 08/28/2006
• Issued: 10/05/2010
• Est. Priority Date: 08/28/2006
• Status: Expired due to Fees

• Current Assignee: The Chamberlain Group, Inc. (The Chamberlain Group LLC)
• Original Assignee: The Chamberlain Group, Inc. (The Chamberlain Group LLC)
• Inventors: Study, Robert
• Primary Examiner(s): Caputo; Lisa M
• Assistant Examiner(s): DAVIS HOLLINGTON, OCTAVIA L
• Application Number:
  US11/510,881
• Publication Number:
  US 20080047321A1
• Time in Patent Office: 1,499 Days
• Field of Search: 73/120.1, 318/280, 318/434
• US Class Current: 73/12.01
• CPC Class Codes: E05F 15/40 Safety devices, e.g. detection of obstructions or end positions
• CPC Class Codes: E05F 15/43 responsive to disruption of energy beams, e.g. light or sound
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2400/31 Force or torque control
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2400/44 Sensors not directly associated with the wing movement
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2400/53 Wing impact prevention or reduction
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2800/22 of not identical elements of the same category, e.g. combinations of not identical springs
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2800/40 Physical or chemical protection
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2800/692 Temporary use, e.g. removable tools
• CPC Class Codes: E05Y 2900/106 for garages

Abstract

An impact force measurement associated with a test of a moveable barrier operator is obtained. An impact force signal representing the impact force measurement is generated. The impact force signal is received at a controller. Based upon the impact force represented by the signal, an adjustment of the at least one performance parameter of the moveable barrier operator is determined. The at least one parameter is then adjusted by the controller. A secondary protection device may thereafter be added as appropriate.

Claims

1. A method for automatically adjusting the performance parameters of a moveable barrier operator that is coupled to a movable barrier, the method comprising:

temporarily coupling a portable measurement device to the movable barrier operator;

placing the portable measurement device in the pathway of the movable barrier to allow contact between the movable barrier and the portable measurement device when the barrier is moved;

moving the movable barrier and contacting the portable measurement device with the movable barrier;

obtaining an impact force measurement directly representative of force of the movable barrier against the portable measurement device, the impact force measurement being associated with a test of a moveable barrier operator;

at the portable measurement device, generating an impact force signal representing the impact force measurement and transmitting the impact force signal to the movable barrier operator;

receiving the impact force signal at a controller of the movable barrier operator;

based upon the impact force represented by the signal, determining an adjustment of the at least one performance parameter of the moveable barrier operator;

adjusting the at least one parameter by the controller; and

removing the portable measurement device from the pathway of the movable barrier.

2. The method of claim 1 comprising selectively adding a secondary protection device.

3. The method of claim 1 wherein transmitting the impact force signal occurs via a wired interface.

4. The method of claim 3 further comprising after transmitting the impact force signal, disconnecting the portable measurement device from the movable barrier operator without affecting the operation of the operator.

5. The method of claim 1 wherein transmitting the impact force signal via a radio frequency (RF) interface.

6. The method of claim 5 further comprising after transmitting the impact force signal, disconnecting the portable measurement device from the movable barrier operator without affecting the operation of the operator.

7. The method of claim 1 wherein determining an adjustment the at least one performance parameter comprises determining an adjustment of the at least one performance parameter based upon a comparison of the impact force with a threshold.

8. The method of claim 7 comprising dynamically adjusting the threshold.

9. A moveable barrier operator comprising:

a port which provides a temporary connection with a portable'"'"'measurement device that is temporarily placed in the pathway of a movable barrier, the port configured to receive a measurement value from the portable measurement device directly representative of an impact force from the portable measurement device, the impact force representative of the force of the movable barrier impacting the portable measurement device; and

a controller coupled to the port which receives the impact force measurement value from the portable measurement device and compares the measurement value to a threshold, and based upon the comparison, adjusts at least one performance parameter of the moveable barrier operator.

10. The moveable barrier operator of claim 9 wherein the port is wired.

11. The moveable barrier operator of claim 9 wherein the port is wireless.

12. The moveable barrier operator of claim 9 wherein the at least one performance parameter relates to and controls a speed profile of the operator.

13. The moveable barrier operator of claim 9 wherein the at least one performance parameter relates to and controls a force profile of the operator.

14. A kit configured to be coupled to a moveable barrier operator and which measures the impact force exerted by the barrier when the barrier moves from an open position to a closed position, the kit comprising:

a portable measurement device configured to be placed in the pathway of the movable barrier and have contact with the movable barrier when the barrier is moved, the portable measurement device including an interface and measuring circuit;

a coupling device which removably couples the portable measurement device to a port in the moveable barrier operator, the measuring circuit generating an impact force signal representing an impact force measurement and effecting transmission of the impact force signal from the interface to the movable barrier operator.

15. The kit of claim 14 wherein the port is wired.

16. The kit of claim 14 wherein the port is wireless.