Automatic Doors

Automatic doors, also known as auto doors, are doors that open and close without the need for human intervention. Instead, these doors are equipped with sensors or automated technology. They have become a common feature in various settings, including healthcare facilities, educational institutions, residential buildings, and commercial establishments.

At the heart of all our automatic door solutions is a meticulously designed door system made up of various essential components. These components work together to ensure a smooth and reliable operation. Sensors detect the presence of people and help the door to open and close smoothly as required. Control panels, motors, and gears coordinate these movements, resulting in a responsive and efficient door system.

The linear slide mechanism is crucial to the operation of many automated doors, allowing them to move fluidly. This mechanism makes use of complex engineering principles to allow doors to slide smoothly along a linear path. The linear slide mechanism ensures a quiet, reliable, and visually appealing operation by minimising friction and optimising precision. This mechanism contributes to the overall efficiency and aesthetics of automatic doors, whether in retail spaces, airports, or healthcare facilities.

Automatic door systems offer numerous benefits. They enhance accessibility by providing a seamless and user-friendly access point for individuals, including those with mobility issues. In addition, they contribute to increased efficiency and improved safety in buildings. Their ability to automatically detect the presence of people or objects nearby allows for convenient and hands-free operation, especially in high-traffic areas.

One of the most advantageous features of automatic door systems is how they contribute to ease of access. When people approach, doors automatically open without requiring physical contact thanks to motion sensors. Extra convenience is offered by touchless controls like keycard systems and proximity sensors. Easy access features make automatic door systems the preferred option in a variety of settings by improving user experience and addressing hygiene-related issues.

Safety is given top priority when it comes to the design and installation of our automated doors as their dependability is vital in emergency situations. Modern systems are made to recognize heat, smoke, or other fire-related indicators, and they automatically trigger the doors to close in order to stop the spread of the fire. Safety sensors also stop doors from shutting on people, guaranteeing that users are in a secure environment.

There are different types of automatic doors available, including sliding doors, swinging doors, and folding doors. Each type serves specific purposes and offers distinct advantages. For example, sliding doors are effective for two-way traffic, while swinging doors have a feature that allows them to swing open in emergencies.

The concept of automated entryways can be traced back to ancient civilisations such as Greece, where temples and theatres had large, heavy doors manipulated by ropes and pulleys.

Inventors and engineers in the nineteenth century developed early automatic door systems using mechanical methods such as counterweights and pneumatic devices. Innovation in the twentieth century such as electromagnetic sensors, resulted in significant advancements in automatic door technology. These sensors allowed doors to open automatically when human presence is detected.

Automatic doors today rely on sophisticated sensors, infrared technology, and energy-efficient components, making them highly reliable and adaptable to specific needs.

Automatic doors and power-assisted doors serve the purpose of assisting people in entering or exiting a building, but they function differently:

1. Automatic Doors:
   • Fully Automated: Automatic doors are doors that open and close automatically without requiring any physical effort from individuals. They typically utilize sensors (such as motion sensors, pressure sensors, or infrared sensors) to detect the presence of a person approaching the door. These doors open automatically upon detection and often close automatically after a certain delay.
   • No Physical Force: Users do not need to push or pull the door to open it; the mechanism does it automatically.
   • Types: They come in various types, such as sliding automatic doors, swing doors, revolving doors, or folding doors.
2. Power-Assisted Doors:
   • Semi-Automatic: Power-assisted doors, also known as low-energy automatic doors, require minimal physical force to open and close. They are not fully automated like automatic doors.
   • Minimal Force Required: These doors are equipped with a mechanism that assists individuals in opening or closing them by reducing the amount of physical effort needed. They often have a button, push plate, or a lever that, when activated, initiates the motor to assist in opening or closing the door.
   • Safety Features: They are designed with safety features to ensure that the doors open slowly and smoothly, reducing the risk of accidents.

In Ireland, regulations regarding the maintenance of automatic doors are primarily covered under the Safety, Health, and Welfare at Work Act 2005, which places a duty on employers and building owners to provide a safe working environment for their employees, visitors, and members of the public. While there might not be specific laws mandating the frequency of maintenance for automatic doors, it’s essential to ensure that they are properly maintained to meet safety standards and prevent accidents.

Regarding the maintenance requirements for automatic doors, the following tasks are typically recommended:

1. Regular Inspections: Conduct routine visual inspections to check for any visible damages, wear and tear, or irregularities in the door’s operation. This might include examining sensors, door panels, tracks, hinges, and other components.
2. Lubrication: Lubricate moving parts regularly to ensure smooth operation and prevent friction-related issues.
3. Cleaning: Keep sensors, lenses, and other components clean to ensure proper functioning. Dust, dirt, or debris accumulation can interfere with sensors and hinder door operation.
4. Functionality Testing: Test the door’s safety features, such as motion sensors, safety beams, and automatic reversal mechanisms, to ensure they are working correctly.
5. Electrical System Check: Inspect electrical connections, wires, and control panels to identify and address any potential electrical issues.