By The Precedent 
In the fast-paced world we live in, convenience and efficiency are more important than ever, and automatic doors are a prime example of how technology can simplify our daily lives.
Whether you’re entering a shopping mall, hospital, or office building, automatic doors open with ease, allowing us to pass through without lifting a finger.
But how do these doors actually work? And are they without their flaws? In this article, we’ll explore the technology behind automatic doors, how they operate when humans are involved, and weigh their advantages against the potential disadvantages.
Whether you’re considering installing automatic doors or simply curious about how they function, this guide will provide all the answers you need.
How Do Automatic Doors Work Once Human?
Automatic doors are commonly found in various commercial and residential spaces, such as shopping malls, hospitals, airports, and hotels. They open and close automatically in response to stimuli, typically detecting human presence or motion.
These doors use sensors, motors, and control units to function, with infrared sensors, motion detectors, and pressure sensors being the most common types.
When a person approaches, the sensor detects movement or body heat, sending a signal to the control system to activate the motor and open the door. Once the person passes, the door closes automatically after a short delay.
1. Sensor Activation
Most automatic doors use infrared sensors or motion detectors to detect the presence of a person. These sensors can detect body heat or movement within a specific range.
When someone walks towards the door, the sensor recognizes the movement or body heat and sends a signal to the control system.
2. Signal to the Control Unit
The signal sent by the sensor is received by the door’s control unit. This unit processes the data from the sensor and activates the motor mechanism that drives the movement of the door. The control unit ensures that the door opens at the right time and for the right duration to allow the person to pass through.
3. Activation of the Motor
Once the control unit receives the signal, it activates the door’s motor. In most cases, the motor is connected to an arm or track that moves the door.
For sliding doors, the motor moves the door horizontally along a track. For swing doors, the motor rotates the door on its hinges.
4. Opening and Closing
After activation, the door begins to open. The motion continues until the sensor detects that the person has passed or is far enough away for the door to close.
After a short delay to ensure the person has safely passed, the sensor detects the absence of movement and sends a signal to the control unit to close the door.
The closing process is often controlled with a reverse function built into the system. This ensures that if there is any obstruction, such as a person or object in the way, the door will stop closing and may even reverse its movement to prevent injury.
5. Safety Mechanisms
Safety is crucial for automatic doors, particularly in environments with high foot traffic. Sensors are often calibrated to detect obstructions in the doorway, which can trigger the door to reverse or stop altogether to avoid accidents.
Some doors also have pressure-sensitive mats or additional infrared sensors placed along the door’s edges to further enhance safety.
Can Automatic Doors Be Opened Manually?
While automatic doors are designed for convenience, they can still be opened manually when needed. This ability is built into most automatic door systems to ensure flexibility and ease of use in various situations. Here’s how it works:
1. Manual Override Function
Most automatic doors are equipped with a manual override feature. This allows individuals to open the door by hand, either by turning a handle, pushing a button, or disengaging the motor. The manual override is particularly useful in the event of a power failure, malfunctioning sensors, or during maintenance.
In the event of a malfunction, manual control ensures that people can still use the door, ensuring that accessibility is maintained. This is especially important in buildings, including Capsule Houses, that need to comply with accessibility regulations, such as those providing services to the elderly or people with disabilities.
2. Unlocking the Motor Mechanism
Some automatic doors have a system that allows the motor to be disengaged entirely, either by unlocking a latch or by deactivating the electronic system that powers the door.
Once this is done, the door can be manually pushed or pulled open. Depending on the door type, this may involve sliding it along a track or swinging it on its hinges.
3. Manually Pushing the Door
In some cases, automatic doors can operate in a reduced capacity, where the motor provides partial assistance but a person can still push the door open manually.
However, it’s important to handle the door with care, as improper handling or excessive force may damage it. Additionally, safety mechanisms like sensors may not work properly when the door is manually operated, which could pose safety risks.
What Are the Disadvantages of Automatic Doors?
While automatic doors offer convenience and accessibility, they are not without their drawbacks. Despite their many advantages, there are certain disadvantages to consider before installing or relying on them. These include:
1. Cost
The initial installation cost of automatic doors is generally higher than that of traditional manual doors. Automatic doors require sophisticated sensors, control systems, and motor mechanisms, all of which contribute to their higher price. Additionally, installation may require specific infrastructure such as electrical wiring and sensor placement, which can increase the cost further.
Beyond the installation cost, maintenance and repair of automatic doors can also be costly. Because these doors rely on complex systems, repairs can be more expensive compared to regular manual doors. Malfunctions in the sensor or motor systems often require professional service, adding to the overall cost of ownership.
2. Maintenance
Automatic doors require regular maintenance to ensure that they function properly. Sensors can become misaligned, motors can wear out, and tracks may need to be cleaned to keep them running smoothly.
Regular maintenance checks are essential to prevent issues that could compromise the functionality and safety of the door.
If maintenance is not performed on a regular basis, the door may fail to open or close properly, leading to potential hazards. A malfunctioning automatic door might also be more prone to accidents, especially if the sensors fail to detect obstacles.
3. Energy Consumption
While automatic doors are designed to save energy by regulating the opening and closing of doors based on foot traffic, they can still consume significant amounts of power.
In particular, sliding doors that open and close frequently or have large sensors may use more energy than traditional manual doors.
In commercial buildings where automatic doors are used heavily, this can add up to increased electricity costs. Additionally, doors with heating or cooling elements to maintain the temperature of the interior spaces may consume even more energy.
4. Security Concerns
Automatic doors can sometimes present security risks. Since they open automatically when motion is detected, it is possible for unauthorized individuals to gain entry without human interaction.
In places where security is a concern, this could be problematic, especially if the sensors are too sensitive or fail to detect movement accurately.
Moreover, automatic doors might not provide the same level of security as manually locked doors, as their reliance on sensors and motors can be vulnerable to tampering or hacking in certain cases.
5. Safety Hazards
Automatic doors can be a safety risk, especially in high-traffic areas. Sensor malfunctions may cause doors to close on people or objects, leading to injuries.
Additionally, those unfamiliar with automatic doors, such as the elderly or people with disabilities, may struggle to use them safely.
Conclusion
Automatic doors are an integral part of modern buildings, offering convenience, accessibility, and efficiency.
They work through sensors that detect human presence or movement, triggering the door to open and close automatically. They can also be operated manually in case of a malfunction or power outage.
However, despite their many benefits, automatic doors also have their downsides. High installation and maintenance costs, potential security issues, energy consumption, and safety concerns are some of the disadvantages to consider.
Ultimately, automatic doors offer a fantastic balance of convenience and functionality, but understanding their limitations and potential issues will help in making an informed decision when choosing or using them.