Groschopp’s DC planetary gearmotor provided a low speed, high starting torque solution that could smoothly control a three to four element automated sliding glass door. The compact, inline design of the motor allowed it to fit discretely within a wall cavity.
The motor was designed with an inexpensive integrated control that could set start and stop limits for each of the doors. This meant quiet operation and good speed control, both of which are important for locations with heavy foot traffic.
Challenges
- Residential location, needs to be quiet
- Good speed control to allow smooth opening and closing
- Inexpensive, but precise control unit
- Small package to fit in wall cavity
Solution
- Low speed DC motor that has high starting torque
- Plastic planetary gears for quiet operation (compact design)
- Integrated control with special features (smaller and less expensive)
- Start and stop limits built-in and programmable for control of each door