How Do Automatic Doors Work?

Have you ever wondered how automatic doors seem to magically open as you approach them? These clever devices have become a common sight in our daily lives, from supermarkets and offices to hospitals and airports.

In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the inner workings of automatic doors and explore the fascinating technology behind them.

The Basics of Automatic Door Systems 

An automatic door system consists of several key components that work together seamlessly. These include sensors, control units, motors and the door itself. Let’s break down each component:

1. Sensors

These little gadgets are the ones responsible for detecting when you’re near the door. They come in a few different varieties:

• Infrared sensors — These sensors emit invisible infrared light and detect when the light is reflected back, indicating the presence of a person or object. 
• Microwave sensors — These sensors emit low-power microwaves and measure the reflected energy to detect motion. 
• Pressure sensors —These sensors, often installed in floor mats, detect the weight of a person standing on them. 

  Control Unit

This clever device takes all the information from the sensors and decides when it’s time to open or close the doors. It’s also in charge of keeping things safe, making sure the doors don’t close on anyone or anything.

          Motor

Once the control unit gives the green light, it’s the motor’s time to shine. The motor provides the power to get those doors moving. In sliding door systems, the motor is usually above or below the doorway, while in swinging doors, it can be found above the door or in the floor.

          Door

Let’s not forget about the door itself. Automatic doors come in various materials, such as glass, metal or wood, and can be single or double-leaf configurations. They can be single or double-leaf, and they’re built to withstand the elements and stand up to regular use.

How it all works

Now that we’ve covered the main components, let’s see how they work together:

1. A person approaches the automatic door, triggering the sensors.
2. The sensors send a signal to the control unit, indicating the presence of a person.
3. The control unit processes the information and sends a signal to the motor to open the doors.
4. The motor engages, moving the doors open smoothly.
5. As the person passes through the doorway, the sensors continue to detect their presence, keeping the doors open.
6. Once the person has cleared the doorway, the sensors no longer detect their presence, and the control unit signals the motor to close the doors.
7. The doors close smoothly and securely, ready for the next person to approach.

Safety and maintenance

Safety is a top priority with automatic doors. To keep things running smoothly, regular maintenance is key. This means keeping the sensors clean, lubricating moving parts and giving the system a good once-over to make sure everything is in top shape.

At Complete Shutter Services, we specialise in the installation, repair and maintenance of a wide range of automatic doors and roller shutters. With over 30 years of experience, our expert team is dedicated to ensuring your automatic door systems work flawlessly. 

To learn more about our services or to request a quote, contact us today.