A door closer is an automatic tool that prevents a door from slamming by closing it gently. This is one of the generally used inventions in business.

(This should be your automatic door company if you’re in the USA)

Now, let’s view the birth of the automatic door closer.

Birth Of Automatic Door Closer

An automatic door closer originated by an ancient Greek mathematician Lewis C. Norton in 1870.

Before the invention of Automatic Door Closers, tools consisting of springs and weights were employed to assist in closing and maintaining the closure of doors. These devices had irregular shutting speeds and were noisy. 

Francis Richards was said to be the first US patent to receive a door-closing mechanism from the US Patent Office on November 25, 1873. It was made up of a tube with a spring inside of it, and a screw that served as a speed valve for closing. The Patent Office granted Lewis C. Norton a patent for a pneumatic door closing on June 15, 1880. This contraption improved Richards’ door closer by inflating the cylinder with air. The new closer was more helpful at closing and had better speed control. As a result of the air pressure, the door didn’t smash shut.

Purpose Of Automatic Door Closers

In business buildings, toilet doors, fire doors, and exit doors are where door closers are most frequently installed. Any door that passes through a firewall during a fire needs to be fire-rated. In the event of a fire, fire doors must be closed to help stop the spread of flames and smoke. When a fire is in the building, any fire doors typically left open must automatically close and lock. 

Door closers are typically used as a fire prevention regulation, commonly put in on fire doors and aiding in curbing draughts.

The recent door closer was more efficient at closing the door and had improved shutting performance and speed control. 

 Hotel and apartment entry doors must also be locked as guests leave. Thus, door closers are also needed for these doors. Door closers are crucial for energy conservation. Due to the Americans with Disabilities Act, more doors than ever need closers to prevent heated or cooled air from escaping (ADA).

How An Automatic Door Closer Works

Dampers are frequently used in hydraulic and pneumatic closers to manage the closing power and speed. Soft closing is a common feature of hydraulic closers. On the other hand, mechanical closers use object friction rather than oil to control closing force and speed. Mechanical closers are more robust to extreme temperature changes because they don’t have an oil damper.

There are different types of door closers. Each function is similar but is installed on different sides of the door. The most common door closer used in commercial buildings today is the Modern Type closers, with or without the cover.

Conclusion

Automatic door closers should never bang the door closed. A suitably regulated automatic door closer will gently close the door.

By Manali