Sliding doors operated by a remote control device

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Discussion Overview

The discussion revolves around the feasibility and design considerations for operating sliding doors with a remote control device. Participants explore various aspects including the necessary modifications, potential technologies, and safety features related to this automation concept.

Discussion Character

  • Exploratory
  • Technical explanation
  • Debate/contested

Main Points Raised

  • Some participants suggest that sliding doors can be operated with a remote control device, but specifics on design and construction changes are needed.
  • One participant mentions consulting a local contractor for implementation details and costs.
  • There is a reference to an existing product that automates sliding doors, indicating that such technology is available.
  • Concerns are raised about safety features, such as the need for an "electric eye" photocell to prevent accidents when the doors close.
  • Participants discuss the possibility of integrating smartphone apps for control, contingent on having the right installation for Wi-Fi connectivity.
  • One participant proposes using smart speakers for voice control of the doors, while also noting potential security issues with automatic opening features.
  • Customization needs for different sliding door designs and the associated challenges with motor placement and app functionality are highlighted.
  • There is a suggestion to use RFID technology for a selective pet door, although concerns about signal-to-noise ratio are mentioned.
  • Another participant proposes using a linear actuator controlled by Arduino as a potential solution for door automation.

Areas of Agreement / Disagreement

Participants generally agree that it is possible to automate sliding doors with remote control, but there are multiple competing views on the specific technologies, safety features, and customization requirements needed for different designs. The discussion remains unresolved regarding the best approach and implementation details.

Contextual Notes

Limitations include the need for specific installation conditions for Wi-Fi control, the variability in sliding door designs that may affect motor placement, and unresolved technical details regarding the effectiveness of proposed solutions.

akerkarprashant
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TL;DR
Sliding doors operated by a remote control device.
Attached are some Sliding doors images.

Can they be operated with a remote control device?
The remote control device will have buttons for opening & closing the left and right door.

What will be the design & construction changes in the sliding doors so that they can be operated using a remote control device?

We have to convert the Sliding doors fixing with electric motors?

If yes, where could be the positions of the electrical motors one each for left and right sliding door?

Can this be achieved?
 

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I'm sure it can be achieved. You should see a local contractor for implementation details and cost.
 
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One thing to look for -- if it will be able to auto-close, it should have an "electric eye" photocell setup just off the ground to detect if there are any things/pets/people in the doorway (kind of like how a garage door opener/closer has the photocell system).
 
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Thanks.

Smartphone app/s can be designed and developed for controlling the Sliding Doors using WIFI?
 
akerkarprashant said:
Thanks.

Smartphone app/s can be designed and developed for controlling the Sliding Doors using WIFI?
Yes, I'm confident that that can be done, assuming that the installation has provision for a remote wifi signal controller, not just a manual button near the door.
 
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akerkarprashant said:
Smartphone app/s can be designed and developed for controlling the Sliding Doors using WIFI?
Even better, you could make your smart speaker (Alexa, Google Echo, Apple Siri) do it by voice command.

Or you could make the door open automatically when a person approaches it. (Convenient, but security problems.)

Running a smartphone app to open the door sounds too slow and annoying.
 
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I had a great inspiration for a selective pet door that would only open for your pet using RFID (originally I thought mayde you could use the injected ID chip...probably not enough S/N). Of course it has already been marketed

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B009NH6NR0/?tag=pfamazon01-20

I guess the S/N of the implanted chip isenough
 
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Thanks.

As the Sliding doors design varies with number of doors (2,3,4 ... n) there would be customisation required for every Sliding Doors product in terms of fixing motors, Smartphone app customisation, remote control functions?
 
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Great arduino project.

And for a safety function, in addition to the photo eye, you can monitor the drive motor current, and sense if the door has struck something - this of course needs a good smooth door function.
 
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  • #13
How about a linear actuator? Would a simple and inexpensive actuator controlled by Arduino be adequate for this purpose?

I use a water bottle, wire and pulley to make a DIY automatic door closer for my sliding screen doors. (the picture is not mine).

1640808547259.png
 

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