RaCon-D: Smart Radar Motion Sensor for Automatic Doors

A highlight of the new RaCon-D radar motion sensor is the optimized software with swing door suppression function, meaning that fewer sensors are required for monitoring double swing doors. Previously, operating such automatic doors with radar motion sensors required two devices on the door hinge side in addition to the sensor on the hinge opposite side to avoid accidental activation caused by the movement of the swing door. Typically, these sensors were positioned on the left and right above the hinge, since a centrally positioned sensor would have reacted to the movement of the door leaves. However, the RaCon-D software with swing door suppression function ignores the movement of the closing door, meaning that only one device is required on the door hinge side. In this way, the number of sensors required is reduced by a third—and therefore so are the costs.

The direction detection of the RaCon-D triggers the opening impulse depending on the direction of movement. The automatic doors only open when people move toward them, not when people move away from them. This minimizes the opening cycles, which means that building automation has a positive effect on energy savings. Where entrance automation meets areas with a high volume of people, the cross-traffic suppression of the RaCon-D radar motion sensor is a crucial function. The optimized sensor software ensures that movements that are not directed toward the door are reliably suppressed in train stations, airports, and shopping centers. This not only allows optimal control of the flow of people, but also ensures that the doors remain closed in the event of cross-traffic, saving both energy and costs.

Even for the best radar sensors, it is a challenge when very slow movements have to be reliably detected. Nevertheless, barrier-free access must be ensured in hospitals or care facilities at the pace of each individual. The optimized software of the RaCon-D offers a slow-motion function that adapts perfectly to these application requirements. The hold time that a door remains open also plays an important role in entrance automation. The hold time control of the RaCon-D radar motion sensor enables individual adaptation to the respective application requirements. This means that the hold time can either be set manually or, if OPT mode is selected, the door closes as soon as it has been passed through. The immunity mode also offers a type of noise suppression against external events such as weather, vibration, and ambient light, which can be activated depending on the installation situation. Furthermore, the CAN-ready sensors can be easily integrated into a CAN bus system and provide the user with access to significantly more status data.

Alongside its impressive performance, the RaCon-D offers a modern, esthetic design. In addition to the standard version in black, the radar motion sensor is available with housing colors in silver and white. The device can be perfectly matched to the color of the door frame and easily integrated into any entrance area.

In addition to the RaCon-D, Pepperl+Fuchs also offers the RaCon-D-BLE version, the first sensor for automatic doors that features a Bluetooth function and can be configured using an app. A mobile end device and the RaControl app are required, allowing the user to make settings easily via remote access. In this case, a remote control is no longer necessary, but can still be used if desired. Moreover, the settings can also be made directly on the device at the push of a button.

• Cost reduction in double-leaf door applications due to swing door suppression
• Optimized cross-traffic suppression results in improved flow of people
• Standard and optimized premium features ensure flexibility in terms of application requirements
• Cross-traffic suppression, slow-motion mode, and hold time lead to optimized door openings and, as a result, energy savings
• Simple and flexible remote settings via the remote control or the RaControl app (RaCon-D-BLE)
• Choice of housing color for discreet integration into any door design