National Automatic Door Day – March 19 is a day to celebrate the automatic doors we encounter in our daily lives. These doors, often made of glass, open and close without requiring any physical effort from you. The automatic door system is so seamlessly integrated into our society that we rarely stop to think about how much it improves our convenience. Whether you’re walking into a shopping mall, a hospital, or a restaurant, these doors make our lives simpler and more comfortable.
History
The concept of automatic doors is not as modern as we might think. In fact, the idea dates back to the ancient Greeks. The earliest automatic doors were powered by steam. Heron of Alexandria, a Greek engineer, is credited with inventing the first automatic door in the 1st century AD. Heron’s invention used steam to power the opening and closing of temple doors, creating a surprising experience for worshipers.
However, it wasn't until much later that automatic doors as we know them today began to take shape. In the 20th century, the development of electric-powered automatic doors began to emerge. The first patent for a modern automatic door system was filed by George C. Bingham in 1954. His invention used a series of electrical sensors to open and close the doors automatically when someone approached. This revolutionary idea quickly caught on, especially in commercial spaces like shopping centers and hospitals, where convenience and accessibility were essential.
How To Celebrate
1. Take a Walk Through Automatic Doors
The simplest way to celebrate National Automatic Door Day – March 19 is to take a stroll through automatic doors. Head to your local mall, grocery store, or even a public library. Take a moment to appreciate the smooth functionality of these doors and how they improve your daily routine. You might even want to take a few photos or videos to share on social media with the hashtag #NationalAutomaticDoorDay!
2. Learn More About How They Work
If you’re curious about the mechanics of automatic doors, National Automatic Door Day is the perfect time to learn more about them. Research the different types of sensors used, like motion, infrared, and pressure sensors. You can even visit a local business that uses automatic doors and ask about how their system works.
3. Educate Others
Since National Automatic Door Day – March 19 is all about raising awareness of automatic doors, share your knowledge with others. Maybe tell your friends and family how these doors were invented and how they work. You could even start a conversation about the importance of accessibility and energy efficiency in modern buildings.
4. Support Businesses with Automatic Doors
Many businesses, especially those in the retail and healthcare industries, rely on automatic doors to enhance customer experience. On this special day, why not support local businesses that use automatic doors? It’s a fun way to acknowledge the role these innovations play in everyday life.
5. Share Fun Facts on Social Media
Share fun facts and trivia about automatic doors on your social media platforms. You can highlight how Heron of Alexandria invented the first automatic door, or you could post a picture of your favorite automatic door. Use the hashtag #NationalAutomaticDoorDay and encourage others to join in on the celebration.
Amazing Facts
The First Automatic Door: While Heron of Alexandria created the first automatic door using steam, modern automatic doors were invented by George C. Bingham in 1954. He patented the first electromechanical automatic door system.
Sensors Galore: Modern automatic doors use a variety of sensors to detect motion. These can include infrared sensors, ultrasonic sensors, and pressure sensors, all designed to respond to your movements and open the door without physical touch.
Energy Efficiency at Its Best: Automatic doors are designed to minimize energy loss. They open only when someone is nearby, ensuring that heat or cool air doesn’t escape unnecessarily.
Common in Airports: If you’ve ever flown, you’ve likely encountered automatic doors at the airport. These doors are essential for airports, providing easy access for thousands of travelers while helping to maintain security and energy efficiency.
Used in Space: Did you know that automatic doors have been used in space exploration? NASA uses automatic doors on their spacecraft, as they help astronauts access various compartments without the need for manual door operation.
Faq's
1. Who invented automatic doors?
The concept of automatic doors dates back to Heron of Alexandria, who created a steam-powered door in the 1st century AD. However, modern automatic doors were patented by George C. Bingham in 1954.
2. What types of sensors are used in automatic doors?
Automatic doors use various sensors such as infrared sensors, ultrasonic sensors, and motion detectors to detect when someone is nearby. These sensors then trigger the door to open.
3. Are automatic doors energy-efficient?
Yes! Automatic doors are energy-efficient because they open only when needed and close quickly, helping to maintain the indoor temperature of a building and reduce heating or cooling costs.
4. Why are automatic doors important for accessibility?
Automatic doors are crucial for accessibility because they allow people with disabilities, such as those in wheelchairs or using walkers, to enter and exit buildings without the need to open heavy doors manually.
5. Where are automatic doors commonly found?
Automatic doors can be found in a wide variety of places, including shopping malls, hospitals, airports, office buildings, and restaurants. They are used wherever convenience and accessibility are important.
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