Molly Ayala
The history of automatic sliding doors dates back to ancient times, with the first known automatic door invented in the first century AD by mathematician Heron of Alexandria in Roman Egypt. This early automatic door utilised heat from a fire to build up pressure and pump water into containers, which then acted as weights to open the temple doors. While this was not an electric sliding door, it demonstrated the concept of automating door opening. In the 1930s, the first modern automatic doors were developed, and in 1954, the first automatic sliding door was invented by Dee Horton and Lew Hewitt, using a mat actuator.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Date of Invention | 1st century AD |
| Inventor | Heron of Alexandria, a Greek mathematician and engineer |
| Mechanism | Heat from a fire lit by a temple priest was used to pump water from one receptacle to several containers using pressure |
| Function | Opening the doors of a temple |
| Further Applications | Opening the city gates |
| Modern Automatic Sliding Doors | First designed in 1931 by engineers Horace H. Raymond and Sheldon S. Roby of Stanley Works |
| First Commercially Successful Automatic Sliding Door | Created by Dee Horton and Lew Hewitt in 1954 |
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What You'll Learn
- The first automatic sliding doors were invented in 1954
- They were invented by Dee Horton and Lew Hewitt
- The doors were a solution to the wind problem in Corpus Christi, Texas
- The first automatic doors were invented by Heron of Alexandria in 10 AD
- Modern automatic sliding doors have various sensor technologies
The first automatic sliding doors were invented in 1954
The history of doors can be traced back to ancient times. The idea of a door was first conceived in ancient Egypt, with several tomb paintings featuring false doors as wall decorations. Archaeologists have also discovered evidence of sliding doors in ancient times, with Roman sliding door tracks uncovered in Pompeii, Italy, and early sliding doors with turns at the tops and bottoms to hang them found in Ancient Greece. These ancient doors were made of bronze and marble, rather than wood, for security and draft prevention.
Despite this early history of doors, it wasn't until the 20th century that the first automatic sliding doors were invented. In 1931, the first electronic automatic doors were invented by American engineers Horace H. Raymond and Sheldon S. Roby. This invention was an optical system that opened doors for waiters carrying trays and dishes, eliminating the need for manual effort.
However, the first automatic sliding doors as we know them today were invented in 1954 by Americans Dee Horton and Lew Hewitt. They utilized a mat actuator, also known as an electronic device installed underneath a mat, to open the door when a person approached. This invention was inspired by the difficulties people faced when using swing doors in windy Corpus Christi, Texas, and the need for a door that could handle heavy foot traffic in commercial spaces.
In 1960, Horton and Hewitt co-founded Horton Automatics Inc. and placed their automatic sliding doors on the market. These doors were the first commercial automatic sliding doors and marked the beginning of a new industry. Throughout the 1960s, automatic sliding doors became progressively more common, with improvements in technology and manufacturing making them more affordable and energy-efficient.
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They were invented by Dee Horton and Lew Hewitt
The first electric sliding door was invented in 1954 by Dee Horton and Lew Hewitt. The pair created the first automatic sliding door using a mat actuator. The invention was inspired by the need for a door that could handle heavy foot traffic in commercial spaces and the windy conditions in Corpus Christi, Texas, which made it difficult for people to use swing doors.
In 1960, six years after inventing the first automatic sliding door, Horton and Hewitt co-founded Horton Automatics Inc. and placed their product on the market. This marked the beginning of a new industry, with the first commercial automatic sliding doors becoming progressively more common throughout the 1960s.
The popularity of sliding doors in the 1960s was further bolstered by the invention of motion detectors in the same decade. The concept of low-energy swing doors was also introduced during this period, along with the first access doors for disabled individuals.
Today, automatic doors are equipped with various sensor technologies, including motion detectors, pressure sensors, and radio waves. They are designed with energy efficiency in mind and can be controlled remotely or integrated with security systems. The industry continues to evolve, with sustainability, accessibility, and aesthetic designs currently in focus.
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The doors were a solution to the wind problem in Corpus Christi, Texas
While it is unclear when the first electric sliding door was invented, sliding doors have existed since ancient times. The ancient Greeks used them, and archaeological evidence shows that the Romans did too, with tracks from sliding doors found in Pompeii.
The area is susceptible to wind events that can be categorized into two types: those occurring during the cool season (October through April) and those occurring during the warm season (May through September). Corpus Christi's proximity to the Gulf of America and southern Oklahoma also influences its wind patterns.
To mitigate the impact of these winds, electric sliding doors could be used in various settings. For example, in commercial spaces, hospitals, and transportation hubs, electric sliding doors provide several benefits. Firstly, they are space-efficient, requiring less room to operate compared to swinging doors. Secondly, they are accessible, making it easier for people with disabilities or those carrying large items to enter or exit.
Additionally, electric sliding doors offer convenience by automatically opening and closing, eliminating the need for manual effort. They also enhance safety with built-in sensors that prevent accidents and injuries. With Corpus Christi's unpredictable wind patterns, electric sliding doors can provide a practical solution by allowing easy and safe passage during windy conditions.
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The first automatic doors were invented by Heron of Alexandria in 10 AD
The concept of automatic doors dates back to ancient times, with the first automatic doors believed to have been used to open temple gates in Ancient Greece in the first century AD. The mathematician Heron of Alexandria in Roman Egypt invented the first automatic door, dating back to 10 AD. This early version of the automatic sliding door used heat emitted by a fire lit by a temple priest. The automation relied on atmospheric pressure, which would build over a few hours in a brass vessel, causing water to pump into containers.
The development of automatic doors has come a long way since Heron of Alexandria's invention. In the 1930s, engineers Dee Horton and Lew Hewitt in the U.S. created the first practical sliding automatic door. Their design was inspired by the need for a door that could handle heavy foot traffic in commercial spaces. This invention utilised a mat actuator, which had an electronic system hidden inside that would trigger the door to open when someone stood on the mat.
In 1954, Stanley Works developed the first commercially successful automatic sliding door system, using an electromagnetic mechanism to open the doors when someone approached. The popularity of automatic sliding doors grew in the 1960s, with advancements in technology and manufacturing improving their energy efficiency and affordability. Infrared sensors were introduced in the 1960s, enhancing the reliability and practicality of automatic doors for widespread use in various settings, including supermarkets, hotels, and airports.
Today, automatic doors are equipped with advanced sensor technologies, including motion detectors, pressure sensors, and radio waves. They are designed with a focus on sustainability, accessibility, and aesthetics. The industry continues to innovate, emphasising hands-free access and integrating automatic doors with security systems. The development of automatic doors has dramatically improved convenience, safety, and accessibility for people worldwide.
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Modern automatic sliding doors have various sensor technologies
The history of automatic sliding doors dates back to ancient times, with the first sliding doors appearing as early as the first century AD. The modern automatic sliding door, however, was invented much later to address specific issues, and it continues to play a significant role in our daily lives.
The first commercially successful automatic sliding door system was created in 1954 by Stanley Works, using an electromagnetic system to open doors when someone approached. This was followed by the invention of the first automatic sliding door by Dee Horton and Lew Hewitt in the same year, utilising a mat actuator.
Modern automatic sliding doors are now equipped with various sensor technologies, catering to different applications and specific needs. These sensors are essential for safety, activation, and presence detection, ensuring a smooth and secure experience for users. Here are some of the sensor technologies used in modern automatic sliding doors:
Infrared Sensors
Infrared sensors, introduced in the 1960s, detect when someone approaches the door and react in real time to changes in the entryway environment. They are widely used in supermarkets, hotels, and airports due to their reliability and practicality.
Motion Detector Sensors
Motion detectors, such as microwave sensors, can identify motion from people, objects, and even animals. Caution is necessary with these sensors as they trigger the door's opening mechanism upon any detected motion.
Presence Sensors
Presence sensors, activated by wave sensors, respond differently to motionless individuals within their range. When activated, the door operates at a safe speed to prevent collisions, making them suitable for swing and slide doors.
Dual Technology Sensors
Combining motion and presence sensing capabilities, dual technology sensors offer a versatile solution for automatic doors.
Safety Sensors
Safety sensors, such as photoelectric beam sensors, prevent doors from closing on individuals or objects near the door or on the door track. Beam sensors and ultrasonic sensors are commonly used to ensure user safety and accident prevention.
These sensor technologies enhance the functionality and safety of automatic sliding doors, making them a convenient and efficient choice for various settings, including commercial buildings, hospitals, and transportation hubs.
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Frequently asked questions
The first automatic sliding door was invented in 1954 by Americans Dee Horton and Lew Hewitt. The invention was inspired by the need for a door that could handle heavy foot traffic in commercial spaces.
The automatic sliding door used a mat actuator. This was an electronic device installed underneath a mat.
The first automatic sliding door was installed in 1960 in Corpus Christi, Texas.
