What Kind of Sensors Are Used in Hospital Automatic Doors?

Hospitals require seamless, hygienic, and safe movement of patients, staff, and equipment across various zones. Automatic doors in healthcare facilities play a crucial role in achieving this. At the heart of these doors are advanced sensors that enable hands-free operation, enhance infection control, and improve accessibility. In this article, we explore the types of sensors commonly used in hospital automatic doors and their roles in supporting the unique requirements of medical environments.

1. Motion Sensors (Microwave Sensors)

Function: Detect movement near the door.
Technology: Utilize microwave radar to detect motion within a specific range and direction.

Application in Hospitals:

Installed above doorways in corridors or entrances.

Automatically open doors when hospital staff or patients approach.

Ensure touchless operation to minimize contamination risk.

Advantages:

Wide detection area.

Quick response time.

Ideal for busy passageways with frequent movement.

2. Presence Sensors (Infrared Sensors)

Function: Detect the presence of a person or object in a defined area, even without motion.
Technology: Use active or passive infrared beams to monitor the space near the door.

Application in Hospitals:

Prevent doors from closing while a person or stretcher is still in the threshold.

Provide additional safety in ICU, ER, and patient transfer zones.

Advantages:

Increases safety by detecting stationary individuals.

Reduces risk of accidental door closure on patients or equipment.

3. Pressure Sensors (Floor Mats)

Function: Detect pressure changes when someone steps on a mat.
Technology: Use pressure-sensitive conductive materials embedded in mats.

Application in Hospitals:

Often used in controlled environments like operating rooms or cleanrooms.

Triggers door opening when someone steps on the mat.

Advantages:

Very reliable in fixed zones.

Offers precise detection without electromagnetic interference.

4. Touchless Activation Sensors

Function: Allow users to open doors by waving a hand or presenting an object.
Technology: Infrared proximity sensors or capacitive sensors.

Application in Hospitals:

Common near operating rooms, isolation wards, or clean zones.

Minimize physical contact with surfaces to reduce germ transmission.

Advantages:

Improves hygiene compliance.

Convenient for staff wearing gloves or carrying medical equipment.

5. Safety Sensors (Door Edge Sensors & Curtain Sensors)

Function: Prevent doors from closing on people or objects.
Technology: Infrared or laser-based scanning.

Application in Hospitals:

Critical in patient transport areas.

Ensures automatic doors don’t close when people or carts are in the doorway.

Advantages:

Provides high-level safety for patients and staff.

Reduces damage to equipment and injury risk.

6. Access Control Sensors

Function: Control door access based on credentials.
Technology: RFID, biometric, or keypad-based systems.

Application in Hospitals:

Used for restricted areas such as medication rooms, surgical zones, and staff-only sections.

Integrated with hospital security systems.

Advantages:

Prevents unauthorized access.

Enhances security and patient privacy.

Conclusion

Automatic doors in hospitals are much more than convenience features—they are vital components for hygiene, efficiency, and safety. The combination of motion, presence, pressure, touchless, safety, and access control sensors creates a seamless and secure environment tailored to healthcare needs. When selecting sensor systems for hospital automatic doors, it’s essential to consider patient flow, infection control, and operational safety to ensure optimal performance and compliance with healthcare standards.