Access Control System Automatic Alarm Disarming

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing access control systems require homeowners to share a disarming code with tradespeople, posing a security risk as the code could be disclosed to burglars.

Innovation Solution

An access control system that uses a mechanical key or biometric authentication to grant access, allowing tradespeople to disarm the alarm system by closing the door within a predetermined time after entry, eliminating the need to share a disarming code.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the alarm device is automatically disarmed when authorized access rights are read, then authorized users can open the door without triggering the alarm, but the disarming code must be shared with tradespeople which creates a security risk

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of door opening for authorized usersVSAvoidsecurity of disarming code
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the disarming function into two parts: automatic disarming when the door is closed after authorized entry, and manual disarming using a code. This allows tradespeople to disarm the alarm by closing the door without needing the manual disarming code, eliminating the security risk of code sharing while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The alarm system automatically disarms itself when the door is closed following authorized entry, without requiring manual intervention or a disarming code. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for homeowners to share disarming codes with tradespeople, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If a separate disarming code is required to disarm the alarm system, then security is enhanced, but tradespeople cannot enter without being provided both the card and the code which complicates the access process

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity of alarm systemVSAvoidease of access for tradespeople
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system separates the entry function (using access card) from the disarming function (automatic upon door closure). Tradespeople only need the access card to enter, and the alarm automatically disarms when they close the door. The manual disarming code remains secure and is only needed if the door is opened without authorization, thus maintaining both security and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The alarm system automatically disarms itself when the door is closed after authorized entry, eliminating the need for tradespeople to have or use a manual disarming code. This self-service disarming mechanism maintains security by preserving the code while simplifying access for tradespeople to only require the access card.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If the alarm system is designed to trigger an alarm when the door is opened, then intrusion detection is improved, but false alarms are triggered when authorized users open the door

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintrusion detection capabilityVSAvoidfalse alarms
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses feedback from the access control system to determine whether to trigger the alarm. When authorized access rights are read and the door is opened, the access control system provides feedback that this is authorized entry, preventing the alarm from triggering. When unauthorized entry is detected, the alarm triggers appropriately, thus improving intrusion detection while eliminating false alarms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary verification of access rights before allowing door opening. The access control system checks the card in advance, and only if authorized does it allow door opening without triggering the alarm. This preliminary action distinguishes between authorized and unauthorized entry, preventing false alarms while maintaining intrusion detection capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP4407580B1Access control system
Publication Date: 2026.02.25 COGELEC
  • EP4407580B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4407580B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

This system includes: - an access control unit (110) configured to generate information indicating that a person is an authorized person to enter, and - an alarm module (130) configured to automatically disarm an alarm device, without a disarm code having been acquired by a reader, if the following two conditions are met: - condition 1): the alarm module has established, from the information generated by the access control unit, that the opening of the entrance door which triggered the countdown of a predetermined time interval to enter the disarm code, results from the movement of a bolt mechanism by an authorized person to enter, and - condition 2): during the predetermined time interval counted from the detection of the opening of the entrance door, the closing of the entrance door is detected.