Access Control Device Standalone Networked Lockdown Mode

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current access control systems requiring full networking for centralized lockdown functionality are complex and expensive, necessitating a more cost-effective and efficient solution for facilities like schools.

Innovation Solution

An access control device operates in a standalone mode with local control of locked/unlocked states and a wireless transceiver that switches to a higher-power state for networked lockdown mode upon receiving a lockdown signal, enabling communication with external devices while conserving power during normal operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If access control systems are fully networked to enable centralized lockdown functionality, then lockdown capability is improved, but system complexity and installation cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelockdown capabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides access control devices into standalone units that can operate independently but form a network when needed. Each device maintains local control capabilities while being able to join a wireless network for centralized lockdown, eliminating the need for continuous full networking infrastructure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The access control system dynamically transitions between standalone mode and networked lockdown mode. The wireless transceiver switches between lower-power standalone operation and higher-power networked operation based on whether centralized lockdown is required, allowing the system to adapt its complexity level to current needs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Adaptability or versatility

If access control systems are fully networked to enable centralized lockdown functionality, then lockdown capability is improved, but installation and operation cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelockdown capabilityVSAvoidinstallation cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system segments the networking requirement so that not all devices need continuous network connectivity. Standalone devices can be installed without expensive network infrastructure, and only transition to networked mode when lockdown is needed, reducing overall installation costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses cost-effective wireless transceivers that operate intermittently rather than expensive continuous networking infrastructure. The wireless communication is activated only when needed for lockdown, allowing use of more economical components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Loss of information

If wireless transceiver operates in higher-power state for networked lockdown mode, then communication capability is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication capabilityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The wireless transceiver operates periodically rather than continuously, switching to higher-power state only when lockdown communication is needed and returning to lower-power state during normal standalone operation. This periodic activation maintains communication capability while significantly reducing overall power consumption.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The transceiver dynamically adjusts its power state based on operational requirements, transitioning between lower-power standalone mode and higher-power networked lockdown mode. This dynamic power management ensures adequate communication capability during lockdown while minimizing energy consumption during normal operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS12254729B2Ripple network access control system

Publication Date: 2025.03.18 SCHLAGE LOCK CO LLC

AI summary

An exemplary method includes operating an access control device in a standalone mode, which involves controlling a locked/unlocked state of the access control device locally, and operating a wireless transceiver of the access control device in a lower-power state in which the wireless transceiver is operable to receive a lockdown signal from an external device. The method further includes operating the access control device in a networked lockdown mode in response to receiving the lockdown signal from the external device. Operating the access control device in the networked lockdown mode involves placing the access control device in a locked state, establishing a wireless communication connection with the external device via the wireless transceiver while operating the wireless transceiver in a higher-power state.