Active Shooter Security Housing with Dual Sensor Locking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing active shooter security systems fail to provide secure access to weapons and identification for authorized users while preventing mistaken identity by law enforcement, as they lack a system of locks connected to sensors that can unlock a housing in response to gunshots and do not ensure safe and secure access to self-defense tools for bystanders.

Innovation Solution

An active shooter security system with a housing that has a locking mechanism comprising two sensors and locks, where the first sensor detects gunshots to unlock the first lock, and the second sensor, a biometric scanner, unlocks the second lock upon recognizing an authorized user, allowing access to a weapon and garment, while markers help identify the user to responders, preventing mistaken identity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If weapons are kept in an unsecured manner in a facility, then authorized users can quickly access them during an active shooter event, but the weapons become available to individuals with criminal intent

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess speedVSAvoidsecurity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-positioning weapons in a secured housing with automated locking mechanisms. The sensors and locks are prepared in advance to automatically secure weapons when not in use, while enabling rapid access when needed through automated unlocking triggered by sensor detection or authorized input.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If a locking mechanism with multiple locks and sensors is implemented, then weapon security is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidlocking mechanism complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges multiple security functions into a single integrated housing unit. The first and second locks, along with their corresponding sensors, are combined in one location, allowing centralized control and monitoring. This consolidation reduces the overall system complexity compared to distributed locking mechanisms while maintaining high security standards.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If markers are provided to identify authorized users, then mistaken identity by law enforcement is reduced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveidentification accuracyVSAvoidmarker system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses color-coded markers with distinct patterns that can be quickly identified by law enforcement. The markers feature high-visibility colors and unique configurations that allow for rapid visual differentiation between authorized users and potential threats, enabling fast identification during critical situations without requiring complex electronic identification systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #32Color changes

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The system ensures safe and secure access to self-defense tools for authorized users during active shooter events, reducing the risk of mistaken identity by law enforcement and providing a means for users to communicate with emergency responders, thus enhancing bystander safety.

Implementation Method 1

The first sensor is configured to detect a decibel level corresponding to a gunshot

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAcoustic wave detection: Sound

Data Source

PatentUS10636281B2Active shooter security system
Publication Date: 2020.04.28 SNAKENBERG JOHN M
  • US10636281B2 patent drawing
  • US10636281B2 patent drawing
  • US10636281B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A security system for responding to an active shooter. The system includes a housing with a panel providing access to an interior volume thereof via a locking mechanism. The locking mechanism includes a first and second sensor corresponding to a first and second lock, respectively. Upon detection of a decibel level corresponding to a gunshot or upon actuation of a lever, the first sensor unlocks the first lock. Upon detection of an authorized user, the second sensor unlocks the second lock. Once both the first and second locks are unlocked, a weapon and garment disposed within the housing are accessible. A plurality of markers corresponding to a plurality of indicia are disposed within the housing. A marker is securable to the garment and serves to identify the authorized user to emergency responders. One of the indicia are activated at random to indicate to the authorized user which marker to don.