Building Alarm System Detects Door Lock Failure
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing building alarm systems and door lock systems do not effectively address the issue of automated door lock failure to engage, which can lead to security vulnerabilities, as they do not automatically arm an alarm state when a door is intended to be locked but fails to lock, potentially allowing unauthorized access or other security breaches.
Innovation Solution
An alarm system that detects when a door is in a closed position and receives a signal to lock, but fails to engage, automatically arms an alarm state upon detection of the door opening, and can also activate additional sensors for movement, window opening, sound, breakage, fire, or other conditions, sending notifications to users and authorities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an automated door lock is used to lock a door, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability deteriorates when the lock fails to engage
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the door lock engagement status through a lock sensor that detects whether the lock is engaged or disengaged. This feedback mechanism allows the alarm control panel to recognize when the lock fails to engage despite receiving an engage command, triggering an alarm state to alert users of the security vulnerability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary verification of lock engagement status immediately after receiving an engage command. By checking the lock sensor status before allowing the system to proceed to a disarmed state, the system prevents unauthorized access that would occur if the lock failure went undetected.
2Reliability
If the alarm system monitors lock engagement status, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The alarm control panel serves multiple functions: it acts as both the alarm control system and the monitoring device for lock engagement status. The existing alarm system's processor and communication interfaces are utilized to monitor lock status and trigger appropriate alarm states, eliminating the need for a separate dedicated monitoring device and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The lock monitoring function is merged with the alarm control panel's existing functionality. The system combines door sensor monitoring, lock status monitoring, and alarm state management into a single integrated control unit, reducing the number of separate components while maintaining comprehensive security monitoring.
3Reliability
If additional sensors are activated when lock fails to engage, then the reliability is improved, but the use of energy increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts sensor activation based on the lock engagement status. When the lock successfully engages, the system transitions to a disarmed state with reduced sensor activity. When lock failure is detected, the system transitions to an armed alarm state that activates additional monitoring sensors, thereby adapting energy consumption to the actual security risk level.
Solution Approach 2:
The system preemptively activates alarm states and additional sensor monitoring only when lock failure is detected, rather than keeping all sensors continuously active. This preliminary response to the specific condition of lock failure prevents unnecessary energy consumption while maintaining reliability when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A building alarm system and automated door lock arranged to place the alarm system in an armed state when a door lock fails to engage to lock an associated door in a closed position. Activation of a single button by a user or use of specific code by a user to gain access to a building can cause the alarm system to automatically rearm and for door locks at the building to be locked after entry by the user. A first responder code can be used by first responder personnel to gain access to a building after an alarm system indicates an alarm state, e.g., that corresponds to an emergency condition.