Building Alarm System Arming on Door Lock Failure
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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 fails to lock, potentially allowing unauthorized access or missed alerts.
Innovation Solution
The system integrates a door sensor and a door lock that, upon receiving a command to lock a door and failing to do so, automatically arms the alarm system to an armed state, triggering alerts if the door is opened or if other security conditions are detected, such as movement, window opening, or fire, and allows disarming with a single button or specific code for authorized access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If automated door lock is used to lock door, then door locking function is improved, but security reliability deteriorates when lock fails to engage
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors the door lock engagement status through a lock status indicator and door position sensor. When the door lock fails to engage properly, the system receives feedback about this failure condition and automatically responds by arming the alarm system. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures that security reliability is maintained even when the automated door lock fails, as the alarm system compensates for the locking failure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary monitoring of the door lock engagement status before the door can be opened. By detecting whether the door lock is properly engaged in advance, the system can proactively arm the alarm system if a locking failure is detected, preventing potential security breaches before they occur.
2Ease of operation
If alarm system is manually armed, then user control is improved, but response time deteriorates when lock failure is not detected
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides self-service by automatically detecting door lock engagement failures and arming itself without requiring user intervention. The alarm system monitors the lock status through sensors and autonomously determines when arming is necessary, eliminating the delay that would occur if manual arming were required. This self-service capability ensures immediate response to locking failures while maintaining user control through the ability to manually disarm or configure the system.
3Reliability
If door lock engagement status is monitored, then security detection is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The door position sensor serves multiple functions: it detects whether the door is closed or open, determines if the door lock is properly engaged, and provides input for arming/disarming the alarm system. By making this single sensor multi-functional, the system achieves improved security detection without proportionally increasing complexity. The lock status indicator also serves dual purposes by providing both visual feedback to users and input signals for the alarm control logic.
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.