Concealable Doorstop Arm Assembly for Forced-Entry Resistance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door security measures are bulky, require manual deployment, or have removable parts that can be lost or stolen, and protrusions pose trip hazards, failing to provide effective and concealable protection against forced entry.
Innovation Solution
A deployable arm element integrated into the doorframe or wall, which can be easily actuated to prevent the door from opening beyond a certain point, with adjustable length and concealable design, optionally incorporating a pressure switch and alarm for enhanced security.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a doorstop with a hook member and mating part is used to lock the door in an open state, then the door can be secured against forced entry, but the protrusion from the floor creates a trip hazard
Solution Approach 1:
The doorstop assembly transitions from a static protruding configuration to a dynamic retractable mechanism. The arm assembly can extend to engage the door and then retract into a recess in the floor, eliminating the trip hazard while maintaining security functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The arm assembly is designed to nest within a recess in the floor when not in use. The housing contains the arm assembly, and the arm can be stored within the housing or recess, creating a flush surface that eliminates protrusions from the floor.
2Ease of operation
If a doorstop with a removable pin or key is used, then the device can be deployed and removed, but the removable parts can be lost or stolen, rendering the device useless in an emergency
Solution Approach 1:
The doorstop assembly is designed to be self-actuating through a solenoid mechanism. When activated, the solenoid automatically extends the arm assembly to engage the door without requiring manual insertion of pins or keys. The system serves itself by using the solenoid's movement to deploy the security function.
Solution Approach 2:
The traditional mechanical key-lock or removable pin system is replaced with an automated solenoid-actuated mechanism. The solenoid uses electromagnetic force to automatically extend and retract the arm assembly, eliminating the need for removable mechanical components that could be lost or stolen.
3Shape
If a deployable arm element is integrated into the doorframe or wall, then the door protection is concealable and does not stand out visually, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The doorstop assembly is merged with the doorframe or wall structure. The housing is integrated into the doorframe, and the arm assembly combines the stopping function with the structural elements of the doorframe, reducing visual prominence while maintaining functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The arm assembly is nested within the doorframe or wall when not in use. The housing is integrated into the doorframe structure, and the arm retracts into the housing, creating a flush, concealable appearance that does not stand out visually from the surrounding architecture.
4Reliability
If a pressure switch and alarm are added to the doorstop assembly, then enhanced security monitoring is provided, but the device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure switch provides feedback about the door's state and any forces applied to it. When the door is forced or the arm assembly is engaged, the pressure switch detects the change and triggers the alarm, creating a feedback loop that enhances security monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The pressure switch acts as an intermediary between the physical door state and the alarm system. It translates mechanical forces and door position into electrical signals that activate the alarm, providing a bridge between the mechanical doorstop function and the electronic security monitoring.
Data Source
AI summary
Security doorstop assemblies configured for securing a door closed or partially closed. The doorstop assemblies include a detent (e.g., arm) assembly attachable to a wall proximate a header of a doorframe associated with the door. The detent assembly includes means for allowing movement of the detent assembly between an inactive position, in which the detent assembly is proximate the wall and out of the contact with the door, and an active position, in which the detent assembly is remote from the wall and oriented to arrest the movement of the door as it is being swung open. Methods for securing a door using the doorstop assemblies are also disclosed.