Door Fastening Sensor Detecting Electrical Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door and window sensors can only detect if a door or window is closed, but not if it is securely fastened into the frame, which can lead to security vulnerabilities as they may not alert users if the fastening mechanism is not activated.
Innovation Solution
A sensor system that detects the electrical connection between fastening members and frame members when they are in the fastened position, ensuring that the door or window is securely fastened, using existing electrical connections in the fastening mechanism, which can be retro-fitted to existing designs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a simple magnetic sensor is used to detect door/window closure, then the device complexity is low and ease of manufacture is high, but the measurement precision is insufficient as it cannot detect whether the fastening mechanism is activated
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening mechanism's existing electrical connection features are utilized to provide the detection function. The electrical connection between the first and second fastening members when engaged with the frame serves dual purposes: both fastening the door/window and providing the detection signal, eliminating the need for separate detection components.
Solution Approach 2:
The electrical connection features of the fastening mechanism are made multi-functional. They simultaneously perform the mechanical fastening function and the electrical detection function, allowing a single component structure to serve multiple purposes and improve detection capability without proportionally increasing complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If existing electrical connections in the fastening mechanism are utilized for detection, then the ease of manufacture is improved and device complexity is reduced, but the adaptability to different door/window designs is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the fastening mechanism's own electrical connection features for detection purposes. By leveraging the existing electrical pathways that are already part of the fastening mechanism, the system achieves detection functionality without requiring separate detection components or complex integration processes.
3Reliability
If a sensor system utilizing electrical connections between fastening members is implemented, then the reliability of security detection is improved, but the ease of operation may be reduced due to more complex installation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The fastening mechanism's electrical connection features are leveraged to provide detection functionality without requiring separate detection components. This self-service approach uses existing structural elements to fulfill multiple functions, thereby improving reliability while minimizing additional installation complexity.
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
Provides enhanced security by accurately determining if a door or window is both closed and securely fastened, preventing unauthorized opening, and can be easily integrated into existing door and window assemblies.
Implementation Method 1
the first and second frame members are electrically connected via the first fastening member and the second fastening member when both the first and second fastening members are in the fastened position and engaged with the respective one of the first and second frame members; and otherwise the first and second frame members are electrically isolated wherein the sensor is arranged to detect when the first fastening member is in the fastened position and engaged with the first frame member, and whether there is an electrical connection between the first frame member and the second frame member
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2j
Figure 3
AI summary
A door or window assembly comprising a door or window, a frame and a fastening mechanism comprising a first fastening member moveable between unfastened and fastened positions, wherein the assembly comprises a sensor to detect when the first fastening member is engaged with a frame member. This is carried out in two ways. Firstly, there may be two fastening members 106 which are electrically connected to each other inside the wing. Each fastener has a corresponding frame member 108 which are electrically isolated from each other and have a conducting part 114b such that when the fastening members are engaged with the fastening member and contact this section, the sensor detects a connection between the frame members via the linked fastening members (see Fig 3). The second option has a switch 232 located inside the frame member such that the fastening member 206 triggers the switch when in the locked position. Preferably the frame member is a slot and the fastening member is a projection. An alarm may sound if the windows or doors are not secured in the frame, this may be over a wireless connection.