Escape Route Door Lock Control via Authenticated Communication Modules

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing security systems for controlling and monitoring door locks, particularly for securing escape routes, often lack versatility and flexibility, as they are limited to performing only a single function, whereas they should be capable of handling multiple functions depending on the application.

Innovation Solution

A security system that incorporates a communication module and interface, allowing it to perform various functions such as unlocking or locking doors, monitoring door states, and providing visual or acoustic feedback, by communicating with a control device and using a communication module that can be authenticated and secured within a receptacle, enabling flexible operation based on communication status.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the safety system is designed to perform multiple functions, then the versatility and adaptability of the system is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctional versatilityVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal safety system that can perform multiple functions through a single integrated platform. The control unit is designed to execute various safety functions including door lock control, emergency release, monitoring, and communication with external systems. This multi-functional approach allows the system to adapt to different application scenarios without requiring separate dedicated systems for each function, thereby improving versatility while managing complexity through unified architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The safety system is divided into modular functional components including a control unit, communication interface, user interface, and actuation mechanisms. Each module can be independently configured and activated based on specific application requirements. This segmentation allows the system to scale from simple single-function installations to complex multi-functional systems, enabling customers to pay only for the functions they need while maintaining the option to expand functionality later.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If the safety system requires communication with a communication module for function execution, then the security and reliability are improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem reliabilityVSAvoidoperational simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The safety system automatically manages communication with the communication module without requiring user intervention. The control unit continuously monitors communication status and autonomously determines whether to enable or disable functions based on the presence and status of the communication module. This self-service approach ensures reliable security protocols are maintained while keeping the system transparent and simple for end users who do not need to understand or manage the communication aspects.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary checks for the communication module before enabling safety functions. The control unit verifies communication availability in advance and prepares the system state accordingly. This preliminary action ensures that functions are only activated when communication requirements are met, maintaining security and reliability while preventing operational errors that could arise from attempting to use functions without proper communication setup.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3267452B1Safety system
Publication Date: 2023.12.20 DORMAKABA DEUT GMBH
  • EP3267452B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3267452B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3267452B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a safety system (1) for controlling and/or monitoring at least one door lock (200), in particular for securing escape routes, with at least one release element (10), in particular an emergency button (10), wherein the safety system (1) is configured to perform at least one function for controlling and/or monitoring the at least one door lock (200). According to the invention, the safety system (1), in particular a control device (100) of the safety system (1), comprises a communication interface, wherein the communication interface serves for communication with a communication module (801, 801', 802), wherein communication via the communication interface with the communication module (801, 801', 802) takes place or has previously taken place, in particular repeatedly, to execute the function and/or to execute a further function of the safety system (1).