Door Lock Magnetometer Orientation Detection
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing deadbolt locks face challenges in being retrofitted with electromechanical drive capabilities due to varying lock set designs and door component arrangements, which complicates the installation of door lock drivers and can lead to inaccurate door status determination and susceptibility to unauthorized attacks.
Innovation Solution
A multi-orientation door lock system with two or more magnetometers and an accelerometer that automatically or manually determines the orientation for accurate sensor operation, mitigating the impact of magnetic interference and enhancing security by making it difficult for attackers to manipulate sensor signals.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single magnetometer is used in the door lock, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of door status determination deteriorates due to susceptibility to magnetic interference and attacks
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by placing magnetometers at specific locations within the door lock assembly where they can detect magnetic fields from different directions. This spatial distribution of sensing points allows the system to differentiate between legitimate door operations and magnetic attacks, improving reliability without requiring a complete system redesign.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary processing layer that analyzes signals from multiple magnetometers before determining door status. This intermediary system evaluates the consistency and pattern of magnetic field changes across different sensors, enabling reliable status determination even when individual sensors are subjected to magnetic interference or attacks.
2Reliability
If multiple magnetometers are installed in different orientations, then the reliability of detecting unauthorized attacks is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetry by installing magnetometers in non-uniform orientations and positions within the door lock. This asymmetric arrangement creates distinct magnetic field detection patterns for different attack vectors and legitimate operations, enabling the system to reliably distinguish between authorized door operations and unauthorized magnetic attacks despite the increased sensor complexity.
3Ease of manufacture
If the door lock system does not account for varying orientations, then the ease of installation is improved, but the measurement precision of sensor readings deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamics by making the door lock system's operational parameters adaptive to its installation orientation. The system dynamically adjusts its magnetic field detection thresholds and evaluation criteria based on the actual orientation of magnetometers during installation, ensuring precise door status detection regardless of whether the lock is installed vertically, horizontally, or at angled positions.
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
The system allows for flexible installation on different door orientations, improves the accuracy of door status determination, and enhances security by making it harder for attackers to trick the lock into an incorrect status, ensuring reliable locking and unlocking operations.
Implementation Method 1
receiving a first signal from a first magnetometer disposed within a door lock of the door, receiving a second signal from a second magnetometer disposed within the door lock of the door
Data Source
AI summary
In some embodiments, a method of determining whether a door is ajar may include determining an orientation of a door lock of the door, and, based on the orientation of the door lock, analyzing at least one signal from at least one of two or more proximity sensors of the door lock. The method may further include determining whether the door is ajar based at least in part on a result of the analyzing of the at least one signal. In some embodiments, a method of determining a status of a door may include receiving a first signal from a first magnetometer disposed within a door lock of the door, receiving a second signal from a second magnetometer disposed within the door lock of the door, and detecting, based on a result of an evaluation of both the first signal and the second signal, a possible attack on the door.