Door System with Multi-Sensor Authentication and Automatic Ajar Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door systems lack efficient and convenient methods for automatically unlocking and opening doors based on user presence, often relying on manual operation or limited sensor technologies.
Innovation Solution
A door system that utilizes pressure sensors, ultrasonic receivers, infrared receivers, and audio receivers to detect user proximity, transitioning the lock from a locked to an unlocked configuration and moving the door panel from a closed to an ajar position using linear actuators, motorized strike plates, or electromagnetic mechanisms, while authenticating the user through signals from remote devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual door operation is used, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation and user convenience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The door system performs preliminary actions by detecting user approach through sensors (pressure, ultrasonic, infrared, audio) and automatically authenticating the user before the user even reaches for the door handle. The lock is prepared to unlock and the door is prepared to open automatically once authentication is complete, eliminating the need for manual handle operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The door system serves itself by automatically detecting user presence, authenticating the user, unlocking the lock, and opening the door without requiring manual intervention. The system uses multiple sensors to detect the user and automatically executes the entire door opening sequence, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating the need for traditional manual door handle operation.
2Ease of operation
If automatic sensing technologies are integrated, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple different sensing technologies (pressure sensors, ultrasonic receivers, infrared receivers, audio receivers) into a single integrated door system. These diverse sensors are merged to work together cooperatively, with each sensor type contributing to user detection from different modalities, creating a robust multi-sensory authentication system.
Solution Approach 2:
The door system is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating sensors that can detect user presence through multiple different physical phenomena (pressure, sound waves, infrared radiation, audio signals). This universal approach allows the system to detect users regardless of which specific sensor modality is most effective in given conditions, making the system adaptable and robust.
3Reliability
If multiple latch mechanisms are used, then security is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system is segmented into multiple independent latch mechanisms: a main latch for primary door securing, auxiliary latches for additional security layers, and a deadbolt for high-security locking. Each latch mechanism operates independently and can be controlled separately, providing layered security where each segment contributes to overall system reliability without requiring all components to function simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanisms are designed to be dynamic rather than static, with the ability to transition between locked and unlocked states independently. The main latch, auxiliary latches, and deadbolt can be engaged or disengaged in different sequences and combinations, providing flexible security responses based on authentication results and system state, rather than requiring a single fixed locking mechanism.
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
Enables secure and convenient automatic door operation, allowing users to enter without manual handling, enhancing security and user experience by integrating advanced sensing technologies for precise user detection and authentication.
Implementation Method 1
receiving a signal from a pressure sensor disposed in a sill or a frame of the door system
Implementation Method 2
receiving a signal from an ultrasonic receiver disposed in the sill or frame of the door system
Implementation Method 3
receiving a signal from an infaRed receiver disposed in the sill or frame of the door system
Implementation Method 4
receiving a signal from an audio receiver disposed in the sill or frame of the door system
Implementation Method 5
an electromagnetic mechanism that move the door panel from the closed position to the ajar position
Data Source
AI summary
A method of operating a door system includes receiving a signal from a pressure sensor disposed in a sill or a frame of the door system, authenticating the user after receiving the signal, shifting the lock from a locked configured to an unlocked configuration in response to receiving the signal after authenticating the user, and moving the door panel from a closed position to an ajar position in response to receiving the signal.