Door Tracking System Using Position Sensors for Access Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing access management systems for physical and virtual properties face challenges in securely granting and revoking access, particularly as the number of authorized individuals increases, leading to complexities and risks such as key duplication and unauthorized access.

Innovation Solution

A system that includes a bolt motor, sensor, and interference element, allowing for remote signal activation and position sensing of a lock, along with a method using a camera to detect door positions and trigger alerts, enhancing secure access control through mechanical and digital means.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If physical keys are used to manage access to physical properties, then access can be granted to authorized individuals, but the complexity and risk increase as the number of authorized individuals increases due to key duplication and potential unauthorized access

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess management capabilityVSAvoidkey management complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical key-lock system with an electronic sensor system that detects door position and communicates access events digitally. The sensor system eliminates physical keys entirely, using electronic detection and communication to manage access, thereby resolving the complexity issues associated with key duplication and distribution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If physical keys are distributed to multiple individuals, then access control is enabled, but the risk of unauthorized access increases due to key loss, refusal to return, or unauthorized copying

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess grantingVSAvoidaccess security
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces physical key distribution with an electronic monitoring system that tracks door opening events. Instead of managing physical keys, the system uses sensors to detect when the door is opened and communicates this information digitally, eliminating risks associated with key loss, unauthorized copying, and inability to revoke access.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the sensor detects door position changes and communicates this information back to a monitoring system. This real-time feedback allows immediate detection of unauthorized access attempts and enables remote notification or response, significantly improving access security and reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If re-keying is performed to eliminate unauthorized access, then security is restored, but time and resources are lost due to the need to visit a locksmith and re-key the lock

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess securityVSAvoidsecurity restoration time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical lock-and-key system with an electronic sensor system that can be remotely configured and updated. When security concerns arise, the system can be reprogrammed or reset remotely without requiring physical intervention from a locksmith, dramatically reducing the time and resources needed to restore security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent establishes an electronic monitoring system in advance that enables rapid response to security incidents. The pre-installed sensor and communication infrastructure allows for immediate detection and remote response to unauthorized access attempts, eliminating the need for time-consuming physical re-keying operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

4Productivity

If remote monitoring and control systems are implemented, then access control efficiency increases, but device complexity increases due to additional sensors, motors, and electronic components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess control efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts only the essential monitoring function from complex access control systems. By using a simple position sensor that detects door opening/closing events and communicates this basic information, the system achieves improved access control efficiency without the complexity of motors, actuators, or sophisticated control mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Data Source

PatentUS11008778B2Door tracking system and method
Publication Date: 2021.05.18 GATE LABS
  • US11008778B2 patent drawing
  • US11008778B2 patent drawing
  • US11008778B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A locking device that can be mounted into a rotating or swinging door is disclosed. The locking device can have a deadbolt. The locking device can detect the position of the deadbolt and/or whether the door is closed. The locking device can have a camera, microphone and speaker. The locking device can send images detected by the camera and audio detected by the microphones to a remote computer.