Deployable Door Window Shade for Lockdown View Obstruction
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Solution Overview
Problem
During lockdown drills, doors with windows pose a risk as perpetrators can view individuals inside, and existing security measures are not always effective in blocking the view or ensuring quick locking in emergency situations.
Innovation Solution
A deployable opaque flexible shade attached to a door above the window, configurable between retracted and deployed positions, using hook and loop fasteners for secure attachment and a security key for locking, which can be quickly deployed to obstruct the view and facilitate door locking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a door window is left unobstructed for visibility, then individuals inside can be seen for communication purposes, but perpetrators can also view and locate individuals to inflict harm
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic shade assembly that can transition between retracted and deployed positions. The shade is mounted on a roller mechanism that allows it to be quickly extended to block the window or retracted to allow visibility, enabling real-time adaptation to security threats while maintaining the ability to communicate when safe
Solution Approach 2:
The shade assembly is divided into separable components including the flexible shade material, roller mechanism, and mounting brackets. This segmentation allows the system to be installed independently of the door and window structure, and enables the shade to be quickly deployed or removed as needed without compromising the integrity of the door or window
2Ease of operation
If a security key is attached to the flexible shade, then the key is accessible during lockdown situations, but the shade mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The security key is integrated with the shade assembly through attachment mechanisms such as clips, pockets, or magnetic holders built into the shade structure. This merging ensures the key remains securely attached during deployment while being easily accessible to users, eliminating the need for separate key storage solutions
3Speed
If the flexible shade is quickly deployed to obstruct the view, then perpetrator visibility is blocked, but the mounting mechanism must be more complex to enable rapid deployment
Solution Approach 1:
The shade is pre-mounted on the roller mechanism and pre-attached to the door frame using simple brackets or adhesive strips. This preliminary setup allows the shade to be rapidly deployed by simply pulling or rolling it into position without requiring complex assembly or multiple fastening steps during emergency situations
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
Effectively reduces the likelihood of harm by blocking the perpetrator's view and ensures rapid door locking during emergencies, enhancing safety during lockdown procedures.
Implementation Method 1
The flexible shade is attached to the door surface by means of a mounting assembly being a pair of opposing hook and loop fasteners
Data Source
AI summary
A deployable vision obstructer for use in lockdown drills and procedures. A flexible shade is attached to a door surface above a window by means of a mounting assembly connected to a proximal end of the flexible shade. The flexible shade is configurable between a retracted position and a deployed position and is opaque such that when in the deployed position, the flexible shade obstructs the field of view through the window. The flexible shade is rolled up into the retracted position and is held in place by a shade retaining assembly, such that the flexible shade may readily be deployed as needed. An at least one weight is connected to a distal end of the flexible shade, being positioned opposite the proximal end, in order to assist in deploying the flexible shade. Additionally, a security key is coupled to the distal end for locking the door.