Electric Latch Retraction Power Interrupt for Local Lockdown
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional access control mechanisms fail to prevent ingress by unauthorized individuals who possess valid credentials, and methods like barricade devices do not conform to building codes, preventing their use during emergencies.
Innovation Solution
An access control device with a locking member, electronic actuator, and manual switch that allows local control to disconnect the electronic actuator from the power supply, maintaining the locking member in an unlocked position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional exit devices are used, then the door can be unlocked with valid credentials, but individuals on the secured side cannot prevent ingress by intruders who also have valid credentials
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides control into two independent parts: the electronic actuator controlled by the access control system and the manual switch controlled by the user. This segmentation allows the user to independently trigger a local lockdown without affecting the overall access control system, enabling local security response to intruders while maintaining credential-based access for authorized users.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual switch acts as an intermediary between the user and the electronic actuator. When the user activates the manual switch, it intermediates the control signal to disconnect power to the electronic actuator, causing the locking member to engage and create a local lockdown. This intermediary mechanism enables user-initiated security responses without requiring system-wide access control changes.
2Reliability
If barricade devices are installed to prevent intruder ingress, then local security is improved, but the devices do not conform to building codes because they do not allow free egress during emergencies
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides dynamic control over the locking member through two independent control paths: the electronic actuator for normal operation and the manual switch for emergency lockdown. The locking member can be dynamically engaged or disengaged based on the state of these control paths, allowing the system to adapt between normal access control mode and emergency lockdown mode, thus complying with building codes that require egress capability during emergencies.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameters of the locking member by switching between different control states. In normal operation, the electronic actuator controls the locking member's position. During emergency lockdown, the manual switch changes the power state to the electronic actuator, causing the locking member to engage. This parameter change enables the system to meet both security requirements and building code requirements for emergency egress.
3Extent of automation
If security personnel are relied upon to lock down openings, then centralized control is maintained, but response time is unnecessarily long
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service lockdown capability by equipping users with a manual switch that can independently trigger a local lockdown. When a user detects an intruder or security threat, they can immediately activate the manual switch to engage the locking member without waiting for security personnel response. This self-service mechanism dramatically reduces response time while maintaining the ability of security personnel to perform centralized control when needed.
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 local lockdown of doors without relying on security personnel, ensuring secure conditions during emergencies while conforming to building codes.
Implementation Method 1
Certain access control mechanisms such as exit devices include motor- or solenoid-driven mechanisms that can hold the device in an unlatched state
Implementation Method 2
Certain access control mechanisms such as exit devices include motor- or solenoid-driven mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
An exemplary access control device includes a locking member having a locked position and an unlocked position; an electronic actuator operably connected with the locking member; a switch connected between the electronic actuator and a power supply, the switch having a closed state in which the electronic actuator is connected to the power supply and is operable to maintain the locking member in the unlocked position, the switch having an open state in which the electronic actuator is disconnected from the power supply; and a manual actuator operable to transition the switch between the open state and the closed state.