Exit Device Lockdown Assembly for Rapid One-Sided Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exit devices lack the ability to quickly transition to a lockdown state, which is crucial in environments where restricted access is desired, such as classrooms or offices, and often require manual operation on both sides of the door, complicating security measures.
Innovation Solution
An exit device with a lockdown assembly that can be transitioned between non-lockdown and lockdown configurations, maintaining the push bar in a locked position and featuring an indicator to show the state, allowing remote operation and scheduled lockdowns, with options for key, thumb turn, or access card activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If a traditional exit device is used, then the door can be opened from either side, but it cannot quickly transition to a lockdown state
Solution Approach 1:
The exit device is segmented into distinct functional components: a push bar assembly for normal operation, a lockdown assembly with movable member for restricted access, and an indicator mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, enabling rapid lockdown transition without requiring complete redesign of the entire device.
Solution Approach 2:
The lockdown assembly includes a movable member that can be positioned in advance to block the push bar. When lockdown is activated, the movable member is already in place to immediately prevent push bar operation, achieving rapid lockdown transition without delay.
2Reliability
If manual operation on both sides of the door is required for security, then security control is achieved, but operation complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The exit device implements asymmetric operation: the interior side has both push bar functionality and lockdown control capabilities, while the exterior side has only push bar functionality. This asymmetry allows security personnel on the interior side to control access unilaterally without requiring coordination with the exterior side, simplifying operation while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of requiring operation from both sides to achieve security control, the invention inverts the approach by allowing one-sided control from the interior. The lockdown assembly can be activated from the interior to prevent exterior access, reversing the traditional two-sided operation requirement.
3Ease of operation
If the push bar is allowed to move freely, then easy exit operation is maintained, but lockdown capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The push bar system transitions from a static, always-free design to a dynamic system where the movable member of the lockdown assembly can selectively constrain the push bar. When the lockdown assembly is activated, the movable member positions itself to block push bar movement, maintaining lockdown capability while preserving easy exit operation when lockdown is not active.
Data Source
AI summary
Exit devices with lockdown functionality are disclosed. The exit device may include an indicator configured to indicate a state of the exit device, such as a lockdown state or a non-lockdown state. In the lockdown state, a push bar of the exit device may be prevented from moving. The exit device can include a latch movable between a latch retracted position and a latch extended position. Preventing movement of the push bar may prevent movement of the latch.