Exit Device Visual Indicator for Dogged State Inspection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional push bar exit devices lack a straightforward method for visual inspection of their operational state, requiring manual verification by security personnel to ensure they are in the correct configuration, which is time-consuming and prone to errors.

Innovation Solution

The exit device incorporates visual indicators, such as contrasting colored surfaces or LED lighting, to clearly show whether it is in a dogged or undogged state, allowing for easy visual inspection without the need for manual checks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If manual verification is used to check the exit device state, then inspection accuracy can be maintained, but inspection time increases and efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinspection efficiencyVSAvoidinspection time

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual visual inspection with an automated optical detection system that uses cameras and image processing algorithms to automatically recognize and determine the state of the exit device, substituting mechanical human inspection with an automated imaging system

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary detection system consisting of cameras, processors, and software algorithms that mediate between the exit device state and the inspection result, enabling automated state determination without direct human intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If the exit device state is not visually distinguishable, then device simplicity is maintained, but inspection accuracy decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestate detection accuracyVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent utilizes contrasting color schemes in the visual indicators (such as green for safe/undogged state and red for dangerous/dogged state) to enhance state distinguishability and inspection accuracy through color-coded visual feedback

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from two-dimensional visual indicators to three-dimensional spatial arrangements of indicators and camera positions, utilizing depth and spatial relationships to provide more comprehensive state information and improve detection accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Difficulty of detecting and measuring

If visual indicators are added to the exit device, then state detectability improves, but manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestate visibilityVSAvoidmanufacturing complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Difficulty of detecting and measuringVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies visual indicators only at specific critical locations on the exit device (such as the push bar and latch areas) rather than uniformly across the entire device, optimizing state detectability while minimizing manufacturing complexity by concentrating visual feedback where most needed

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentUS11572712B2Exit device

Publication Date: 2023.02.07 SARGENT MANUFACTURING COMPANY

AI summary

Embodiments described herein relate to an exit device having a construction that facilitates visual inspection of the state of the exit device. Embodiments of the exit device include a visual indicator as to the state (dogged or undogged) of the exit device.