Floor-Mounted Locking Mechanism With Force-Based Intrusion Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional deadbolt locks are easily defeated and provide insufficient resistance against forced entry, as they apply force across a small area and can be overcome with minimal effort.
Innovation Solution
A locking apparatus with a lifting member and accelerometer that detects external forces, determining alert conditions based on indicia from both mechanical and accelerometer readings, and performs alert operations, including wireless communication of alert conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a traditional deadbolt lock mechanism is used, then the locking apparatus can be mounted within the door itself and secured to a door frame, but the resistance force is applied across only a small area and can be overcome with minimal effort and no tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a traditional side-mounted deadbolt to a floor-mounted locking apparatus that engages with the door from the bottom dimension. This dimensional change allows the locking mechanism to resist forced entry by distributing force across the entire door width at the floor level, rather than concentrating force at a single point on the door edge.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking apparatus divides the resistance force into multiple engagement points along the door width. The lifting member engages with the door at multiple locations, distributing the resistive force across several contact points rather than a single point, making forced entry more difficult.
2Strength
If a floor-mounted locking apparatus is used to distribute force across a larger area, then resistance to forced entry is increased, but the device complexity increases with additional sensors and control systems
Solution Approach 1:
The lifting member serves multiple functions: it provides the primary mechanical locking action, distributes force across the door width, and acts as the sensing element for detecting forced entry attempts. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity by eliminating separate sensing components.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking apparatus uses its own structural components (the lifting member and its mounting structure) to detect forced entry attempts through embedded sensors. Rather than requiring external monitoring systems, the lock structure itself provides the sensing capability, simplifying the overall system.
3Reliability
If traditional deadbolt mechanisms are used, then the locking apparatus provides basic security, but intrusion detection capability is absent and alert mechanisms are not provided
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates sensors that detect forces applied to the locking mechanism and provide feedback to a control system. When forced entry forces are detected, the system generates alerts and notifications, creating a feedback loop that informs users of security breaches in real-time.
Solution Approach 2:
Embedded sensors act as intermediaries between the mechanical locking structure and the electronic alert system. These sensors convert mechanical forces into electrical signals that can be processed and transmitted as alerts, bridging the gap between physical intrusion and digital notification.
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
Enhances security by increasing resistance to forced entry through distributed force application and intrusion detection, providing robust alert mechanisms.
Implementation Method 1
separately receiving an indication of the external force at an accelerometer of the locking apparatus
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatuses, systems, and methods are provided for detecting an alert status of a locking apparatus for an entry point. An external force may be received at a locking apparatus operating in a locked state and determining a first indicia corresponding to the received external force, separately receiving an indication of the external force at an accelerometer of the locking apparatus and determining a second indicia corresponding to the received indication of the external force, comparing the first indicia and the second indicia to determine an alert condition, and selectively performing at least one alert operation corresponding to the determined alert condition.