Garage Door Partial Opening for Secure Delivery Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing garage door drive systems require internet connectivity for functionality, leading to high design effort and data security concerns when used for temporary storage of delivered objects.

Innovation Solution

A garage door drive system with a local control unit and operating unit that allows for partial opening of the garage door via a delivery input command, which can be activated without internet access, using a separate button or code for secure access, and includes safety features like a light barrier and video monitoring for enhanced security.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If internet connectivity is implemented for garage door control, then functionality for remote delivery management is improved, but device complexity and data security risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremote delivery management capabilityVSAvoidinternet connectivity requirement
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the essential delivery management functionality from the internet-connected system and implements it locally using RFID technology. The control unit reads RFID tags on delivery items and automatically manages garage door operations without requiring internet connectivity, thereby removing the complexity of network infrastructure while preserving core functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces RFID tags as an intermediary between the delivery item and the control system. Instead of requiring direct internet communication, the RFID tag serves as a local identifier that the control unit can read to trigger delivery protocols, eliminating the need for internet connectivity while maintaining remote delivery management capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If internet connectivity is implemented for garage door control, then remote delivery management functionality is improved, but data security concerns increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveremote delivery management capabilityVSAvoiddata security
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent removes the internet connectivity component from the system architecture and replaces it with local RFID-based identification. This extraction eliminates exposure to network-based security threats while maintaining the ability to manage deliveries remotely through automated recognition of RFID-tagged items.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The RFID tag acts as a secure intermediary that provides item identification without requiring external network communication. The control unit authenticates deliveries by reading RFID tags locally, creating a secure closed-loop system that prevents unauthorized access while enabling remote delivery management.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If the garage door opens completely for delivery, then ease of item insertion is improved, but security against unauthorized access worsens

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveitem insertion convenienceVSAvoidsecurity protection
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic control of the garage door opening based on RFID recognition. When a delivery item with an RFID tag is detected, the control unit automatically opens the door to a predetermined position sufficient for item insertion. The door remains closed at all other times, providing security while enabling convenient delivery insertion through automated dynamic adjustment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Reliability

If automatic door closing is implemented after delivery, then security protection is improved, but loss of time for complete closing increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecurity protectionVSAvoiddoor closing duration
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit is programmed with preliminary action to automatically close the garage door after detecting that a delivery item has been inserted. The door closing sequence is initiated automatically based on RFID recognition and item insertion detection, eliminating the need for manual intervention and minimizing the time the door remains open while maintaining security.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3886018A1Drive system
Publication Date: 2021.09.29 SOMMER ANTRIEBS & FUNKTECHNIK GMBH
  • EP3886018A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3886018A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3886018A1 patent drawing

AI summary

The invention relates to a drive system for a garage door (2) with an electric drive controlled by a control unit (4), by means of which the garage door (2) can be moved between a closed position and an open position. Furthermore, an operating unit (7) is provided into which input commands for controlling the garage door (2) can be entered. An input command designed as a delivery input command is provided. Upon receipt of a delivery input command, the operating unit causes the garage door (2) to partially open for a predetermined time. After this time has elapsed, the operating unit (7) causes the garage door (2) to automatically move into the closed position.