Merged Power-Communication Cable for Door Access Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing access control systems for doors require extensive wiring, leading to high installation costs and complexity, which complicates deployment and maintenance in multiple door environments like industrial, commercial, and government buildings.

Innovation Solution

A merged power-communication cable system that integrates power and communication networks within a single cable, allowing for a simplified installation of an access control module that includes an access control identification mechanism, door lock, and position sensor, eliminating the need for additional power wiring and supporting standard communication networks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If separate power and communication cables are used for access control systems, then reliable power supply and data transmission are achieved, but installation complexity and costs increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply reliabilityVSAvoidwiring complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines separate power cables and communication cables into a single merged cable assembly that contains both power conductors and communication conductors. This merging reduces the number of separate wiring runs needed while maintaining reliable power delivery and data communication functions, directly addressing the contradiction between reliability and complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The merged cable serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides power delivery, data communication, and grounding functions all through a single cable assembly. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated cables for each function, reducing installation complexity while maintaining system reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If multiple separate cables are installed for power and communication, then system functionality is ensured, but installation time and labor costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem functionalityVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By merging power and communication cables into a single pre-assembled unit, the installation process requires running only one cable instead of multiple separate cables through the building infrastructure. This significantly reduces installation time and labor costs while ensuring all necessary functions are provided.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The power and communication cables are pre-assembled and configured together in a factory setting before installation. This preliminary assembly ensures proper functionality is built-in before installation, reducing on-site configuration time and ensuring system reliability without requiring extensive on-site wiring work.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Reliability

If extensive wiring is used for access control systems, then complete system coverage is achieved, but maintenance and repair complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem coverageVSAvoidmaintenance complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The merged cable structure consolidates power and communication pathways into a single accessible unit. When maintenance or repair is needed, technicians can access and troubleshoot both power and communication issues through one cable assembly rather than separately managing multiple cables, significantly easing maintenance complexity while maintaining complete system coverage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Reliability

If separate power and communication networks are deployed, then system performance is optimized, but overall system cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem performanceVSAvoidcable quantity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges separate power cables and communication cables into a single cable assembly, reducing the total quantity of cable material needed for installation. This cost-saving approach maintains optimized system performance by preserving the distinct functional pathways for power and data within the merged structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The merged cable provides multiple functions (power delivery, data communication, grounding) through a single cable assembly, reducing the total material quantity required compared to installing separate dedicated cables for each function. This multi-functionality maintains system performance optimization while reducing overall system cost.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS8264323B2Method and apparatus for a merged power-communication cable in door security environment
Publication Date: 2012.09.11 CHANDLER JR EDMONDS H
  • US8264323B2 patent drawing
  • US8264323B2 patent drawing
  • US8264323B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A method controlling access to a door using a merged power-communication cable. An access controlled door lock in door is operated using merged power-communication cable. Access control identification mechanism in door may operate using merged power-communication cable. The access controlled door lock may include a piezoelectric controlled door lock or a standalone door lock or a solenoid controlled door lock. A processing module may operate in door to control access with power interface receiving at least part of the electrical power from the merged power-communication cable. The invention includes a strike plate containing a magnetic sensor aligns by a latch hole to a latch included an access control door lock. The invention also includes using a door conduit to provide the merged power-communication cable to at least the processing module in the door.