Modular Intelligent Door Assembly for Unified Access Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current intelligent door technologies are fragmented, with separately manufactured components that are incompatible and require frequent battery replacement or hardwiring, making them difficult to install and aesthetically unpleasing, and lacking a common access point for communication and management.

Innovation Solution

A modular intelligent door and frame system that communicates across a network, allowing for centralized control and management, with sensors detecting events and conditions to perform predefined functions, and users with different access credentials can instruct the door to unlock, alert occupants, or activate recording devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separately manufactured components are used to provide intelligent functionality, then various functions (locking, sensing, communication) can be implemented, but the components are incompatible with one another and require frequent battery replacement or hardwiring

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintelligent functionalityVSAvoidcomponent compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple separately manufactured intelligent door components (sensors, locks, communicators, power sources) into a single integrated door assembly. This merging eliminates compatibility issues between components and removes the need for frequent battery replacement or hardwiring, as all components work together as a unified system with shared power and control architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated door assembly is designed to perform multiple functions through its unified architecture. The door incorporates sensing, locking, communication, and power management capabilities in a single multi-functional unit that can adapt to different installation scenarios without requiring separate component installations or compatibility configurations.

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

2Ease of manufacture

If battery-powered components are used, then installation flexibility is improved, but periodic battery replacement or recharging is required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation flexibilityVSAvoidbattery maintenance time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the power source into the integrated door assembly, creating a shared power architecture that eliminates the need for separate battery compartments in each component. This unified power system reduces overall battery maintenance requirements and simplifies installation while maintaining flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If components are hardwired into areas near the door, then power supply reliability is improved, but installation becomes difficult in previously built-out spaces

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepower supply reliabilityVSAvoidinstallation ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines power management capabilities within the integrated door assembly, allowing the system to function with battery power while maintaining reliability through unified power distribution across all components. This eliminates the need for hardwiring in previously built-out spaces while ensuring consistent power supply to all door functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Adaptability or versatility

If components from different companies are used, then product selection flexibility is improved, but proprietary software and communication protocols are incompatible

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveproduct selection flexibilityVSAvoidsoftware compatibility
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges software and communication protocol management into a unified control system within the integrated door assembly. This eliminates compatibility issues between components from different manufacturers, as all software and communication interfaces are designed to work together seamlessly in the integrated architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

5Adaptability or versatility

If multiple separate components are installed, then various intelligent functions can be achieved, but the piecemeal appearance is aesthetically unpleasing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintelligent functionsVSAvoidaesthetic appearance
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges all intelligent door components (sensors, locks, communicators, power sources) into a single integrated door assembly with a unified appearance. This eliminates the piecemeal aesthetic of separately installed components while maintaining all desired intelligent functions through the integrated design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS11290298B2Controlling access to one or more rooms using a modular intelligent door and frame
Publication Date: 2022.03.29 MASONITE CORP
  • US11290298B2 patent drawing
  • US11290298B2 patent drawing
  • US11290298B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A modular door and frame that can be manufactured and supplied to end users with various combinations of intelligent features. The intelligent features allow functions to be performed by the door and/or frame. Also, conditions or events to be detected and monitored at the intelligent door and/or remote locations. Data relating to the various functions, events, or conditions can be communicated across a network that is communicatively coupled to the door.