Networked Door Locking Assembly for Rapid Facility Lockdown
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional security systems and locking devices are inadequate in providing rapid and coordinated lockdowns during crisis situations, requiring manual and time-consuming actions by individuals, and lack real-time monitoring and communication for first responders.
Innovation Solution
A security system with sensors and locking devices linked to a communications network, enabling real-time monitoring and coordinated lockdowns through actuators and controllers, and providing a virtual interface for facility layout and threat detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional deadbolt lock mechanisms are used, then the locking device can prevent or resist access to an interior location, but the deadbolt can be overcome with no tools and relatively little force
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple locking mechanisms (deadbolt, latch, and secondary locking bars) into a single integrated door assembly. The deadbolt lock (204) works in conjunction with the latch mechanism (206) and secondary locking bars (214, 216) to create a multi-layered security system where each component reinforces the others, making forced entry significantly more difficult while maintaining a unified control structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The door assembly utilizes composite construction with the door (12) and door frame (20) forming a integrated structure. The combination of metallic locking components (deadbolt, latch, locking bars) with the door assembly creates a composite security system that leverages the strength properties of different materials to resist various types of forced entry attempts.
2Strength
If multiple locking devices are installed throughout a facility, then greater force resistance is achieved, but each locking device must be operated independently during a crisis situation
Solution Approach 1:
The control system (150) serves multiple functions: it can individually control each locking device (200) across the facility, control them in groups by floor or wing, or simultaneously activate all locks throughout the entire facility. This multi-functionality allows the same control system to handle both individual room security and facility-wide lockdown scenarios without requiring separate systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system (150) is pre-configured with the facility's layout and locking device locations, allowing it to immediately execute coordinated lockdown commands across multiple devices simultaneously. The system maintains ready-state communication links with all locking devices, so when a crisis is detected or declared, all locks can be activated at once without requiring sequential manual operation or time-consuming setup.
3Ease of operation
If individuals are relied upon to individually lock doors after receiving lockdown instructions, then manual control is maintained, but precious seconds or minutes are lost during the alert and response process
Solution Approach 1:
The control system (150) continuously receives status information from sensors (160) distributed throughout the facility, including motion detection, alarm triggers, and door status. This real-time feedback allows the system to automatically detect crisis conditions and initiate coordinated lockdown commands across multiple locking devices simultaneously, eliminating the delay associated with manual individual door locking while maintaining the ability for individuals to manually control their doors if needed.
4Reliability
If first responders enter locked-down facilities to secure the interior, then threats can be neutralized, but first responders have little knowledge regarding the nature of the threat or facility layout
Solution Approach 1:
The control system (150) acts as an intermediary between the facility's security infrastructure and first responders. It maintains and can transmit real-time information about the facility layout, which rooms are locked down, sensor detections, and potential threat locations. This information intermediary allows first responders to enter the facility with critical knowledge about the environment and threats, reducing their reliance on door-to-door exploration and improving their safety and effectiveness.
Data Source
AI summary
A security system is disclosed herein comprising one or more sensors and a plurality of locking devices linked to a communications network. Each sensor may be configured to detect at least an event and generate an output signal representing the detected event. Each locking device may be configured to selectively restrict movement of a door. Each locking device may include an actuator and a controller associated therewith. Each controller may be configured to receive the output signal from the one or more sensors, process the received output signal to determine an actuator command, provide the actuator command to the actuator of the locking device, and produce an actuator output based on the actuator command. The actuator output may be operable to manipulate the locking device between a locked configuration and an unlocked configuration. In the locked configuration the locking device may resist movement of the door.