Removable Panic Bar Latch for Temporary Door Lockout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing panic bar systems lack a portable and easily installable mechanism to temporarily disable operation during security breaches or terrorist attacks, violating building codes that require doors to remain open for emergency egress.
Innovation Solution
A panic bar latch system that mechanically separates the panic push bar from the base, using a panic latch handle and body with voids configured to engage the panic bar ridge, preventing the push bar from being depressed and maintaining a locked door condition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a panic bar assembly is designed to be easily operable for emergency egress, then ease of operation is improved, but the ability to prevent unauthorized entry during security breaches deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The panic bar assembly is divided into separable components: a panic bar body, a removable latch mechanism, and a locking mechanism. The latch mechanism can be detached from the panic bar body, allowing the door to remain easily operable during normal conditions while enabling security locking during breaches.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a static locked state to a dynamic operable state. The latch mechanism can be selectively engaged or disengaged from the panic bar body, allowing the door to switch between secured and easily operable modes based on security needs.
2Reliability
If a portable latching mechanism is added to disable the panic bar, then security reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is merged with the existing panic bar assembly structure. The latch mechanism integrates with the panic bar body and door frame components, utilizing existing mounting structures and avoiding the need for separate, complex installation systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism is designed as a removable component that can be taken out from the panic bar assembly when not needed. This allows the security feature to be added only when required, reducing overall device complexity during normal operation.
3Ease of manufacture
If the panic bar is made easily installable, then ease of manufacture is improved, but the ability to temporarily disable during security events deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The panic bar assembly is segmented into modular components that can be easily manufactured separately and then assembled. The latch mechanism and panic bar body are distinct parts that can be produced using standard manufacturing processes, with the added security functionality introduced through the removable latch component.
4Ease of operation
If door integrity is compromised by breaking windows, then ease of operation is improved for unauthorized entry, but the locking mechanism can still prevent egress
Solution Approach 1:
The latch mechanism acts as an intermediary between the panic bar assembly and the door frame. Even if the panic bar body or window glass is compromised, the latch mechanism maintains the locked state by physically preventing the door from opening, providing an additional layer of security.
Data Source
AI summary
A panic bar latch (PBL) system and method is disclosed that provides for the temporary functional disablement of a panic bar assembly (PBA) that controls passage through a door and associated door frame. The PBL system utilizes a panic latch handle (PLH) coupled to a panic latch body (PLB). The PLB incorporates a panic latch void (PLV) that is configured to mechanically conform and couple (MCC) to a panic bar base (PBB) on a PBA via a panic bar ridge (PBR) located on the PBB. A panic latch edge (PLE) on the PLB rests on the PPB when the MCC is engaged. The MCC prevents the PPB from being depressed or released by maintaining a fixed separation between the PPB and the PBB.