Pivoting Access Closure Assembly for Safe Cell Door Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing access opening closure devices for prison and hospital cell doors are not easily movable from an operative to a stowed, non-operative position, posing a risk of injury to guards or attendants when transitioning between these states.
Innovation Solution
A closure device comprising a housing assembly with a slide assembly and latching mechanism, allowing the device to pivot between operative and non-operative positions, secured by hinge members and key-operated locks, enabling secure and safe operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the closure device is made stationary and fixed on the door, then the security and sealing function is improved, but the ease of operation and safety during transition is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The closure device incorporates a hinge assembly that enables the housing to pivot between a first position (covering the access opening) and a second position (retracted against the door). This dynamic capability allows the device to transition from a stationary fixed state to a movable state, resolving the contradiction by providing both security when in position and ease of operation when transitioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The closure device is divided into separable components including the housing, hinge assembly, and latching mechanism. This segmentation allows the housing to be independently pivoted relative to the door while remaining connected through the hinge, enabling the device to maintain structural integrity for security while allowing movement for ease of operation.
2Ease of operation
If the closure device is made movable to allow easy transition, then the ease of operation is improved, but the stability and security during operation is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly provides a controlled dynamic transition mechanism that allows the housing to pivot smoothly between positions while maintaining stability during the transition process. The latching mechanism further stabilizes the housing in both the first and second positions, ensuring security is maintained even while the device is designed to be movable.
Solution Approach 2:
The latching mechanism is designed to engage and secure the housing in the first position before any transition occurs, and can be activated to secure the housing in the second position during transition. This beforehand securing ensures stability is maintained throughout the operation, preventing accidental movement or instability during the transition process.
3Reliability
If the closure device remains in operative position continuously, then the security function is maintained, but the ability to store or conceal the device is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The hinge assembly enables the housing to pivot between an operative position where it covers the access opening and provides security, and a stowed position where it is retracted against the door. This dynamic positioning capability allows the device to adapt between maintaining security and being stored or concealed, resolving the contradiction between continuous security and stowability.
Solution Approach 2:
The hinge assembly allows the housing to move in a rotational dimension, transitioning from covering the access opening to being positioned against the door surface. This dimensional change enables the device to be stored or concealed without compromising its security function when deployed, as it can quickly pivot back to the operative position.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables secure and safe operation by allowing easy transition between operative and non-operative positions, reducing the risk of injury to guards or attendants while maintaining secure access control.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one hinge member can include two hinge members. Each of the at least one hinge members is configured to engage a cylindrical bearing supported on the body of the housing assembly to pivotally secure the housing assembly to the slide assembly.
Data Source
AI summary
An access opening closure device is provided for enabling passage of food or medication into a confined space without providing direct access from within the confined space to outside of the confined space. The device includes a housing assembly including a body and a cover, and a slide assembly including an access door and a frame. The body defines a receptacle and first and second openings. The housing assembly is pivotally coupled to the slide assembly and is movable from an operative position to a stowed, non-operative position.