Removable Door Lock Alarm for Door-Jamb Gap Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door locks are vulnerable to unauthorized entry through gaps between the door and the door jamb, requiring complex or expensive modifications, and lack adequate protection against forced entry.
Innovation Solution
A portable, durable, and easy-to-install security system with a slidable extension and alarm assembly that spans the gap between the door and jamb, activating an alarm upon unauthorized entry attempts, and includes disposable or reusable gel inserts to protect the door frame.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If spring-loaded latches with slanted faces are used to enable automatic bolt retraction, then door operation is simplified and locking is automated, but the gap between door and jamb becomes vulnerable to jimmying tools that can retract the bolt and disable the lock
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by positioning the alarm arm to proactively detect and respond to unauthorized entry attempts before they succeed. The arm is pre-configured to extend into the gap space where jimmying tools would operate, creating a preventive barrier that alerts occupants and deters intruders from attempting to retract the bolt through tool insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
The alarm arm serves as an intermediary element between the door jamb and the bolt retraction mechanism. It occupies the critical gap space and acts as a mediator that prevents direct access for jimmying tools while maintaining the automated retraction function through the slanted face mechanism.
2Ease of operation
If flexible tools are inserted between door and jamb to force the lock bolt away, then unauthorized entry is achieved, but this exposes the vulnerability of existing lock mechanisms that lack adequate protection against forced entry
Solution Approach 1:
The alarm arm is pre-positioned to extend into the gap space where flexible tools would be inserted. This creates a preliminary barrier that prevents tools from reaching the bolt mechanism, while simultaneously providing an alarm function that alerts occupants to the intrusion attempt before it can succeed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a simple, inexpensive alarm arm mechanism that can be easily installed and provides continuous protection. The arm itself is a simple mechanical component that can be replaced if needed, providing cost-effective security without requiring complex or expensive modifications to the door structure.
3Reliability
If devices are developed to combat unauthorized entry, then security is improved, but they become complicated and expensive to make and require extensive modification of doors or door jambs
Solution Approach 1:
The security system is segmented into three independent functional components: the alarm arm assembly, the mounting bracket, and the interaction with the existing door lock mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and simplifies installation, as the arm can be attached to the existing door frame without requiring modification of the door or jamb structure itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The alarm arm serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a physical barrier to prevent jimmying tools from reaching the bolt, provides an alarm function to alert occupants, and can be installed on various door types without extensive modification. This multi-functionality reduces overall system complexity while maintaining security effectiveness.
Data Source
AI summary
A device that can be used as a second line of security to a primary door lock that sounds an alarm to notify the occupants of an unauthorized entry attempt. The device is durable, convenient, lightweight, and has a durable small circular plastic buzzer on an elongated arm/bar of the device, which buzzer stays out of view yet alarms the occupants of intruders as well as provides a sense of security for anyone traveling to hotels, motels, dorms, houses, apartment, schools, daycares or anywhere an extra line of security may be needed.