Sensor-Based Exit Device Actuation for Accessibility
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing exit device assemblies face issues with high power consumption and high installation costs, and often require significant force to actuate the door latch, making them inaccessible to disabled or elderly users, and involve time-consuming wire routing for sensor installation.
Innovation Solution
A door-mounted exit device assembly featuring a sensor that detects approaching users from a distance, generating an output signal to trigger a controller, which actuates a latch actuator to move the latch from a locked to an unlocked position, reducing the need for user force and simplifying installation through wireless communication and a retrofit kit option.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a sensor is installed to detect approaching users, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with an automated sensor-based system. The sensor detects approaching users and triggers the latch actuator automatically, eliminating the need for users to manually operate the push pad or exert force on the door, thereby improving ease of operation for disabled or elderly users.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a controller as an intermediary between the sensor and the latch actuator. The sensor generates an output signal that the controller processes, which then transmits an actuating signal to the latch actuator. This intermediary layer manages the complexity by organizing the control logic and signal processing in a centralized unit.
2Measurement precision
If wire routing through walls is required for sensor installation, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sensor from the wall-mounted configuration and relocates it to a door-mounted position where it can detect approaching users without requiring complex wire routing through walls. The sensor is positioned to detect users from a distance through an opening in the door, eliminating time-consuming installation steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the sensor to be installed and positioned on the door itself, where it can autonomously detect approaching users in its field of view. The system is designed to be self-contained on the door assembly, reducing dependency on wall infrastructure and complex wiring.
3Strength
If significant force is required to actuate the door latch, then strength is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical force requirement with an automated latch actuator system. The latch actuator receives an actuating signal from the controller and automatically moves the latch from the locked position to the unlocked position, eliminating the need for users to exert significant force on the push pad or door.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by having the sensor detect approaching users before they reach the door. The controller processes this detection and triggers the latch actuator to unlock the door in advance, so the latch is already unlocked when the user arrives, eliminating the need for forceful manual operation at the moment of arrival.
Data Source
AI summary
One embodiment relates to an exit device assembly. The exit device assembly includes a center case, a push pad movably mounted on the center case, and a mechanical case coupled to the center case, wherein the exit device includes an opening. The assembly also includes a sensor aligned with the opening, wherein the sensor is structured to detect a user from a distance through the opening and to generate an output signal in response to detecting the user. The assembly also includes a latch and a latch actuator. The assembly also includes a controller in communication with the sensor and the latch actuator, wherein the controller is structured to transmit an actuating signal in response to receiving the output signal from the sensor, wherein the latch actuator is configured to move the latch from the locked position to the unlocked position in response to the actuating signal.