Sensor-Activated Pet Door Locking for Secure Automatic Closure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pet doors are difficult to install, maintain, secure, and customize, often allowing dirt entry and posing security risks due to manual operation and lack of proper closure mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A customizable and securable pet door system featuring interchangeable components like knobs, hinges, and locking mechanisms, along with sensor-activated automatic operation, allowing pets to use the door independently and ensuring secure closure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a pet door is manually operated, then pets can use it with simple operation, but the door may get stuck or break causing pet injury or deterrence
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with an automated sensor-based system. Sensors detect when a pet approaches or passes through the door, automatically triggering the door to open and close without requiring manual manipulation, thereby eliminating the risk of mechanical failure from pet intervention while maintaining ease of use.
Solution Approach 2:
The door system performs self-service by automatically detecting pet presence through sensors and executing opening/closing actions without human or pet intervention. The system monitors and controls its own operation, reducing reliance on manual operation while ensuring reliable and consistent performance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a pet door is installed to allow pet access, then pets can navigate freely, but security is compromised as the door cannot be completely secured
Solution Approach 1:
The door system dynamically adjusts its state based on detected conditions. It transitions between locked and unlocked states automatically in response to sensor inputs, allowing secure closure when pets are absent and automatic opening when pets need access, thus providing both security and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates sensors that provide feedback about pet presence and door status. This feedback loop enables the door to make intelligent decisions about when to remain secured and when to open, balancing security requirements with the need to allow pet access under appropriate conditions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a pet door is installed to control pet movement, then pets can access different areas, but dirt tracking into the home increases
Solution Approach 1:
The door maintains continuous monitoring through sensors and executes automatic closing actions after each pet passage. This continuous operation ensures the door remains closed during periods when pets are not actively passing through, minimizing opportunities for dirt tracking while maintaining area access control functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary closing actions automatically after detecting pet passage. By proactively closing the door immediately after a pet enters or exits, the system prevents subsequent dirt tracking before it can occur, rather than relying on manual intervention after the fact.
4Reliability
If a pet door allows complete closure for security, then security is improved, but the door becomes hard to maintain and customize
Solution Approach 1:
The door system is divided into modular components including sensors, actuators, control electronics, and mechanical elements. This segmentation allows individual components to be independently accessed, maintained, or replaced without affecting the entire system, making security-focused design compatible with ease of maintenance and customization.
Data Source
AI summary
A securable pet door is disclosed. The securable pet door may comprise at least one door, at least one knob, one or more windows, at least one frame, and/or at least one hinge. The knob may comprise a latch for secure closing. When the pet door comprises at least one hinge, the hinge(s) may be inserted into at least one hinge recess so that the door may be securely locked via at least one locking mechanism. The different elements of the securable pet door are configured to be oriented in a predetermined, securable, or customizable manner. The door is configured to open from, slide into, revolve within, or move in some other non-limiting equivalent way from or relative to the frame(s).