Motorized Touch Bar Coupling for Secure Bolt Release Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing emergency exit doors with touch bar assemblies are vulnerable to unauthorized access and lack efficient integration with access control systems, making them susceptible to misuse and unable to withstand significant forces or severe conditions.
Innovation Solution
A touch bar assembly with a pivoting curved motion mechanism, incorporating a motorized linear actuator and safety springs, allows for secure, motorized, and manual bolt operation with low release forces, enabling integration with access control systems and enhanced security features.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a touch bar assembly is used for emergency exit doors, then rapid egress is enabled, but security against unauthorized access deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The touch bar assembly incorporates a motorized linear actuator that can dynamically change the state of the bolt between locked and unlocked positions. The system transitions from a static mechanical latch to a dynamic system that can respond to access control signals, enabling both rapid egress when authorized and secure locking when unauthorized access is detected.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional purely mechanical touch bar mechanism with an electromechanical system. The motorized linear actuator substitutes for the simple spring-loaded release mechanism, allowing electronic control and integration with access control systems while maintaining the rapid release capability when activated.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a motorized linear actuator is added to the touch bar assembly, then integration with access control systems is enabled, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The motorized linear actuator serves multiple functions: it locks the bolt in place, enables electronic control through access control system integration, and can be programmed to provide delayed egress. This single component handles what would otherwise require multiple separate mechanisms, reducing overall system complexity despite the added motorization.
Solution Approach 2:
The linear actuator acts as an intermediary between the electronic access control system and the mechanical bolt mechanism. It translates electronic signals into mechanical motion, providing a standardized interface that simplifies integration while isolating the complexity of motor control from both the electronic and mechanical systems.
3Reliability
If the linear actuator is positioned to block action slider retraction, then security is enhanced, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The linear actuator operates in periodic cycles, moving to the blocking position to secure the bolt and then retracting to allow manual operation. This periodic motion between locked and unlocked states enables the system to provide both security and ease of operation at different times as needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is designed to automatically transition between security and ease-of-operation modes based on programmed conditions. When access is authorized or during emergency conditions, the actuator automatically retracts to allow manual release without requiring user intervention to override security mechanisms.
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
The assembly provides secure, reliable egress with low release forces, withstands high loads, and integrates easily with existing systems, enhancing security and compliance with life-safety standards.
Implementation Method 1
A motor is provided arranged to drive a linear actuator between a retracted position, a neutral position and a blocking position
Implementation Method 2
The linear actuator and coupling are configured such that in the blocking position retraction of the action slider is blocked, and the coupling couples motion of the linear actuator from the neutral position to the retracted position into retraction of the action slider
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3(a)~3(d)
AI summary
There is provided a touch bar assembly for releasing a bolt, the touch bar assembly comprising: a touch bar for actuation by a user; an action slider coupled to the touch bar for retracting the bolt; a motor arranged to drive a linear actuator between a retracted position, a neutral position and a blocking position, the linear actuator coupled to the action slider by a coupling, wherein the linear actuator and coupling are configured such that in the blocking position retraction of the action slider is blocked, and the coupling couples motion of the linear actuator from the neutral position to the retracted position into retraction of the action slider to retract the bolt. There may also be provided a motor assembly with brake.