Touchless Exit Device Using Radar Sensors for Hygiene
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing door control systems require direct user contact, leading to the spread of microorganisms and ineffective hygiene measures, as users must touch surfaces to operate doors despite prior hand sanitization.
Innovation Solution
A touchless, pushbutton exit/entry device utilizing infrared, Doppler radar, or low-power radar sensors to detect motion and control barriers without physical contact, integrated with security systems and featuring antimicrobial surfaces for reduced germ transmission.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If automated door systems are implemented, then convenience and security are improved, but direct physical contact with surfaces is still required which spreads germs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical contact-based door operation with optical sensing systems (infrared, Doppler radar, or low-power radar sensors) that detect motion and trigger door control without requiring physical contact. This substitution eliminates the transmission pathway for germs while maintaining automated door operation convenience.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces proximity detectors as intermediaries between the user and the door control system. These sensors detect user presence and motion through electromagnetic fields or infrared radiation, acting as a mediator that enables door operation without direct contact between the user and the door handle or control surface.
2Reliability
If traditional door handles are used, then simple and reliable operation is achieved, but repeated contact leads to germ accumulation and transmission
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical door handles with contactless control systems that use proximity detection technology. The door control is triggered by detecting user presence or motion through infrared or radar sensors, eliminating the need for users to touch handles or surfaces while maintaining reliable door operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The door control system automatically detects user presence and initiates door operation without requiring manual contact. The system serves itself by using environmental sensors to trigger the door control mechanism, eliminating the need for users to interact with potentially contaminated surfaces.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If hand sanitization systems are implemented, then hand hygiene is improved, but door contact remains necessary which negates the hygiene benefit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces contact-based door operation with optical and electromagnetic sensing systems that detect user presence and trigger door control. This allows users who have sanitized their hands to open doors without re-contaminating themselves through contact with handles or surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The proximity detection system acts as an intermediary that enables door operation without breaking the hygiene barrier. Users can maintain sanitized hands while the sensor-based system detects their presence and facilitates door opening through non-contact means.
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
Provides contactless, fail-safe egress control and push-button operation, reducing germ spread by allowing barrier control through motion detection or button press without direct contact, enhancing hygiene in public environments.
Implementation Method 1
Infrared (IR) version
Implementation Method 2
Doppler (radar) version
Implementation Method 3
low-power radar-based version
Implementation Method 4
an onboard relay is activated, providing control for intermittent as well as continuous duty locking devices
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to touchless, pushbutton exit devices, systems and methods thereof. A touchless, pushbutton exit device of the present disclosure is a touchless door-control device designed to provide both contactless, fail-safe, egress/exit control as well as push-button egress/exit control. The touchless, pushbutton exit device can be used in conjunction with a host of existing security devices (e.g., Fire, Alarm Panel, and Access Control), or as a stand-alone solution. The present disclosure provides for at least three types of exit devices, i.e., an Infrared (IR) version, a Doppler (radar) version and a low-power radar-based version. When motion is detected within a predetermined distance (e.g., about 5.5 inches for the Infrared version or about 24 inches for the Doppler version) of a faceplate of the exit device, an onboard relay is activated, providing control for intermittent as well as continuous duty locking devices.