Touchscreen Escape Route Securing Device Mode Switching

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing escape route safety devices often require complex key switches or coded inputs to switch from alarm mode to operating mode, which can lead to security vulnerabilities and difficulty in unlocking doors during emergencies.

Innovation Solution

A touch-sensitive display-based escape route safety device with a control device that can switch from alarm mode to operating mode by displaying a control bar or button, allowing simple operation and enabling unlocking of doors using a stylized emergency button, while incorporating features like pre-alarm generation, adjustable time settings, and access control modes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a key switch or coded input device is used to switch from alarm mode to operating mode, then security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates and complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesecurityVSAvoidease of switching modes
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

A control element with a graphical user interface serves as an intermediary between the user and the alarm system. This interface allows mode switching through visual display and simple interaction (touching or pressing), eliminating the need for complex key switches or coded inputs while maintaining security through controlled access to the switching function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces mechanical key switches or coded input devices with an electronic control element featuring a graphical user interface. This substitution eliminates mechanical complexity and coding requirements while providing intuitive visual guidance for mode switching through displayed control bars or buttons.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Ease of operation

If the alarm mode is completely switched off using a key switch, then ease of operation improves, but security deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of switching modesVSAvoidsecurity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The graphical user interface acts as a controlled intermediary that manages the transition from alarm mode to operating mode. It provides visual confirmation and structured interaction steps, ensuring that mode switching occurs through intentional user actions rather than simple mechanical switches, thus maintaining security while improving operability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If a touch-sensitive display with graphical user interface is used, then ease of operation improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of operationVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control element with graphical user interface serves multiple functions: displaying system status, providing mode switching controls, offering visual feedback, and potentially displaying additional information. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise require separate components into a single integrated unit, managing complexity while enhancing ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Ease of operation

If the display is made movable and pressable, then ease of operation improves, but reliability may deteriorate due to accidental activation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveease of unlockingVSAvoidaccidental alarm triggering
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system requires a sustained touch or press action beyond a threshold duration or force to activate the unlock function. This partial action requirement filters out accidental contacts while maintaining ease of operation for intentional users, as the extended contact time naturally excludes brief accidental touches.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Solution Approach 2:

The graphical user interface provides visual feedback that confirms when the display is in an unlocked or activated state. This feedback mechanism allows users to verify the system status before and after activation, reducing the likelihood of accidental alarms by making the system state transparent and controllable.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP2998462B1Escape route securing device
Publication Date: 2017.12.20 ASSA ABLOY SICHERHEITSTECHNIK GMBH
  • EP2998462B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2998462B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2998462B1 patent drawingFigure 5~9

AI summary

An emergency exit safety device for securing a door in an escape route is described, comprising an emergency button (1) and a locking device, which can be switched, in particular released, by the emergency button (1) for locking and/or releasing the door. The emergency button (1) has a touch-sensitive display (13), preferably a touchscreen, which can be controlled by a control unit (14). The control unit (14) has an alarm mode in which, upon activation or touching of the display (13), the control unit (14) generates an alarm and/or activates the locking device to release the lock. The control unit (14) can be switched from alarm mode to an operating mode by displaying a control bar or button on the display (13) in alarm mode and, upon touching the control bar or button, switching to an operating mode instead of generating an alarm.