Emergency Exit Turnstile with Sensor-Verified Brake
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing emergency exit systems face challenges in allowing quick egress while preventing unauthorized entry, particularly when directional brakes or crash bar switches can be operated by unauthenticated individuals, and there is a need to monitor exit movements and identities.
Innovation Solution
A turnstile system with a motor-controlled barrier, credential checking, and a brake that unlocks for emergency exit if no unauthorized entry is detected, using optical sensors and a 'crash bar' switch, allowing unauthenticated users to exit by pushing or pulling the barrier, which is assisted by the motor at a controlled speed, and only opening fully if credentials are presented.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a directional brake or clutch is provided to enable free exit, then emergency egress is facilitated, but unauthorised entry may be enabled by pulling the panel in the exit direction
Solution Approach 1:
A sensor system acts as an intermediary between the user and the barrier mechanism. The sensor detects whether someone is attempting to enter from the secure side before allowing the brake to be released, thereby preventing unauthorized entry while still enabling emergency egress when needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses sensor feedback to dynamically control the brake mechanism. When sensors detect an attempt to enter from the secure side, they send feedback signals that prevent the brake from releasing, thus blocking potential unauthorized entry while maintaining the ability to exit in genuine emergencies.
2Productivity
If a crash bar switch is provided for emergency exit, then quick egress is enabled, but it may be operated by unauthorised persons from the insecure side
Solution Approach 1:
Sensor systems serve as intermediaries that verify the legitimacy of exit requests. Before the crash bar can trigger barrier opening, sensors confirm that the activation comes from the secure side, preventing misuse by unauthorized persons while maintaining rapid egress capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary verification through sensor detection before allowing the crash bar to function. Sensors check in advance whether the activation source is authorized (from the secure side), and only then enable the barrier opening sequence, ensuring security is maintained while allowing quick exit when needed.
3Ease of operation
If the barrier opens automatically on exit detection, then egress is simplified, but monitoring of exit movements and identities becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Sensor systems provide continuous feedback about barrier position and user presence. Even when the barrier opens automatically, sensors monitor and report exit movements and detect whether users have cleared the lane, maintaining information about exit events while keeping the process simple for users.
Solution Approach 2:
The barrier system automatically manages its own opening and closing operations based on sensor input, reducing the need for manual user actions. This self-service operation simplifies the exit process while integrated sensors continue to monitor and record all exit events for tracking purposes.
Data Source
AI summary
A turnstile comprising means for dictating a person entering or exiting the lane, a barrier positioned to move between a position blocking a lane and a position where it allows passage through the lane, under control of a motor; means for checking the credentials of a person attempting to pass through the lane and a brake, the turnstile having a mode of operation in which in the event that a user enters an exit side of the lane without presenting a credential, and an authorized person is not detected on the entry side of the lane, the brake is unlocked and the barrier is held in position in a closed mode but is able to be pushed or pulled by the person who has entered from the exit side in order for that person to exit; and the motor assists movement in the pushing or pulling direction by moving the barrier at a controlled speed, less than a speed at which it operates the barrier if the exiting user presents a credential.