Remote Door and Window Actuation for Secure Pet and Package Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

There is a need for a smart window/door system that can be easily installed or built-in to existing doors or windows, allowing remote, automatic, or voice-activated opening and closing, while providing safety and security to prevent unwanted access or weather issues, particularly for pet access and package delivery.

Innovation Solution

A smart window/door opening-closing device that can be retrofitted or built-in, featuring a wireless communication network, a sensor system, and an actuator motor, allowing remote control through a wireless network, voice commands, and automatic operation, with a mechanism to disengage when not needed, ensuring secure and controlled access.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a door or window is left open for pet access, then pets can freely enter and exit the residence, but unwanted intruders including animals, bugs, flies or people can also enter

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepet access convenienceVSAvoidunwanted intruder entry
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The door or window is segmented into a main structure and a removable panel portion. The panel can be detached to create an opening for pet access while the main door structure remains intact and secure, allowing pets to enter/exit while preventing unwanted intruders from accessing the entire residence.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The opening is localized to a specific panel portion rather than the entire door or window. This creates a controlled access point suitable for pets while maintaining the security and weather-tight integrity of the main door structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Ease of operation

If a doggie door is installed for pet access, then pets can enter and exit when desired, but structural modifications are required and expensive installation is needed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepet access controlVSAvoidinstallation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses a removable panel that can be detached from the existing door or window without structural modifications. This eliminates the need for expensive installation while providing controlled pet access functionality similar to a doggie door.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The panel portion is extracted as a separate, removable component from the main door or window structure. This allows the panel to be easily removed for pet access and reattached for security without modifying the underlying door or window structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

3Ease of operation

If a door or window is left open for extended periods, then pets have continuous access, but weather conditions such as rain, wind, cold or hot temperatures affect the residence

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepet access availabilityVSAvoidweather impact on residence
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By using a removable panel rather than leaving the entire door or window open, the opening size is minimized to only what is necessary for pet access. This reduces weather infiltration while maintaining pet access capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The panel can be periodically removed and reattached based on weather conditions and pet needs. This allows the system to provide pet access when needed while maintaining weather-tight sealing during adverse weather conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

4Ease of operation

If packages are left at the door for delivery, then convenient package receipt is provided, but packages are vulnerable to theft by passersby or unscrupulous people

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepackage delivery convenienceVSAvoidpackage theft
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The removable panel creates a controlled access point that can be opened for package delivery while maintaining the security of the main door structure. Packages can be received through the panel opening or the panel can be removed to allow delivery personnel access, reducing package theft risk while maintaining convenience.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS11035166B2Smart system for remote opening and closing a door or window
Publication Date: 2021.06.15 DEMELE MICHAEL PAUL
  • US11035166B2 patent drawing
  • US11035166B2 patent drawing
  • US11035166B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A smart window/door opening-closing device that can easily be installed for use with an existing door or window or can be built-in by the door or window manufacturer, can be programmed to activate the opening or closing of the door or window either (a) remotely, (b) automatically by a pet and/or (c) automatically by a voice command, is easily disengaged when use is not desired, provides safety and security to prevent unwanted opening or closing of the door or window, and is integrated with a wireless communication network to enable smart and remote control of the window/door actuator.