Wireless Door Interlocking for Fast Reconfiguration and Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing hardwired interlock systems for multiple doors in buildings are time-consuming to install, inflexible, and prone to interlock failures due to response delays and the need for arc flash protection, making reconfiguration costly and complex.
Innovation Solution
Implementing a wireless communication system between door controllers that allows for easy configuration and reconfiguration of interlock relationships, enabling real-time state sharing and conditional door operations based on the state of other doors, with support for mobile devices and retrofittable integration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If hardwired interlock systems are used, then reliable door interlocking is achieved, but installation time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical hardwired electrical connection system with a wireless communication system. Door controllers communicate door status and interlock conditions through wireless signals (e.g., radio frequency) instead of physical wire connections, eliminating the time-consuming wiring process while maintaining reliable interlock control through continuous wireless communication between doors.
2Reliability
If hardwired interlock systems are used, then door interlocking control is established, but reconfiguration cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a dynamic reconfiguration capability where interlock relationships can be modified without physical rewiring. The wireless communication system allows door controllers to receive updated interlock configurations through software or control signals, enabling the system to adapt to changing requirements by reprogramming communication protocols or control logic while maintaining the physical door interlock control functionality.
3Reliability
If hardwired interlock systems are used, then interlock relationships are established, but arc flash protection is required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates the arc flash hazard by replacing the hardwired electrical connection system with wireless communication. Since there are no physical electrical connections between door controllers, arc flash protection measures are no longer required for the interlock communication path, while the door interlock functionality is maintained through wireless signal exchange.
4Loss of time
If wireless communication is used between door controllers, then installation time is reduced, but response delays may occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous feedback mechanisms where door controllers constantly exchange status information through wireless communication. Each door controller monitors the wireless signals from other doors and immediately responds to interlock conditions, ensuring that any potential response delays are compensated by continuous monitoring and rapid reaction to changing door states, thereby maintaining fast effective response despite the wireless medium.
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods and apparatus to wirelessly interlock doors are disclosed. A door system includes a user interface to receive interlock configuration data input from a user, the interlock configuration data to define an interlock condition to be satisfied before a first door is to undergo an operation, the interlock condition associated with a current state of a second door. The door system includes a first wireless transceiver to receive a signal from a second wireless transceiver associated with a second door. The method includes a door operation controller to at least one of (1) implement the operation of the first door in response to a request when the current state of the second door satisfies the interlock condition, (2) ignore the request, or (3) not execute the operation of the first door in response to the request when the current state of the second door does not satisfy the interlock condition.