Wireless Electronic Dogging for Exit Device Retrofitting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional exit device dogging mechanisms are limited by high power consumption, manual operation, difficulty in wire routing, and inefficient data communication, making them inconvenient, unsafe, and costly to retrofit.

Innovation Solution

An electronic dogging mechanism with wireless communication capabilities, local data analysis, and integrated sensor assemblies for efficient security state management, allowing for remote control and real-time monitoring of exit devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If conventional electrically-activated drivers are used to dog the exit device, then the pushbar can be held in the retracted position, but power consumption becomes excessively high and line power connection is required

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedogging state maintenanceVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses periodic wireless communication transmissions instead of continuous power consumption. The electronic dogging mechanism maintains the dogged state without requiring continuous electrical power, only transmitting data periodically when needed for status reporting or control updates.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the electrical driver system with a mechanical electronic dogging mechanism that uses springs and latches to maintain the retracted position. This mechanical system eliminates the need for continuous electrical power while maintaining the dogged state reliably.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Use of energy by moving object

If manual operation is used to set the exit device to dogged state, then no power is consumed, but response time becomes unacceptably slow during emergencies

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepower consumptionVSAvoidresponse time

Core Design Contradiction:

Use of energy by moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The electronic dogging mechanism is designed to be self-actuating through wireless control signals. When a wireless command is received, the mechanism automatically transitions to or from the dogged state without requiring manual intervention, achieving both low power consumption and fast response time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces a wireless communication intermediary that transmits control commands remotely. This allows rapid state changes during emergencies without physical presence at the device, while the mechanism itself consumes minimal power to process and execute these commands.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If wires are routed through the channel member during installation, then electronic components can be connected, but the installation becomes complex and existing devices cannot be easily retrofitted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectronic component connectivityVSAvoidinstallation complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the wiring requirement from the installation process by using a wireless communication module. This allows the electronic dogging mechanism to be installed in existing exit devices without routing wires through the channel member, dramatically simplifying retrofitting while maintaining full electronic functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The wireless communication module provides universal connectivity that works with existing exit device installations regardless of wire routing. This single wireless interface replaces multiple wire routing approaches, making the system adaptable to both new installations and retrofits of existing devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Device complexity

If custodians must physically tour the facility to confirm door security, then no additional sensors are needed, but time and resources are wasted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem simplicityVSAvoidsecurity verification time

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor assembly provides automatic feedback about door security status to the wireless communication module. This feedback mechanism continuously monitors door conditions and communicates security state remotely, eliminating the need for physical tours while adding minimal complexity to the system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentUS12448820B2Exit device systems and methods

Publication Date: 2025.10.21 SCHLAGE LOCK CO LLC

AI summary

An exit device according to one embodiment includes a plurality of sensors and an electronic dogging mechanism. The exit device is configured to locally analyze sensor data to determine the security state of the exit device, report data to a management system via a wireless communication channel established between the exit device and the management system, and receive and process instructions to perform an electronic dogging operation.