Justin Oliva from the Indiana Fire Association sent in this interesting find. It is a new style of door lock and handle combination. As you can see from the photo, the actual door knob recesses into the lock assembly. The lock utilizes an electronic key (slot below the handle) that allows the door knob to move. The unique feature of the recessing knob may allow this door to go undetected in low visibility situations if the search team is relying on “sweeping†the wall for knobs in order to locate doors.
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It’s also worth mentioning that electronic locks have an internal battery pack that powers the lock. These locks do not require building power to operate. They do however require a charge on the internal battery to operate. In addition, it appears that this lock assembly utilizes a traditional lock throw, so standard forcible entry techniques will force the door with ease. The absence of the knob (when recessed) makes it more difficult to attach something to allow for control of the door during the force.
I am not sure this is a production item. Seems like a concept, etc. instead. If they have seen them installed, that’s interesting information.
Also, it seems to be that the recessed part is not automatic, but specifically indicates an occupant in the room (retracting the knob = do not disturb). So, the opposite of what you want when clearing a floor.
http://designmind.frogdesign.com/blog/doorknob-condition.html
Good part is it seems to be for hotels, etc. so I think the door would not be hidden, and the lockset as a whole is raised, so it should be easy to find, if confusing that it has no doorknob. I’d hope most would give up on figuring it out and just lay tools into defeating the door in short order instead.
D.K.
I can’t imagine finding that knob set in any hotel, it’s not even ADA compliant.
As a mechanical engineer, I can tell you that this will not be seen.
Why you ask.
Because the depth of the knob in the picture is equal to or deeper than a standard door. This will just not work on a standard door because construction of this will be impossible – or will be very unreliable for regular use