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Modern automated systems from a home smart opener to an industrial high-speed door have undoubtedly increased convenience and efficiency. Yet, they introduce a series of security issues. How can a garage door maintain its security if it is opening and closing without manual interaction? A traditional key operated manual lock is neither efficient nor practical, and obviously relying on motor brake alone is far from adequate to prevent intruders. Modern automated garage door security locks are specifically designed for the automated system to enable automatic electric locking, remotely checking its state and providing fail-safe operation. Below are four applications for garage door security locks in automated systems:
1. Electric Deadbolts and Solenoid-Operated Locking Mechanisms
The primary feature of a security lock that is compatible with automation is electric locking and unlocking. Keys and thumb turns are not suitable because they cannot be commanded or programmed by automated systems. Upon signal from door controller, electric deadbolts or solenoids send a signal then extend and retract the bolt mechanism to frame of the door, or receive commands from an access control system, a smart home hub, or the door controller.
These electric locks are designed to synchronize with the movement of the automated door. As an example, before the controller initiates the door moving, electric locks are energized to retract, and then the door starts to move. Once the door is closed, the door position sensor will detect the door is fully closed and command the electric lock to engage to secure the door. WenZhou MeiGu Lock Industry Co., Ltd. has supplied customized electric strikes and solenoid locks integrated in the designs of its swing handle and cylinder locks to those applications who would like to add a security lock directly to the automated system. The electric deadbolts manufactured are made from the hardened steel solenoids, 304/316 stainless steel bolts and are designed for hundreds of thousands of cycles. For automated roll up doors that protect loading bays and garages, a solenoid lock is a far more suitable solution for a more secure facility compared to just using a motor brake.
2. Position Sensing and Lock Status Feedback
An automated system needs accurate feedback from its components; this allows the door controller to know the precise position of the locking bolt - locked, unlocked or somewhere in between. Garage door security locks are often equipped with position sensing features such as micro switches, magnetic reed switches or Hall effect sensors which send signals about the lock bolt's position to the door controller.
The data from these sensors feed into the control logic of the automated system; for example, if the electric lock cannot be released then the controller can disable operation of the door and prevent damage from happening to the door or lock itself. The system will provide a notification or alarm if the electric lock does not fully engage. MeiGu's cylinder locks and cam locks series include provision for position sensing devices integrated within the unit without altering its external size and dimensions. For home automation systems, this lock status feedback from the sensor can be communicated to the homeowner's mobile app, which assures the user that their garage door is indeed locked. It can also be incorporated into industrial automation systems for condition-based maintenance alerts.
3. Emergency Manual Overrides for Power Outages and Fail-Safe Operation
An automated system is dependent on power. The failure of the power supply or the control system can lead to a house or business becoming inaccessible and effectively unusable if the garage door is electrically locked. Hence, a garage door security lock must have the capability of some form of manual override operation in case of power outage and emergency.
Newer automated compatible garage door locks come in several varieties of manual override methods ranging from standard key operated cylinder locks that will release the electric bolt and allow the door to be opened or closed manually, to fail-safe electric locks which disengage automatically when the power fails (suitable for fire doors), or fail-secure designs that hold their position without power (suitable for high security applications). MEIGU's IP65-rated cylinder locks with anti-pick levers are an example of key-operated overrides. For harsh environment or auxiliary locks, MEIGU's high temperature padlocks and cam locks can also be utilized. It is critically important that an emergency manual override is securely fitted, yet easily accessible from the outside, that does not provide opportunities for easy tampering. MeiGu cylinders are capable of accepting pick-resistant and drill-resistant key cylinders. Manual override isn't a bonus feature for an automated door security lock; it is a necessity.
4. Integration with Access Control and Smart Home Ecosystems
Modern garage door security locks are frequently used as the physical embodiment of an intelligent automated control system such as access control or a home automation network. Systems use communication protocols like Wiegand, RS-485, or Zigbee, Z-Wave or Wi-Fi, to send commands to electric locks and door operators based on valid authentication.
MEIGU can develop fully customized, integrated systems which are either the combination of the cylinder or swing handle, as well as the custom designed adapter plates ready for RFID readers or keypad modules. MEIGU has completed more than 500 integration projects across North America, Southeast Asia, and Europe, and their products are designed for easy integration and a site survey can be conducted with their support if necessary. A card, keypad or biometric reader will present valid credentials and transmit an authenticate signal to the control system, which then tells the security lock to release and the door motor to operate. This truly brings about an automation system that is secure, convenient and highly efficient without compromise.
Conclusion
Modern smart locks for automated garage doors play an instrumental role in creating a truly secure automated facility. Automated electric deadbolts with solenoid operation, position feedback sensors to monitor lock status, manual override capability, and seamless integration with access control systems all are vital aspects of automated compatible security locks. WenZhou MeiGu Lock Industry Co., Ltd., with 15 years' experience in designing and manufacturing die cast and CNC machined hardware components made from 304/316 stainless steel forgings offers every bit of hardware like an automated electric swing handle with rod controls, sensor-ready cylinder locks, or a fully customized integrated automated door system necessary to securely invest in your doors. For a complete selection of automated door security solutions, please log on to www.meiguLock.com.