BQT Solutions explores the importance of releasing under side-load pressure and misalignment correction for doors.

Introducing the Cobalt Series, two state-of-the-art low voltage motor-driven door locks that solve problems no other locks in the market can.

The Cobalt Single is designed for 90-degree swing doors and the Cobalt Double is designed for 180-degree swing doors. These locks are designed for both commercial and residential applications and are perfect for high foot traffic areas. The Cobalt Series is ideal for controlling access in and around a facility and provides reporting features such as door position and bolt position.

One of the standout features of the Cobalt Series is their ability to release even under significant side-load pressure. The Cobalt Series is designed to release when requested, even in emergency situations. This is a key advantage over traditional electromechanical locks, which are not equipped to handle side-load pressure.

The Cobalt Series also has the ability to automatically align a misaligned door. The lock will correct misalignments by pulling the door into its final position, ensuring it closes fully and locks securely. This innovative design eliminates the common problems that traditional electromechanical locks face, including being unable to pull the lock into the final position.

What sets the Cobalt Series apart from its competitors?

The Cobalt Series is a true example of world-leading innovation and engineering. The unique design of the Cobalt Series uses a collapsing mechanism that is deadbolted when locked, but will unlock when requested even with 6,000N (1,350lbf) of side-loading force on the door, a feature necessary in locking but surprisingly uncommon in the marketplace.

Years of research and feedback from our customers revealed that misalignment in doors was proving to be a headache in security and access control. That’s why the Cobalt Series also has its innovative misalignment correction mechanism. The pivot action of the Cobalt Series bolt pin will ‘grab’ the strike plate and pull the door into position for a misalignment up to 8mm (5/16”) for the single and 16mm (± 5/16”) for the double.

As with any high-end electromechanical lock, high strength creates high security. The Cobalt Series both have 10mm thick stainless steel bolt pins (one for the single, two for the double), which create a holding force in excess of 10,000N. Onboard control provides auto relock for added security. With high strength paired with the durability of a lock rated to over 1,000,000 cycles, it’s easy to see why the Cobalt Series is quickly becoming the industry standard for all high-traffic, high-security environments.

With a shift to a more eco-conscious and energy-efficient industry, the Cobalt Series will draw as little as 40mA in standby and only requires a 0.75A,12VDC power source. As a result of this low power requirement, the Cobalt Series have a very small impact on a building’s power demands, which can help to lower greenhouse gas emissions and reduce overall energy consumption which is becoming an increasingly important factor in new buildings.

Importance of releasing under side-load pressure  

With its patented bolt and strike design, we’ve engineered the Cobalt Series to release when requested, something traditional electromechanical locks are not able to.

For example, on a swing door, pressure could be applied from either side and the lock will still release when needed. Side-load pressure release was initially designed as a safety feature where the lock will release in an emergency. However, we’ve seen the convenience of this recognized in historic buildings with warped door frames and with weather and brush seals creating pressure.

More commonly, we have seen this pressure in every commercial building with the industrial air conditioning causing positive and negative pressure against doors, which cause issues for traditional electromechanical locks.

How does the misalignment correction mechanism improve security?

The Cobalt Series is designed to make your security seamless for its users. No more struggling with doors that won’t close properly or having to leave gaps in your door that compromise your security.

The Cobalt Series automatically aligns a door that has trouble closing fully, correcting misalignments. Unlike traditional electromechanical locks, the Cobalt Series has the capability to pull the door into alignment to ensure it closes fully and locks securely. This means that you do not have to worry about leaving your space vulnerable or unsightly gaps in your door. This means quicker installation times and fewer maintenance calls to fix or adjust doors that have fallen out of place and no-longer lock and secure an entry currently.

What is the ideal use-cases for the product?

Both Cobalt locks are built to handle nearly all traffic volumes and have been developed to work where security is a concern and feedback is a priority. Looking to solve misalignment concerns in security and release when requested under side-load pressure, the Cobalt Series are used in all verticals and market sectors globally.

Architects love this lock as they can choose what handle they want on a decorative door, as the locks seamlessly integrates into that door and frame, meaning that the security of the building does not impact the look and feel.

The Cobalt Series has a unique latching free design, which are commonly mortised either vertically or horizontally. This allows for easy installation and integration with the building’s new or existing hardware. Additionally, there are surface housings available that can be mounted directly onto doors and frames, including glass, aluminum and wood.

Latching free access control systems, such as the Cobalt Series, are becoming increasingly popular. These systems are designed to solve misalignment concerns in security and provide a quick release when requested under side-load pressure. One of the benefits of latching free access control systems is that they can be used in all door styles. This means that they are suitable for use in a wide range of building types, including commercial, residential and institutional buildings.

Certifications of the product 

As expected of a high-security lock in the American market, the Cobalt Series has been designed to meet and exceed the compliance certifications for UL Listed (US/C), CE, UKCA, FCC and IC. BQT Solutions expects to meet and exceed UL1034 (Safety Burglary-Resistant Electric Locking Mechanism) for strength testing, as well as exceeding EN14846 for the safety and performance of the Cobalt Series, as well as being suitable for use on fire resistant door sets.

The Cobalt Series is a top-of-the-line solution for high-traffic doors, addressing the common issues of misaligned doors and the ability to release under side-load pressure. Its unique design and features make it a game-changer in the door lock market and an industry standard for all high-traffic environments.

This article was originally published in the March edition of Security Journal Americas. To read your FREE digital edition, click here.