If I am understanding your interest as developing a locking device, there is not a lot in the residential code except to say what it can't do. Paraphrasing here, you have got to be able to get outside the building without the use of a tool, key, or special knowledge. A little variation on the other occupancy classes.
Does that help?

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Jim Luttrall
Mr. Inspector.net, Inc.
Allen, Texas 75002