A new lockmechanism for smart parcel lockers

Abstract

The present invention relates to an innovative lock mechanism developed for use in parcel locker systems. All moving components and the chassis of the lock mechanism are manufactured from Zamak-5 alloy, which is resistant to rust and corrosion, unaffected by magnetic fields, and provides high mechanical strength. This alloy enables production at lower melting temperatures, thereby reducing energy consumption and lowering carbon emissions. The lock mechanism comprises a solenoid and its spring, a Z pin and its spring, a crankshaft, an A-shaped locking latch, and an electronic board. The electronic board controls the locking state via switches that detect the positions of the Z pin and the crankshaft, while also providing power to the solenoid to unlock the mechanism. The design has been optimized to maximize energy efficiency, with the solenoid operating at the minimum energy required solely to unlock the latch, thereby minimizing overall energy consumption. The lock mechanism is laterally mounted onto a rail-integrated frame structure that extends into the cabinet. Thanks to its front-facing engagement, the resistance of critical locking elements is increased. In the locked state, free movement of the latch is restricted by the Z pin's spring, which presses the latch against the crankshaft. This structure provides resistance against vibration and impact. Additionally, the rear-set chassis design enlarges the surface area behind the front face, strengthening the lock mechanism by leveraging structural support from the locker chassis against pulling forces. Furthermore, the lock mechanism does not include additional components such as sensors, indicator LEDs, or communication ports, resulting in a compact and cost-effective solution. This design choice reduces manufacturing costs and enhances system flexibility. In conclusion, this invention offers significant advantages in terms of security, energy efficiency, durability, and cost-effectiveness, presenting a more efficient and sustainable alternative to existing lock mechanisms.

Description

[0001] DESCRIPTION

[0002] A NEW LOCK MECHANISM FOR SMART PARCEL LOCKERS

[0003] Technical Area:

[0004] The invention relates to a new lock mechanism configuration for use in smart parcel locker machines. The lock has an optimized design in terms of security, energy efficiency and durability. The invention provides high strength without being affected by magnetic fields and high resistance against vandalism. It is highly resistant to corrosion thanks to the Zamak-5 alloy used in its structure.

[0005] This locking mechanism is designed to operate with minimum energy consumption in order to increase energy efficiency and is particularly suitable for use in battery operated smart parcel locker machines. In addition, it offers a suitable solution for applications where security is prioritized thanks to its vandalism resistance and the way its internal mechanisms work.

[0006] Known State of the Art:

[0007] In standard smart parcel lockers, locks are made up of steel, stainless steel, plastic or Zamak-5. This includes the lock chassis and any mechanical element inside the lock.

[0008] Vandalism and unauthorized entry attempts are major problem for locks, this risk is increased for smart parcel lockers as they are known to handle high value items and are generally in easily accessible spaces 24 / 7. In this context, locks made of plastic materials are not suitable for harsh outdoor conditions. Similarly, locks made of steel are also affected by environmental conditions due to rust and failure to operate in consequence of rusting.

[0009] Stainless steel, due to its relatively fragile structure, shows limited resistance to vandalism and has relatively higher costs. In this context, locks with aluminum alloys such as Zamak-5 are more suitable for outdoor conditions.

[0010] Molded production of steel or stainless steel causes more energy consumption and increases the carbon footprint of locks due to having high melting temperatures relative to Zamak-5. There are similar environmental problems for plastic components and their shorter operational lifetime. In this context, locks produced with Zamak-5 alloy are moreenvironmentally friendly during manufacturing and have a longer lifetime on the smart parcel lockers, resulting in better overall lifetime performance. Zamak-5 is also directly fully recyclable.

[0011] Carbon steel and stainless steel based locks are affected by the magnetic fields which open up attack channels for the locks. They also have higher weight which increases the weight of smart parcel lockers as they are equipped with not just one but multiple locks. This causes logistical and installation difficulties as well as high carbon emissions during transport.

[0012] For the invention’s lock mechanism, the movement of the A-shaped lock tongue is restricted by the crankshaft in order to prevent the lock hook from coming out. When the crankshaft is in neutral, it is guided by the spring connected to the solenoid to compress the locking tongue. To release the lock hook the solenoid is energized and releases the lock tongue by pulling the crankshaft to which it is connected. When it is locked, it applies pressure on the lock tongue with the energy of the Z pin and the compressed spring on it. Thanks to this pressure, it is ensured that the crankshaft is constantly in contact with the tongue and the tongue does not move. In addition, when the lock tongue is released, the hook is pushed out by pushing the tongue and the cover is opened. The lock tongue mechanism inside makes it resistant to vandalism. Vibration and external impacts cannot disengage the lock tongue - which makes the invention differentiate from other locks.

[0013] The problems and shortcomings encountered in the known state of the art makes it necessary to develop a new locking mechanism.

[0014] Purpose of the Invention:

[0015] The invention’s purpose is to provide a new locking mechanism structure that feedbacks the lock status electrically, is resistant to corrosion, is resistant to vandalism due to its high strength and saves energy both during manufacturing, logistics and operation.

[0016] The technical advantages of the invention subject to registration are as follows:

[0017] Energy Efficiency: A more sustainable solution by minimizing energy consumption thanks to the solenoid and spring design of the locking mechanism which decreases operational costs. Also, thanks to the used materials, less energy consumption duringmanufacturing. In addition to this, the decreased weight reduces energy consumption during logistics.

[0018] Vandalism Resistance: Providing vandalism resistance thanks to the design of the locking mechanism internals and the way the lock is mounted on smart parcel locker chassis. Thanks to the mounting mechanism, the front of the lock can be inserted through a slot on a frontal locker frame and the lock body can restrict further outward motion which is critical for lever based attacks which force the box covers and lock outwards. For the internal mechanism, the shaft secures the A-shaped lock tongue and prevents the lock hook from being released. In order to prevent the lock tongue from moving when locked and to ensure that the box cover can be opened more easily when released, the Z pin exerts pressure on the lock tongue in the opposite direction with the force of the spring compressed on it. This makes the lock resistant to vandalism events such as frontal pulling, as well as vibration attacks and high energy direct impacts.

[0019] Ease of Assembly: It is easy and practical to assemble the lock mechanism, which consists of mechanical parts that are simple to assemble.

[0020] Durability and Safety: The use of Zamak-5 alloy ensures that the locking mechanism is resistant to rust and is resistant to forces exerted on the locks.

[0021] - Low Cost and Compact Design: The use of Zamak-5 with injection molding ensures that the lock is manufactured with low costs and wastes as little space as possible. It is also lighter which brings lots of benefits regarding logistics and carbon emissions.

[0022] - Easy Integrability: The lock mechanism can be easily integrated into smart parcel lockers and similar systems.

[0023] The invention combines all of these objectives, overcoming the limitations of existing lock systems and providing a more efficient, secure and durable solution.

[0024] Explanation of Figures:

[0025] A new lock mechanism configuration developed is shown in the figures below.

[0026] Figure 1. Opposite view of a new locking mechanism configuration

[0027] Figure 2. View of the internal mechanism of a new lock mechanism configuration- 1 Figure 3. View of the internal mechanism of a new lock mechanism configuration-25Description of the invention:

[0028] The presented invention relates to an innovative locking mechanism used in smart parcel lockers machines. The locking mechanism is optimized in terms of energy efficiency, durability and safety and consists of the following components:

[0029] Lock Mechanism Components:

[0030] 15 Zamak-5 Alloy: All parts of the locking mechanism except the spring are made of Zamak-5 alloy. This provides a high strength without being affected by magnetic fields and shows high resistance corrosion. In addition, thanks to the low melting temperature of Zamak-5, less energy is consumed during production and carbon emissions are reduced. Zamak-5 is also lighter, reducing carbon emissions during logistics further.

[0031] 20 Solenoid and Spring: The solenoid in the locking mechanism provides the force to open the box cover which itself is connected to the lock through a hook mechanism. The solenoid and spring are designed to operate in an energy efficient manner, generating enough force to open the box cover while using minimum energy for the locked state.

[0032] Z Pin and Spring: The Z pin is a critical part that ensures the correct operation of the lock mechanism. Thanks to the compressed spring, the pin pushes the box cover hook which results in the box cover to open. Also, an A-shaped lock mechanism restricts the movement of the box cover hook in the opposite direction while locked and prevents the box cover hook from being released by impact and vibration.

[0033] A-shaped Lock Mechanism: The A-shaped lock mechanism interacts with the crankshaft to prevent the lock from opening. When locked, the crankshaft fixes this mechanism and prevents the box cover hook from getting released which in turn inhibits the box cover to open. Its movement in the opposite direction is prevented by the Z pin and the spring compressed on it.

[0034] Crankshaft: The crankshaft moves with the activation of the solenoid and releases the A-shaped lock mechanism. This crankshaft mechanism ensures a safe and controlled release of the lock.

[0035] Electronic Board and Switches: The electronic board determines the position of the Z pin and crankshaft by means of two switches. It also sends power to the solenoid to open the lock.Principle of Operation: The locking mechanism offers a safe and controlled opening and closing process by using energy efficiently. When a user wants to take or place a product from / to the smart parcel locker machine, information is transmitted from the main controller to the module controller to unlock the relevant box. The module controller sends power to the lock mechanism solenoid to open the relevant box cover and the lock is opened.

[0036] In the locked position, the crankshaft prevents the cover from opening by blocking the movement of the A-shaped lock mechanism. In this position, the Z pin compresses the spring on it. With the force of the compressed spring, the Z pin creates a counter-directional force which presses the A-shaped locking mechanism against the crankshaft. When the smart parcel locker machine is vandalized, the A-shaped locking mechanism, whose movement is completely restricted, completely prevents the box cover hook on the cover from escaping backwards ensuring the safety of the cargo. To release the lock, the solenoid is activated, which moves the crankshaft and releases the A-shaped lock mechanism. Meanwhile, the Z pin pushes the box cover hook under the effect of its compressed spring and the cover is pushed open. This process is carried out with minimum energy consumption.

[0037] Energy Efficiency: The solenoid is designed to generate only the minimum force necessary to open the lock. This design results in low energy consumption of the system and is suitable for use in battery operated smart parcel lockers.

[0038] Compact and Low-Cost Design: This locking mechanism offers a compact and cost-effective solution as it does not include optional features such as sensors and extra communication ports. This reduces production costs and makes the lock a practical and economical alternative.

[0039] Integrability: Each lock can be separately used or connected to a module controller. This increases the flexibility of the system and provides ease of application.

[0040] Security: The locking mechanism is resistant to vandalism thanks to its material and design features. The A-shaped lock mechanism, which is compatible with the box cover hook, is resistant to shock and vibration thanks to the design of the crankshaft, Z-pin and springs. The locking mechanism's mounting holes are also at the center of the crankshaft and lock tongue. In this way, the loads on the mechanism are supported by the chassis and increasetheir strength. The forehead of the locking mechanism, which is mounted on the front frame entering the cabin, fits into the slot on the frame surface, providing both ease of assembly and increases the resistance against forward pulling forces. When the parcel locker frontal frame enters the cabin, only the locking mechanism where the cover hook enter remains in the visible area. In this way, access to the lock from outside is completely prevented and hidden.

[0041] As a result, the invention offers significant advantages in terms of security, energy efficiency, durability and low cost to locking systems used in smart parcel locker machines. The developed locking mechanism provides a more sustainable solution in terms of production and a safer and more efficient solution in terms of operation.

[0042] Application the invention to industry:

[0043] The invention is used in smart parcel lockers specifically and similar devices with locking needs in the field.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A novel lock mechanism structure characterized by its mounting configuration onto a chassis that is resistant to rust and corrosion, unaffected by magnetic fields, and has high strength, which enhances the durability of its critical locking components. The front-facing insertion method increases resistance against pulling forces while ensuring energy efficiency. It comprises:

1. A chassis and moving parts made of Zamak-5 alloy,2. One solenoid and its spring,3. One Z pin and its spring,4. One A-shaped locking latch,5. One crankshaft,6. One electronic board containing two switches to detect the positions of the Z pin and crankshaft, and which also provides power to the solenoid to unlock the mechanism.

2. The lock mechanism structure as described in claim 1, further characterized in that the solenoid is designed to generate sufficient force to open the cover with minimum energy while in the locked state, thereby maximizing energy efficiency.

3. The lock mechanism structure as described in any of the preceding claims, further characterized by a mechanical structure in which the crankshaft releases the A-shaped locking latch, allowing the latch to be pushed by the spring compressed by the Z pin, thus causing the door to partially open as the lock is disengaged.

4. The lock mechanism structure as described in any of the preceding claims, further characterized in that it is side-mounted onto an internal rail-attached line within the frame of a sliding mechanism, providing high resistance to vandalism and eliminating direct access to the locking mechanism. Its own mounting sockets also serve as the central sockets for critical locking components, and it is secured to the vending machine chassis through three holes and bolts passing through the automat casing.

5. The lock mechanism structure as described in any of the preceding claims, further characterized by its installation method, where it enters the cabinet and is mounted on thefront frame, sitting flush within its housing to increase resistance to pulling forces while leaving no area accessible for external intervention.

6. The lock mechanism structure as described in any of the preceding claims, further characterized by a crankshaft that restricts movement of the lock latch in the locked position, while a spring force compressed on the Z pin prevents reverse movement, and the continuous contact between the latch and crankshaft enhances resistance to opening by vibration or impact.

7. The lock mechanism structure as described in any of the preceding claims, further characterized by its compact and cost-effective design, containing no additional sensors, indicator LEDs, or communication ports, thereby reducing manufacturing costs and ensuring practical usability.

8. The lock mechanism structure as described in any of the preceding claims, further characterized by its capability to connect each lock within the same module to a single module controller, enabling easy integration into parcel locker systems and offering a flexible and efficient system solution.

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