Adjustable Locker Compartments for Variable Object Sizes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional lockers have limited accommodating spaces of fixed sizes, leading to inefficiency as available spaces either do not match the size of objects to be stored, resulting in wasted space when larger spaces are used for smaller items.
Innovation Solution
A locker system with a computer unit and driving unit that adjusts the size of accommodating spaces by moving horizontal and vertical plates into a storage space based on the size of the object to be stored, using a combination of image capturing, computing, and electromagnetic locks to optimize space utilization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If fixed-size accommodating spaces are used in conventional lockers, then the structure is simple and easy to manufacture, but the space utilization is poor when objects of varying sizes are stored
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the accommodating spaces adjustable rather than fixed. The separating plate can be moved between different positions to change the size and configuration of accommodating spaces dynamically, allowing the locker to adapt to objects of various sizes while maintaining reasonable structural simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the locker interior into multiple accommodating spaces using movable separating plates. These plates can be positioned at different locations to create customized space divisions, enabling flexible adaptation to different storage needs without requiring a completely different structure for each object size
2Adaptability or versatility
If larger accommodating spaces are used for smaller objects, then all objects can be accommodated, but extra space is wasted and not used efficiently
Solution Approach 1:
The movable separating plates enable dynamic adjustment of accommodating space sizes to match the actual size of stored objects. This eliminates wasted space by allowing users to configure the locker interior to fit each object optimally, rather than using fixed large spaces for small items
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of accommodating space size by allowing the separating plates to be repositioned. This parameter adjustment enables the locker to optimize space utilization for each storage operation, matching the accommodating space size to the object size and preventing space waste
3Adaptability or versatility
If the number of lockers with different sizes is increased, then more object sizes can be accommodated, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a single locker unit that can accommodate objects of various sizes through movable separating plates. Instead of requiring multiple fixed-size lockers for different object dimensions, one versatile locker with adjustable configuration can serve multiple storage needs, reducing overall device complexity and space requirements
Data Source
AI summary
A locker system includes a body, a driving unit, and a computer unit. The body includes a casing, a separating plate, horizontal plates, vertical plates and covering plates. The separating plate is disposed inside the casing to form an accommodating space and a storage space. The horizontal plates and the vertical plates are disposed inside the accommodating space and cooperate with the casing to form accommodating subspaces. Each covering plate is pivoted to the casing. The driving unit connects to the horizontal plates and the vertical plates. The computer unit obtains the size of an object. When the size of the object exceeds a preset size, the computer unit sends a driving signal to the driving unit, and the driving unit controls at least one horizontal plate or at least one vertical plate to move into the storage space according to the driving signal to accommodate the object.