Caster-Lock Dual Receivers for Electronic Barrier Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic security and theft prevention systems for vehicles, such as shopping carts, are inefficient in large areas due to the limitations of single types of antennas, requiring a combination of above-ground RF beacons and underground loop antennas to effectively prevent vehicle removal from defined areas while being cost-effective and easy to use.
Innovation Solution
A locking system integrated with a braking mechanism on the caster of vehicles, utilizing dual receivers connected to decoders and controllers, which respond to signals from both underground loop antennas and above-ground RF beacons to disable vehicles when encountering an electronic barrier, allowing for flexible installation and operation with either type of antenna.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If only underground loop antennas are used to establish electronic barriers, then coverage along extended perimeter portions is effective, but coverage around structures and difficult-to-reach areas is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system combines support for both underground loop antennas and above-ground RF beacons into a single integrated system. The controller can receive signals from either transmitter type, allowing the electronic barrier to be established using one or both methods depending on the specific perimeter requirements, thus achieving both extended coverage and adaptability to complex configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The receiver is designed with universal capability to detect signals from multiple types of transmitters (underground loop antennas and above-ground RF beacons). This multi-functionality allows the same locking system to operate effectively across diverse barrier configurations without requiring separate systems for different transmitter types
2Reliability
If different transmitters and receivers are used for underground loop antennas and above-ground RF beacons, then each transmitter type can be optimized, but system complexity and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The receiver incorporates universal signal detection capability that can identify and process signals from both underground loop antennas and above-ground RF beacons using the same hardware platform. This eliminates the need for separate specialized receivers for each transmitter type, reducing system complexity while maintaining reliable signal reception across different barrier configurations
Solution Approach 2:
The signal processing function is segmented into independent detectable signal types within a unified receiver architecture. The controller can independently process signals from different transmitter types through the same receiver, allowing optimized signal detection for each transmitter type while maintaining a single integrated system rather than requiring separate complete systems
3Measurement precision
If specialized receivers are used for each transmitter type, then signal detection accuracy is improved, but manufacturing and installation cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A single receiver design provides universal signal detection for both underground loop antenna signals and above-ground RF beacon signals. This standardized multi-functional receiver reduces manufacturing costs through economies of scale and simplified production processes, while maintaining the measurement precision needed to accurately detect signals from different transmitter types through unified signal processing algorithms
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Effectively prevents vehicle removal from defined areas by activating the braking mechanism upon signal detection, ensuring vehicles remain within the designated area without damage, and can be easily integrated with other surveillance systems, offering cost-effectiveness and adaptability.
Implementation Method 1
such signals can be transmitted as electromagnetic waves between a transmitter and a receiver
Data Source
AI summary
A locking system for stopping a shopping cart includes a caster that can be selectively disabled when the cart encounters an electronic barrier. The caster includes a brake that is mounted on the frame of the caster. Also mounted on the frame are two receivers for separately receiving different signals from an electronic barrier. Respective decoders on the frame decipher lock commands in the signals, and a controller selectively activates the brake to prevent further movement of the cart in response to the lock commands. The electronic barrier can include an underground loop antenna and an above-ground RF beacon.