Charging Locker Access Control for Credit-Based Public Device Charging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing power charging systems for mobile devices lack a convenient and efficient method for users to recharge their devices while on the go, particularly in public facilities, and do not effectively utilize in-store purchases to provide charging credits.
Innovation Solution
A system that includes a charging locker with a processor to manage power charging credits based on in-store purchases, using a distributed ledger like blockchain to assign, deduct, and transfer credits, allowing users to charge their devices at designated stations and lockers, with the ability to unlock charging stations upon user event detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If charging outlets and ports are provided in public facilities, then user convenience for device charging is improved, but system complexity and security management deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the charging facility into separate functional modules: a charging station for power delivery and a locking mechanism for security. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function independently, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining both convenience and security.
Solution Approach 2:
A processor acts as an intermediary between the charging station and the locking mechanism. It receives user events, determines whether to allow charging based on credit balance, and controls the locking mechanism accordingly. This intermediary simplifies security management by centralizing control logic in a single component.
2Ease of operation
If charging stations are made accessible without restrictions, then ease of use is improved, but unauthorized usage and energy loss increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary verification of user credit balance before allowing charging to commence. The processor checks whether the user has sufficient credits and only then enables the charging station. This preliminary action prevents unauthorized usage and ensures that energy is only consumed by paying users.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors charging status and credit balance, providing feedback to control the locking mechanism. When a user event is detected, the processor determines whether to maintain or release the lock based on real-time credit information. This feedback loop prevents energy loss by ensuring charging only occurs when authorized.
3Reliability
If a locking mechanism is added to charging lockers, then security and energy protection are improved, but user accessibility and operation simplicity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is designed to automatically respond to user events without requiring manual intervention. When the processor determines that a user has sufficient credits and is authorized to charge, it automatically actuates the locking mechanism to the unlocked state. This self-service approach maintains security while preserving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual locking/unlocking operations with an automated electromechanical system. The processor controls an actuator that mechanically engages or disengages the lock based on digital credit verification. This substitution eliminates the need for users to manually manipulate locking mechanisms, simplifying operation while maintaining security.
4Adaptability or versatility
If in-store purchases are used to generate charging credits, then business integration and revenue opportunities are improved, but system complexity and transaction management deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system merges the retail transaction system with the charging credit system. When a user makes a purchase, the processor automatically credits their account with charging credits based on the purchase amount. This merging allows the same system to handle both retail transactions and charging authorization, reducing overall complexity despite the added versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The processor is designed to perform multiple functions: it manages retail transaction credits, monitors charging station usage, verifies user authorization, and controls the locking mechanism. This multi-functionality allows a single component to handle the complex integration of business transactions and charging operations, simplifying transaction management despite the system's versatility.
Data Source
AI summary
A charging locker including a charging station. The charging locker can receive a power connection to a user device via the charging station. The charging locker can actuate a lock for a door of the charging locker to a locked state. the charging station can provide power that charges the user device. Responsive to receiving a user event when the lock for the door of the charging locker is in the locked state, the charging locker can actuate the lock for the door of the charging locker to an unlocked state.