Cooler lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing refrigerated coolers lack effective access control mechanisms to prevent spoilage due to temperature fluctuations, power outages, and unauthorized access, particularly when doors are left open or malfunction.
Innovation Solution
A motor-controllable latch and strike mechanism integrated with temperature and door sensors, along with a controller system, to lock the cooler door under specified conditions such as temperature exceedance, power loss, or prolonged opening, and allow controlled access through remote communication or key-based unlocking.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a motor-controllable latch and strike mechanism is integrated with temperature and door sensors to lock the cooler door under specified conditions, then food spoilage is prevented and temperature integrity is maintained, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into a single integrated locking system: the motor-controllable latch mechanism integrates door positioning, temperature monitoring, and automatic locking/unlocking operations. The strike mechanism is positioned to work in conjunction with the latch, creating a unified system that maintains temperature integrity while reducing the need for separate control systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism serves multiple functions: it physically secures the door closed, responds to temperature sensor inputs to lock/unlock automatically, and can be controlled remotely. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate mechanisms for each function, thereby managing complexity while improving reliability.
2Reliability
If the cooler door is locked under specified conditions such as temperature exceedance or power loss, then food spoilage is prevented, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically locking the door before spoilage can occur. Temperature sensors continuously monitor conditions and trigger the latch mechanism to secure the door proactively, preventing temperature excursions that would compromise food safety. This preliminary action ensures food safety while maintaining ease of operation through automatic control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback loops where temperature sensors and door sensors continuously monitor conditions and provide input to the motor-controllable latch. This feedback mechanism allows the system to automatically adjust door locking status based on real-time conditions, ensuring food safety while allowing easy access when conditions are appropriate.
3Adaptability or versatility
If remote communication or key-based unlocking is implemented, then authorized access is allowed during power outages or malfunctions, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces remote communication capabilities as an intermediary between the user and the locking mechanism. This allows authorized access to be granted without physical presence at the cooler, providing adaptability for various access scenarios while using standardized communication protocols to manage system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A cooler access control system locks a cooler when occurrence of an event is detected that requires limiting access to the inside of the cooler. Examples of such events include the loss of power to the cooler for a predetermined period of time, the opening of the cooler door for longer than an allowed time, the loss of functionality of a temperature probe and others. In an embodiment, a service mode is supported wherein the door is left unlocked despite the occurrence of such an event, to allow a stocker or other personnel to leave the cooler door open while stocking the cooler with product.