Cooler Access Control Lock for Temperature-Based Food Safety
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional locks are inadequate for refrigerated coolers and freezers, as they typically remain unlocked to allow access and only lock in specific situations, failing to address the need for secure locking based on temperature changes within the enclosure.
Innovation Solution
An electronic lock system that detects temperature changes within the refrigerated enclosure and automatically locks the door or closure device to prevent spoilage, featuring a motor-controllable latch and strike mechanism, with optional remote communication and manual release for emergency access.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional locks are used on refrigerated coolers or freezers, then the locking function is provided, but the ability to selectively lock based on temperature conditions is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the temperature monitoring function and the locking function into a single integrated system. The control system receives temperature data from sensors and automatically controls the lock mechanism, merging what would traditionally be separate functions (temperature monitoring and locking) into one unified device that adapts to temperature conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically monitors temperature and triggers locking without human intervention. When the temperature exceeds predetermined thresholds, the control system automatically engages the lock mechanism, allowing the system to service itself by making autonomous decisions based on sensor input.
2Reliability
If the cooler door remains unlocked to allow access, then ease of operation is improved, but temperature control and food safety are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The locking state of the door is made dynamic rather than static. The door can be unlocked during normal operation for easy access, but automatically locks when temperature conditions deteriorate. This dynamic behavior allows the system to switch between ease of operation and temperature control reliability based on real-time conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors temperature and uses this feedback to control the locking state. When temperature exceeds thresholds, the feedback loop triggers the lock mechanism, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains reliability while preserving operational convenience during normal conditions.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If automatic temperature-based locking is implemented, then food safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The control system performs multiple functions: it monitors temperature, determines whether locking is required based on predetermined criteria, and controls the lock mechanism. By making the control system universal and multi-functional, the patent reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each function, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.
4Reliability
If the lock mechanism is always engaged for security, then reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism operates periodically or conditionally rather than continuously. The system engages the lock only when temperature conditions warrant it, and keeps it unlocked during normal operation. This periodic/conditional action maintains security reliability when needed while preserving ease of operation during safe conditions.
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. Locking structures for both single door coolers and double door coolers are disclosed.