Deposit Lock Carriage Drive for Electronic Cart Unlocking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing deposit lock systems for loan objects, such as shopping carts, are purely mechanically operated and lack the ability to be electronically or electrically triggered.
Innovation Solution
A deposit lock system that incorporates an electric drive to displace a carriage on a locking element, using a spring element to return the locking element to its locked position, allowing both manual and electronic operation, with a sensor-controlled electric actuator for activation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a purely mechanical deposit lock system is used, then the structure is simple and reliable, but it cannot be electronically or electrically triggered
Solution Approach 1:
The deposit lock system is designed to perform multiple functions: it can be operated both manually (by inserting a deposit token) and electronically (via an electric drive). The locking element and carriage mechanism serve dual purposes, being actuable by either mechanical input or electrical signal, making the system versatile without requiring separate systems for each operation mode
Solution Approach 2:
The carriage acts as an intermediary component between the electric drive and the locking element. When electronically activated, the electric drive moves the carriage, which in turn displaces the locking element. This intermediary mechanism allows electrical control while maintaining the existing mechanical locking structure, bridging the gap between electronic triggering and mechanical locking action
2Adaptability or versatility
If an electric drive is added to enable electronic operation, then operational flexibility is enhanced, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electric drive operates in periodic, intermittent bursts rather than continuously. It is activated only when electronic unlocking is required, moves the carriage to unlock the locking element, and then stops. This periodic operation minimizes energy consumption while maintaining the capability for electronic activation whenever needed
Solution Approach 2:
The spring element provides self-service by automatically returning the locking element to its locked position after electronic unlocking. Once the electric drive displaces the locking element to the unlocked state, the spring automatically restores it without requiring additional electrical energy, reducing overall power consumption of the electric drive system
3Use of energy by moving object
If a spring element is used to return the locking element to locked position, then the electric drive power consumption is reduced, but the locking mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The spring element serves the system by automatically returning the locking element to its locked position after electronic unlocking. This self-service function eliminates the need for the electric drive to continuously hold or actively reset the locking element, reducing power consumption while adding only a simple passive mechanical component to the system
Solution Approach 2:
The return function is extracted from the electric drive and assigned to the spring element. Instead of the electric drive performing both unlocking and resetting functions, the spring takes over the resetting function, allowing the electric drive to be smaller and consume less energy while the spring handles the passive restoration of the locking element
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
Enables both manual and electronic unlocking of the deposit lock, reducing power consumption and enhancing operational flexibility and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a spring element arranged between the carriage and the locking element is placed under tension
Data Source
AI summary
A method for operating a deposit-operated lock system for a borrowed object, in particular for a transport trolley which can be moved by hand. There is also described a suitable deposit-operated lock system. A key that is held in a deposit lock is released when an electric drive drives a carriage that is displaceably mounted on a blocking element in an initial position.