Deposit Lock Key Release Using Hybrid Mechanical-Electrical Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing coin-operated lock systems are limited to manual or electrical operation, lacking flexibility and efficiency in key release mechanisms, and there is a need for a system that combines mechanical and electrical operation for enhanced functionality.
Innovation Solution
A coin-operated lock system that integrates a slidably mounted slide and a spring element, allowing mechanical and electrical actuation of the locking element, with an electric drive controlled by a sensor for wireless signal detection, enabling independent movement of the slide and locking element, and utilizing a spring force for return to the locked position.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a purely mechanical coin-operated lock system is used, then the structure is simple and reliable, but the operational flexibility and efficiency are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines mechanical and electrical operation modes into a single deposit lock system. The locking element can be actuated either by inserting a deposit token (manual operation) or by receiving an electrical signal (electrical operation), merging two different operational approaches into one unified system that provides both mechanical simplicity and electrical flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking element is designed to respond to multiple types of actuation: mechanical insertion of a deposit token and electrical signals from sensors detecting wireless signals or RFID tags. This multi-functionality allows the same locking mechanism to serve both traditional manual operations and modern automated operations.
2Productivity
If manual operation only is used, then the device complexity is low, but the efficiency and operational control are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element acts as an intermediary component that translates both manual mechanical input (deposit token insertion) and electrical signals (from wireless signal detection or RFID reading) into the same mechanical action of moving between locked and unlocked positions. This intermediary approach enables efficient automated operation while maintaining compatibility with simple manual operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical coin insertion and tumbling mechanism with an electrical actuation system that uses sensors to detect wireless signals or RFID tags. This substitution improves operational efficiency by eliminating the need for physical coin handling while maintaining the fundamental locking function through the locking element's movement.
3Adaptability or versatility
If electrical actuation is added to the mechanical lock, then the functionality is enhanced, but the power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical actuation system operates periodically or on-demand rather than continuously. The locking element is actuated electrically only when a sensor detects a wireless signal or an RFID tag is present, minimizing power consumption by activating the electrical system only when needed while maintaining the option for manual operation at any time.
4Ease of operation
If the locking element can be released easily, then the ease of operation is improved, but the security and reliability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The blocking element serves as an intermediary that controls the return path of the locking element. When the locking element is moved to the unlocked position (either manually or electrically), the blocking element prevents it from returning to the locked position automatically, ensuring that the key can only be released through the proper release mechanism while maintaining security through the controlled blocking action.
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 flexible key release through both manual and electrical means, reducing power consumption and enhancing operational control with precise position detection, supporting bonus systems and data storage via NFC technology.
Implementation Method 1
a spring element arranged between the slide and the locking element is put under tension, and that the locking element is moved into its locked position by releasing the spring element
Implementation Method 2
an electric drive controlled by a sensor for wireless signal detection
Implementation Method 3
supporting bonus systems and data storage via NFC technology
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to 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, and to said type of deposit-operated lock system.