Electronic Key Storage Access for After-Hours Article Retrieval

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods cannot provide articles to users after the store's time slot has passed, such as after closing time.

Innovation Solution

A control apparatus generates an electronic key for unlocking a storage unit and transmits it to a user's terminal device if the user is forecasted to arrive after the store's time slot has ended, allowing access to the stored article even after closing time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If articles are only provided during store operating hours, then store security and operational control are maintained, but users cannot access articles after closing time

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveservice availability timeVSAvoiduser access convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary actions by forecasting user arrival times before the store closing time and preparing electronic keys in advance. The control apparatus predicts when users will arrive and pre-generates access credentials, enabling seamless post-closing access without requiring store staff to remain present.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

An electronic key system acts as an intermediary between the user and the storage container. Instead of requiring direct human interaction or physical key exchange, the automated system generates and transmits digital credentials that enable users to access articles independently after hours, resolving the contradiction between security control and user convenience.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If the store remains open late to serve users, then user convenience is improved, but operational costs and energy consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser access convenienceVSAvoidstore operational energy

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSUse of energy by stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables users to serve themselves by providing automated electronic key generation and distribution. The control apparatus autonomously handles key creation, transmission, and validation without requiring store staff presence or physical store access, allowing users to retrieve articles at any time while the store remains closed and energy-efficient.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If manual key distribution is used for after-hours access, then security control is maintained, but operational complexity and time consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccess control securityVSAvoidkey management system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces mechanical key distribution with an automated electronic key generation and transmission mechanism. Instead of manual physical key handover requiring staff presence, the control apparatus generates digital credentials and transmits them electronically to user terminals, maintaining security through automated validation while eliminating operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentUS11468724B2Control apparatus, system, storage, and service provision method

Publication Date: 2022.10.11 TOYOTA JIDOSHA KK

AI summary

A control apparatus includes a controller configured to generate an electronic key for unlocking a storage configured to be locked with an article stored therein, and a communication interface configured to transmit the electronic key generated by the controller to a terminal apparatus of a user in a case in which the user is forecasted to arrive at a store after a time slot for providing the article at the store has passed.