Hybrid locking system for a shopping cart
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Solution Overview
Problem
Customers may not always have the appropriate coin to release shopping carts from a concatenation, disrupting the workflow of cash workers and the functionality of coin deposit locks.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid locking device for shopping carts that allows release via either a coin or an electromagnetic signal, utilizing a gripping arm, electric motor, and communication with a smartphone for initiating a release movement, enabling two methods to disconnect a cart from a group without a deposit.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a coin deposit lock is used to prevent misuse of shopping trolleys, then shopping carts can be securely retained in the supermarket, but customers cannot release carts without having the appropriate coin
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device is designed to accept multiple types of inputs for key release: traditional coin deposits and electromagnetic signals from smartphones. This multi-functionality allows the same locking mechanism to serve both security purposes and provide alternative release methods for customers without coins.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces part of the mechanical coin-operated release system with an electromagnetic signaling system. The smartphone communicates via electromagnetic signals (Bluetooth, NFC, or WLAN) to trigger the release mechanism, substituting the need for physical coin insertion and mechanical lever action.
2Ease of operation
If an alternative release method without coins is provided, then customers can release carts more easily, but the locking device becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the traditional mechanical coin lock components with an electromagnetic receiving unit and motor-driven release mechanism into a single integrated locking device. The slide, gripping arms, and release movements are shared between coin-operated and signal-operated modes, reducing overall system complexity despite added functionality.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a smartphone-based electromagnetic signal system is implemented, then coin dependency is reduced, but energy consumption and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The electromagnetic receiving unit and motor are activated only periodically when a release signal is received, rather than operating continuously. The motor drives the eccentric disc and initiates release movements only when triggered by a smartphone signal or coin insertion, minimizing energy consumption while maintaining versatility.
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
Provides an alternative and efficient method to release shopping carts, ensuring continuous workflow by allowing cart disconnection through either coin insertion or smartphone-generated signals, enhancing usability and reducing dependency on specific coins.
Implementation Method 1
an electric motor and/or an actuator for driving an eccentric disc for initiating a release movement of the slide
Implementation Method 2
a receiving unit for communication with a transmitting unit, in particular a smartphone, via, for example, Bluetooth, Near Field Communication or WLAN
Data Source
AI summary
In an embodiment a locking device for a first transport carriage includes a gripping arm configured to lock a key of a second transport carriage, a slide, an electric motor and/or an actuator configured to drive an eccentric disc for initiating a release movement of the slide, a receiver configured to receive a Bluetooth, Near Field Communication or WLAN signal from a transmitter, wherein the receiver is configured to control the motor or the actuator via an electrical or electromagnetic signal, wherein the slide is configured to release the key based on the initiated release movement when the electric motor and/or the actuator receives the electrical or electromagnetic signal.