Index Plate Access Control Merging Locks
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing automated storage cabinets face reliability and maintenance issues due to complex electromechanical mechanisms for selective locking and unlocking of containers, leading to costly failures and improper access control.
Innovation Solution
A selector index plate system with actuators and lever arms allows for efficient and reliable selective unlocking of individual containers while maintaining others locked, using a user interface and sensors for controlled access, reducing the need for multiple electromechanical devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If electromechanical locking mechanisms are integrated with each individual bin, then selective locking and unlocking of containers is achieved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple locking mechanisms are merged into a single electromechanical device that controls all container locks through a shared mechanism. The device uses a moving component with multiple engagement points that can simultaneously or selectively actuate different locks, reducing the total number of independent electromechanical devices from N (one per container) to 1 (shared device).
Solution Approach 2:
A single electromechanical device is designed to perform multiple locking and unlocking functions for different containers. The device incorporates a movable element that can engage with multiple locking points, allowing one device to control access to multiple containers through selective positioning and actuation of its components.
2Ease of operation
If electromechanical locking mechanisms are integrated with each individual bin, then selective access control is achieved, but reliability decreases due to repeated locking and unlocking
Solution Approach 1:
By consolidating multiple independent locking mechanisms into a single shared electromechanical device, the system reduces the total number of potential failure points. Instead of N independent mechanisms that could fail, there is 1 shared mechanism with fewer moving parts per container, improving overall system reliability while maintaining selective access control.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate electromechanical devices are used for each locked location, then individual container control is achieved, but cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the functionality of N separate electromechanical devices into a single device that can control N containers. The shared device uses a movable component with multiple actuation points, allowing it to selectively lock or unlock any container without requiring N independent devices, thereby reducing cost while maintaining individual control capability.
Solution Approach 2:
A single electromechanical device is designed with universal functionality to control multiple containers. The device incorporates a movable element that can be positioned and actuated to engage with different locking mechanisms on different containers, providing individual container control through one multi-functional device rather than N single-function devices.
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C
AI summary
Devices and methods for controlling access are described herein where such an assembly may generally comprise an index plate defining one or more spaces over a surface of the plate and each of the one or more spaces having a corresponding protrusion extending within, a first actuator configured to translate the plate in a first direction, and a second actuator configured to translate the plate in a second direction different from the first direction. The one or more lever arms may correspondingly extend from a locking mechanism and the one or more spaces, wherein selective engagement of a single lever arm by a corresponding single protrusion actuates the single lever arm from a locked configuration to an unlocked configuration.