Iris-Based Bottle Locking Assembly for Selective Wine Storage Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current wine storage appliances in refrigerators face issues such as easy accessibility to children or unauthorized individuals, difficulty in managing and organizing wine bottles, and inefficient bottle retrieval.
Innovation Solution
A bottle locking assembly with iris assemblies and movable locking blades that transition between unlocked and locked positions to securely store bottles, allowing for selective access and organization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If wine bottles are stored in a wine storage appliance, then storage organization is improved, but accessibility control deteriorates (easy access for children or unauthorized individuals)
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system is segmented into multiple independent locking blades (first locking blade, second locking blade, third locking blade) that can independently engage with the bottle. Each blade can be controlled separately, allowing selective locking of individual bottles while maintaining organization of the entire collection.
Solution Approach 2:
An iris assembly acts as an intermediary mechanism between the user and the bottle. The iris assembly with its movable locking blades provides a controlled interface that mediates access - when locked, it prevents direct access to the bottle, and when unlocked, it allows easy retrieval while maintaining storage organization.
2Quantity of substance
If wine bottles are stored horizontally on their side, then storage capacity is improved, but bottle retrieval and management deteriorates (difficulty searching for specific bottles)
Solution Approach 1:
The iris assembly and locking blades incorporate visual indicators that change or become visible during locking/unlocking operations. The movable locking blades can be designed with contrasting colors or reflective surfaces that make the locking state and bottle location easily identifiable, facilitating quick location of specific bottles without requiring full retrieval and inspection.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking system provides self-service functionality where the iris assembly automatically engages and disengages locking blades based on bottle insertion or removal. This automatic operation maintains storage capacity while simplifying retrieval - users simply need to initiate the unlocking sequence rather than manually manipulate multiple locking mechanisms.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a locking mechanism is added to prevent unauthorized access, then security is improved, but device complexity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple locking functions are merged into a single iris assembly structure. The first locking blade, second locking blade, and third locking blade are integrated within one assembly that can be controlled through a unified actuation mechanism, reducing the number of separate components and control systems needed while maintaining comprehensive security.
Solution Approach 2:
The iris assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical locking through multiple blades, visual indication of locking state, and controlled access regulation. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate security devices, sensors, and indicators, thereby reducing overall system complexity while improving security.
Data Source
AI summary
A wine storage appliance may include a cabinet defining a chamber. The wine storage appliance may also include a bottle locking assembly for selectively locking one or more bottles within the chamber. The bottle locking assembly may include a fascia assembly defining one or more bottle openings therethrough. Each bottle opening of the one or more bottle openings for receiving a discrete bottle therethrough. The bottle locking assembly further may include one or more iris assemblies including one or more movable locking blades positioned within the fascia assembly. The one or more iris assemblies transitionable across the one or more bottle openings between an unlocked position or a locked position for selectively unlocking or locking a discrete bottle within a discrete bottle opening.