Key capture lock
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing locking systems for shared storage receptacles, such as parcel lockers, fail to prevent unauthorized access and misuse of keys after distribution items are retrieved, leading to potential mishandling or unauthorized access.
Innovation Solution
A lock assembly with a ratchet and pawl mechanism that restricts the locking and removal of the door lock key after use, ensuring the door remains unlocked until a restriction mechanism is released by a delivery person, allowing controlled access to the intended recipient.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a key is provided to the recipient after distribution item delivery, then the recipient can access the storage receptacle, but the key can be misused or mishandled by the recipient after removing the distribution item
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by automatically locking the receptacle and retaining the key in the locking system before the recipient leaves. This prevents subsequent misuse by ensuring the key cannot be removed or used again without authorization
Solution Approach 2:
The locking system acts as an intermediary between the key and the receptacle. It maintains control over the key through the retention mechanism and controls access through the bolt mechanism, preventing direct misuse by the recipient
2Ease of operation
If the storage receptacle is unlocked for item retrieval, then the recipient can access their item, but unauthorized individuals can also access the receptacle
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically re-locks the receptacle and retains the key immediately after the distribution item is removed. This preliminary action prevents unauthorized access by ensuring the receptacle is secured before the recipient departs
Solution Approach 2:
The locking system dynamically changes state based on the presence of the distribution item. When the item is present, the system allows access; when the item is removed, the system automatically transitions to a locked state, creating adaptive security
3Reliability
If a delivery person must manually lock and unlock the receptacle for each delivery, then access control is maintained, but time is lost for each manual operation
Solution Approach 1:
The locking system performs self-service by automatically locking the receptacle and retaining the key after item removal without requiring manual intervention from the delivery person. This reduces operational time while maintaining security
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from the item removal event to trigger automatic locking. The detection that the distribution item has been removed initiates the locking sequence, creating an automated response that eliminates manual operation time
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
Ensures secure and controlled access to shared storage receptacles by preventing unauthorized access and key misuse, maintaining the receptacle locked until the restriction mechanism is released, thus safeguarding delivered items.
Implementation Method 1
a pawl member rotatable between a first position and a second position, wherein the pawl member is configured to prevent rotation of the rotating body from the first position to the second position when the pawl member is in the first position and the rotating body is in the first position
Data Source
AI summary
A lock assembly includes a bolt movable between a first position and a second position, a rotating body rotatable between a first position and a second position, and a pawl member rotatable between a first position and a second position. Rotation of the rotating body from the first position to the second position is configured to cause the bolt to move from the first position to the second position. The pawl member is configured to prevent rotation of the rotating body from the first position to the second position when the pawl member is in the first position and the rotating body is in the first position.