Automated Locker Closure Design for Secure Self-Locking Access
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Solution Overview
Problem
Automated collection points (ACPs) face challenges in maintaining locker availability, security, and user safety while minimizing the risk of vandalism and weather exposure, as traditional solenoid-operated deadbolts require user intervention for locking and can lead to lockers being left unlocked, reducing their operational efficiency and security.
Innovation Solution
The ACP system incorporates interchangeable columnar modules with a central console and elongate closure elements that automatically manage locker doors, ensuring secure and efficient operation, including a package deposit mechanism that prevents unauthorized access and a closure element that provides enhanced security and weatherproofing without requiring user intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If traditional solenoid-operated deadbolts are used to lock locker doors, then security against prising and deformation is improved, but user safety deteriorates due to risk of entrapment and injury from spring-biased doors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional spring-biased mechanical door system with an electrically actuated door movement system. The controller electronically controls the door to move to a partially open position when unlocked, eliminating the need for spring biasing and manual pushing, thereby resolving the safety hazards while maintaining security through electronic control.
Solution Approach 2:
The door automatically moves to a partially open position when unlocked without requiring user intervention. This self-service mechanism eliminates the safety risks associated with spring-biased doors that require users to push against biasing force, while the controller manages the entire locking and door positioning process.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If locker doors are left unlocked for 30 seconds after opening to prevent entrapment, then user safety is improved, but locker availability deteriorates due to vulnerability to vandalism and weather exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic door positioning where the door automatically moves to a partially open position when unlocked and then returns to a closed position after a predetermined time interval. This dynamic behavior allows the locker to remain protected from weather and vandalism while still providing visual indication of availability and preventing entrapment, resolving the contradiction between safety and availability.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller implements periodic door movement: opening the door to a partially open position when unlocked, maintaining it there for a predetermined time, then automatically closing it. This periodic action sequence ensures both user safety by preventing entrapment and locker availability by minimizing exposure time to external elements.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If resilient seals are used along door jambs to make lockers weathertight, then weather protection is improved, but sealing effectiveness deteriorates due to limited compression force from user input
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual door closing with electrically actuated door movement. The controller drives the door to a closed position with controlled force, ensuring adequate compression of resilient seals for effective weatherproofing, eliminating the limitation of relying on user-applied force.
4Strength
If multiple solenoid-operated deadbolts are used to lock doors at spaced positions, then security and rigidity are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical system of multiple solenoid-operated deadbolts with a simplified electrically actuated locking system controlled by a controller. This substitution maintains security and rigidity through electronic control while significantly reducing mechanical complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A modular automated collection point (ACP) comprises an array of electronically controlled lockers for receiving items for sale or for delivery to customers, a controller and user interface, a parcel weighing and dimensional measuring unit, and a package deposit unit with a one-way door for depositing items for subsequent delivery to other customers or ACPs. Each door preferably moves rapidly from the fully-open position to a partially-open position, and then slowly from the partially-open position towards a fully-closed position. Each locker may comprise a retractable handle and an elongate, rotating closure element which moves the locker door between the fully-closed (locked) position and a nearly-closed (unlocked) position. Preferably the closure element has a cylindrical outer wall which conforms slidingly to the fascia of the lockerbank so as to present a seamless appearance and prevent prising.