Locker Door Reopening Control for Authenticated Fee-Free Redeposit
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional normally closed-type locker apparatuses require users to pay a new usage fee when reopening a door after depositing luggage, even if the luggage is unintentionally left or needs immediate redepositing, which is inconvenient.
Innovation Solution
A locker apparatus with a reopening door button that allows users to reopen a door within a predetermined time after depositing luggage without incurring an additional fee, featuring a user authentication mechanism and interactive display screens to guide the operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the locking device is locked after luggage is deposited in the box, then security and hygiene are improved, but the user cannot reopen the door to take out unintentionally left luggage or redeposit luggage without paying a new usage fee
Solution Approach 1:
The locking device transitions from a static locked state to a dynamic state where it can be temporarily unlocked within a predetermined time period after luggage deposition. The control device monitors time elapsed since deposition and automatically permits door reopening during this window, resolving the contradiction between maintaining security and allowing operational flexibility for legitimate user needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter of the locking device based on time elapsed since luggage deposition. Within the predetermined time period, the locking device enters a special state where authentication is required but no new usage fee is charged. This parameter change allows the system to adapt between security and user convenience based on temporal conditions.
2Reliability
If the door is locked into a closed state after luggage deposition, then prevention of unauthorized access is improved, but the user must perform depositing luggage operation again to reopen the door
Solution Approach 1:
The control device performs preliminary action by setting a predetermined time period immediately when luggage is deposited. During this pre-established window, the system proactively permits door reopening with authentication without requiring the user to go through the full depositing luggage operation again. This preliminary setup simplifies subsequent user operations while maintaining security.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking device serves multiple functions: it provides normal secure locking, enables temporary reopening within the predetermined time period for legitimate purposes, and maintains authentication requirements. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making the locking device adaptable to different user needs without compromising security.
3Ease of operation
If the locking device is unlocked for taking out luggage, then user convenience is improved, but the door must be locked again requiring another usage fee payment
Solution Approach 1:
The predetermined time period creates a continuous window where the user can reopen the door multiple times without interruption or additional fees. This continuity allows the user to complete their task (taking out or redepositing luggage) without being forced to pay and go through the full depositing operation again, saving both time and operational steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary action by pre-authorizing door reopenings within the predetermined time period. This preliminary authorization eliminates the need for repeated usage fee payments and full depositing operations, directly reducing the time and complexity burden on the user while maintaining appropriate security controls.
Data Source
AI summary
In a locker apparatus, an operation unit includes authentication means, and a control device locks a locking device in order to bring a door into a closed state except when luggage is deposited in a box and when the luggage is taken out from the box. The operation unit includes a reopening door button for giving an instruction to reopen the door. When the reopening door button is operated within 15 minutes after the luggage is deposited in the box, the door is closed, and the locking device is locked once, the control device unlocks the locking device, on a condition that authentication by the authentication means is established, in order to permit the door to be reopened, and locks the locking device again when the door is closed thereafter.