Electromechanical Locker Retrofit for Cashless Access Control
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Coin-operated lockers are limited by their reliance on cash payments and the inconvenience of lost keys, leading to high replacement costs and reduced adoption due to their durability and expense.
Innovation Solution
Retrofitting coin-operated lockers with electromechanical lock units that can operate on a communications network, using conduits to connect electrical conductors and attach the units without altering the locker frames, incorporating intelligent logic circuitry and physical locking functionality.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If coin-operated locks are used, then the lockers can be operated with cash payments, but the lockers cannot accommodate card-based payment methods and users may lose keys
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical coin-operated locks with electromechanical lock units that accept card-based payments and electronic access codes, eliminating the need for physical keys and cash while maintaining the locking functionality through electronic control mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The electromechanical lock units are designed to support multiple access methods including card swiping, code entry, and electronic key fobs, making the lockers adaptable to various payment and access systems while replacing the single-function mechanical coin lock
2Adaptability or versatility
If coin-operated locks are replaced, then modern payment methods can be used, but the lockers require expensive replacement rather than retrofitting
Solution Approach 1:
The lock system is divided into separate modular components: the electromechanical lock unit, the control circuitry, and the mounting hardware, allowing the locking mechanism to be replaced independently without replacing the entire locker structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a mounting bracket or adapter that interfaces between the existing mechanical lock mounting points and the new electromechanical lock unit, serving as an intermediary that enables retrofits without requiring complete structural replacement of the locker
3Ease of manufacture
If conduits are installed to connect electromechanical lock units, then electrical conductors can be routed without drilling into frames, but the conduit installation requires additional hardware and assembly steps
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses pre-fabricated conduit assemblies that are designed as single-use installation components, eliminating the need for permanent modifications to the frame while the conduit itself serves as a temporary routing solution that can be removed or replaced easily
Solution Approach 2:
The conduits are pre-routed and pre-assembled with mounting hardware before installation, allowing the entire conduit system to be installed as a complete unit without requiring on-site drilling or complex wiring routing decisions during the retrofit process
4Reliability
If electromechanical lock units are attached to conduits, then the lockers can be secured with modern locking mechanisms, but the ability to disassemble hardware to access contents is significantly limited
Solution Approach 1:
The electromechanical lock unit is designed with a removable or detachable component that can be extracted from the conduit assembly, allowing authorized personnel to access the locking mechanism for maintenance while the conduit remains permanently mounted to maintain security
Solution Approach 2:
The lock unit incorporates a dynamic access mechanism that transitions between a locked state (where the lock unit is secured to the conduit) and a maintenance state (where the lock unit can be detached or opened), allowing the system to adapt its accessibility based on operational needs
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
Enables secure, convenient, and cost-effective operation using credit/debit cards, reduces key loss issues, and preserves the value of existing lockers by allowing networked management and easier maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
an electromechanical portion that provides for physical locking functionality
Data Source
AI summary
A method of manufacturing an electromechanical locker system may include providing a set of lockers with coin-operated locks. The coin-operated locks may be removed from the set of lockers. A conduit may be extended along and connected to a frame member from which the coin-operated locks had previously been positioned. Electromechanical lock units may be attached to the conduit so as to replace the coin-operated locks. A retrofitted coin-operated locker bank may include a coin-operated locker bank including a multiple lockers having respective doors, where the coin-operated locker bank is free of coin-operated locks. A conduit may be connected to a frame member and extend vertically adjacent to the hinged doors of a column of lockers. Multiple electromechanical lock units may be attached to the conduit so as to replace the coin-operated locks.