Mobile accessory storage, security management, and tracking system
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Solution Overview
Problem
The substantial financial burden and hygiene challenges faced by establishments due to the loss and unauthorized removal of mobile accessories like shopping carts, mobility scooters, and wheelchairs, as well as the risk of Healthcare-Associated Infections (HAIs) from contaminated equipment, are not adequately addressed by existing tracking and management systems.
Innovation Solution
A mobile accessory storage and security system with a security rail featuring a single ingress/egress opening, sensors for tracking, a locking mechanism, and a sanitizing element, integrated with a network and user interface for secure storage, tracking, and sanitation management, which limits movement to a single axis and requires authentication for access, ensuring accountability and hygiene.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If mobile accessories are made easily accessible and movable, then ease of operation is improved, but loss and unauthorized removal increase
Solution Approach 1:
An RFID-based intermediary system is introduced between the mobile accessory and the user. The RFID tag embedded in the accessory communicates with readers at ingress/egress points, automatically authenticating legitimate users and preventing unauthorized removal. This mediator enables easy access for authorized users while blocking theft attempts.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service security through automatic RFID authentication. When a mobile accessory enters or leaves the restricted area, the RFID tag automatically transmits its unique identifier to the reader, which verifies authorization and logs the transaction without requiring manual intervention from security personnel.
2Reliability
If mobile accessories are tracked and restricted to specific areas, then security is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual tracking and security check systems with an automated RFID electronic system. Instead of mechanical barriers or manual logging, RFID tags and readers automatically track accessory movement and enforce area restrictions, eliminating the need for physical security personnel or manual procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements real-time feedback through RFID readers that continuously monitor the presence and movement of mobile accessories. When an accessory crosses an ingress/egress boundary, the system immediately receives feedback about its location and authorization status, automatically enforcing restrictions or granting access based on pre-configured rules.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If sanitation procedures are implemented for mobile accessories, then hygiene is improved, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary sanitation actions by automatically dispensing sanitizing agents onto mobile accessories when they are deposited at designated locations. This pre-sanitization occurs before the accessory is used again, eliminating the need for manual cleaning between each use and reducing time consumption while maintaining hygiene standards.
Solution Approach 2:
Mobile accessories perform self-sanitization through automatic dispensing mechanisms that apply sanitizing agents to high-touch surfaces. The accessory serves itself by receiving sanitation treatment without requiring manual intervention from cleaning staff, significantly reducing the time and labor required for sanitation procedures.
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
The system effectively reduces the loss and contamination of mobile accessories by ensuring they are securely stored and sanitized, optimizing storage and hygiene, while also providing real-time tracking and accountability, thereby reducing financial burdens and HAIs.
Implementation Method 1
at least one sensor disposed on the security rail to receive a signal from a transmitter
Data Source
AI summary
A mobile accessory storage, maintenance and tracking system and methods of using same.