Nested Secure Bin With Locking Chute for Drive Collection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing collection bins for sensitive items, such as hard drives from data centers, are insecure, inefficient, and prone to loss or theft due to weak locking mechanisms and unsecure deposit slots, requiring manual handling that increases the risk of items being misplaced or stolen.
Innovation Solution
A nested bin system with a secure outer bin and inner bin, featuring multi-point lockable latches, a secure chute, and scanning mechanisms to ensure items are securely stored and transported, minimizing manual handling and reducing the risk of loss.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional insecure bins are used for collecting sensitive items, then the device complexity is reduced, but the security and reliability of item storage deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a nested bin configuration where an inner removable bin is placed inside an outer stationary bin. The inner bin can be independently removed and replaced, allowing for efficient item collection and transport while maintaining security. This nesting structure resolves the contradiction by providing robust security features without excessive overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The collection system is divided into separate functional components: an outer bin providing structural support and security, an inner removable bin for item collection, a secure chute for item deposition, and a locking mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, improving reliability while managing complexity through modular design.
2Productivity
If manual handling of items is required for collection and transport, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity and efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The inner bin is designed to be self-contained and removable, allowing it to be easily extracted from the outer bin and transported independently to destruction facilities. This self-service design enables efficient item collection and transport without requiring complex automated handling mechanisms, resolving the contradiction between productivity and device complexity.
3Reliability
If weak locking mechanisms are used in collection bins, then the ease of operation is improved, but the security and reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The locking mechanism is extracted as a separate, dedicated component rather than being integrated into the basic bin structure. This allows for a more robust locking system to be implemented while maintaining ease of operation through clear user interfaces and simple activation procedures. The locking mechanism operates independently to provide enhanced security without complicating the overall user experience.
4Reliability
If unsecure deposit slots are used for item insertion, then the ease of operation is improved, but the security deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A secure chute is introduced as an intermediary mechanism between the item source and the inner bin. The chute provides a controlled deposition path that maintains security while allowing easy item insertion. Items are guided through the chute into the inner bin, preventing direct access to the bin interior while maintaining operational simplicity for users.
Data Source
AI summary
One example embodiment is adapted for use in facilitating collection and transport of memory devices, e.g., drives, motherboards, etc., e.g., for the purposes of subsequent destruction. The example embodiment has an outer bin, also called a garage or outer enclosure, within which is placed an inner bin with wheels. Once closed and locked, the outer bin has a door that can be opened so drives or other memory devices can be inserted. The drives then fall into the inner bin and, once sufficiently filled, the inner bin be easily wheeled out from the outer bin. The inner bin has its own locking lid that is secured when transporting the inner bin with the drives, e.g., to a destruction facility or area. Other features are provided as described below. Enhanced synergistic security features include use of multi-point locking latches to secure doors and lids, metal construction of the bins, and so on. The bins are sized to facilitate efficient collection and transport of potentially sensitive data center media.